Australia's new points system "SkillSelect" for Skilled Migration

Australia Opportunities

Australia is the fastest growing economy. All major economies in the world are slowing down and businesses are getting affected by US recession in last few years, Australian economy is seems to be unaffected by ill effects of slow down. Strength of Australian dollar is increasing day by day. Immigration policy of Australia is the major reason for the success story, which their government understand very well. This is the reason why Australian government has relaxed their immigration procedure this year against the odds of tightening it. Have a look on it-

Australian immigration has announced that the pass mark to qualify for EOI (Expression of Interest) - SkillSelect (Subclasses 189, 190 and 489) will be 60 points. Currently, applicants are required to earn 65 points. The new lower requirement will go into effect from 1 July 2012. This is likely to make it easier for some skilled immigration applicants to emigrate to Australia.


As per the officials - These reforms have ensured the skilled migration program is a responsive and demand driven program," the spokesman said. "The cornerstone of this migration reform package will be the introduction of SkillSelect from July 1. The pass mark for the new SkillSelect visas will encourage a broader range of people with the skills and attributes needed in Australia to register their interest in migration


Q: What is Skillselect and how this works?
Under Australia's new skilled worker program, SkillSelect, you will have to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) before your visa can be processed. The SkillSelect system will work as an electronic two-stage process where prospective visa applicants first submit a claim for skilled migration through an online EOI. Following this, applicants may then be invited to submit an Australian visa application on the basis of their EOI. 

Australian visa applicants will be selected to submit an application based on their points test score in a number of selection criteria. You can earn points for your age, English language ability, work experience, and education. All prospective visa applicants will be required to meet the relevant English language requirements and obtain the necessary skills assessment prior to their EOI submission.


Q: How new system will affect my application?
Once the new system in implemented, SkillSelect will begin issuing invitations to eligible applicants in August 2012. Invitations will be issued to the highest ranking EOIs in descending order. The date and time of submission of the completed EOI may be a determining factor when considering visa applications from people who score an equal number of points; Applications submitted earlier may receive priority. Australian immigration will also announce a cap for occupations to limit how many people are selected from a certain occupation group. This ensures that the migration program is not dominated by a narrow range of occupations.


Changes to the existing occupation list:

Occupations Added to Skilled Occupations List

The following occupations have been added to the SOL:

• 133513 Production Manager (Mining)
• 234912 Metallurgists
• 251411 Optometrist
• 263111 Computer Network and Systems Engineer

Most of these were added to the list due to skills shortages and expected growth in these occupations.

Occupations Removed from Skilled Occupations List

The following occupations have been removed from to the SOL:

• 234211 Chemist
• 252711 Audiologist
• 331111 Bricklayer
• 333411 Wall and Floor Tiler

Most of these were removed from the list due to low growth or high unemployment rates in these occupations. 

Good Luck!!!