In line with the foreshadowed “job readiness” changes for tradespersons, the minister for Immigration Senator Chris Evans has announced legislative changes that will affect trade skilled GSM applicants from 1 January 2010.
Under existing legislation an off-shore applicant meets the skills requirements if they are able to:
Gain a successful skills assessment outcome in an occupation listed on the skilled occupation list, (SOL) also known as form 1121i, this is known as the nominated occupation.
Demonstrate 12 in the last 24 months of work experience in their nominated occupation or any other occupation that is listed on the SOL.
With effect from 1 January 2010 the legislation will be amended to reflect that applicants in certain occupations must be able to demonstrate that they have 12 in the last 24 months of work experience in their nominated occupation.
For the occupations in question follow this link.
There are also changes to the subclasses 885, 886 and 487 on shore visas. Onshore applicants will be required to have had their skills assessed as suitable by the appropriate assessing authority at time of application from 1 January 2010. The reasoning for this is to ensure a stream of “job ready” applicants to supplement Australia’s labour market needs, and specifically, a consistent standard of skills and competencies across migrants in trade occupations.
Given the current history of changes to the skilled migration program and the prospect of further shifting of focus from skilled migration to employer sponsored migration, we would highly recommend that if you are considering a new life in Australia and there is a skilled pathway open to you at present you do not wait to take it!!
