The review into the GSM points test announced last week my DIAC Minister Chris Evans is already underway. A discussion paper has been placed on the DIAC website. Click here to read this paper.
Once again looking at the breadth of the review it is obvious that the whole of the current methodology for applying the points test is under consideration. There seems little doubt that there will be changes right across the board and that beyond mid 2010 there will be a new points test that may well be a significant departure from what exists currently.
The timeline for this review also points to any changes being introduced as at the commencement of the new visa year on 1 July 2010. It is likely that this will also coincide with the introduction of the new skilled occupations list (SOL). The minister wishes to have the review completed and findings before cabinet by May 2010. This would give him the opportunity to have it approved and the necessary changes made in time for the commencement of the 2010/2011 visa program year.
There is no doubt that for some candidates, changes to the points test will provide some form of advantage. If history is anything to go by it also means that many more will be disadvantaged by any changes as the government looks to tighten the screws on general skilled migration eligibility criteria.
Again we would strongly recommend to anyone who is seriously considering a new life in Australia, if you are currently able to meet the points test and can lodge a visa application before the changes…. Then do so and don’t leave your future to chance!
For those who are in the application process currently but have not got to the stage of lodging your visa application…. If you are able, make that extra effort and lodge your visa application before you potentially have the opportunity snatched from under you.
Look at what happened on 8 February 2010 to all applicants who considered themselves to have MODL listed occupations! Don’t tempt fate!!
If you need advice regarding your options for making a visa application talk to one of our professional advisors by calling 0845 644 5607 or The review into the GSM points test announced last week my DIAC Minister Chris Evans is already underway. A discussion paper has been placed on the DIAC website. Click her to read this paper. Once again looking at the breadth of the review it is obvious that the whole of the current methodology for applying the points test is under consideration. There seems little doubt that there will be changes right across the board and that beyond mid 2010 there will be a new points test that may well be a significant departure what exists currently. The timeline for this review also points to any changes being introduced as at the commencement of the new visa year on 1 July 2010. It is likely that this will also coincide with the introduction of the new skilled occupations list (SOL). The minister wishes to have the review completed and findings before cabinet by May 2010. This would give him the opportunity to have it approved and the necessary changes made in time for the commencement of the 2010/2011 visa program year. There is no doubt that for some candidates, changes to the points test will provide some form of advantage. If history is anything to go by it also means that many more will be disadvantaged by any changes as the government looks to tighten the screws on general skilled migration eligibility criteria. Again we would strongly recommend to anyone who is seriously considering a new life in Australia, if you are currently able to meet the points test and can lodge a visa application before the changes…. Then do so and don’t leave your future to chance! For those who are in the application process currently but have not got to the stage of lodging your visa application…. If you are able, make that extra effort and lodge your visa application before you potentially have the opportunity snatched from under you. Look at what happened on 8 February 2010 to all applicants who considered themselves to have MODL listed occupations! Don’t tempt fate!! If you need advice regarding your options for making a visa application talk to one of our professional advisors by calling 0845 644 5607.
