With the coming changes to the skilled migration program on 1 July 2010 the reasons for making state/territory sponsorship a fundamental part of your migration strategy become even more compelling. The first factor to consider is how you will meet the points test. It is now a mathematical reality that the majority of main applicants over 30 years of age who don’t hold the required English language test results can no longer score the 120 points for a skilled independent visa application. Some other things to consider…..
State/territory sponsored visa applications will be afforded the 2nd highest level of DIAC processing priority.
Under new State/Territory Migration Plan (SMP) arrangements it is now likely that the states and territories will have to forecast not only the specific occupations that they want but also the numbers that they want to sponsor each year. This has not been the case in the past when they were only constrained by specific occupations. All SMP will have to be approved by DIAC before implementation.
Under a bill currently before the parliament the Minister for Immigration is seeking the power to “cap and cease” visa applications based on certain “objective characteristics”. This means that, if passed, this legislation will allow the minister to cease specific applications based on such things as occupation! It basically stands to reason that if a visa application has been approved for state/territory sponsorship under a DIAC approved SMP, the likelihood of the application being subject to cap and cease is almost non existent.
When one looks at the above factors the 2 key things that stand out are:
State/territory sponsorship will increase in demand post 1 July 2010
Based on the simple principle of supply and demand the states & territories will become more selective about who they sponsor as the demand outstrips the supply.
The ability to gain state sponsorship, which was almost a given in the past, is now likely to become highly competitive. Aspiring applicants will have to show the states and territories why they should be selected ahead of other candidates in the pool of applicants who hold the same occupation.
What is that likely to mean to you…….? The main things to consider are what you can do to make your application as competitive as possible and put yourself “ahead of the rest”. Here are some things, based on previous sponsorship criteria, that may help:
Do your research - Prove that you have a good understanding of the key factors associated with your state or territory of choice. Be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of such things as job markets, housing costs, living costs, education (if applicable), lifestyle factors, future developments for the region, highlight any family or friends that you have already living in the region and what support they are prepared to offer you.
Contact Prospective Employers - Make contact with prospective employers in your professional field. Get feedback that proves you understand such things as likely demand for your occupation, typical salary scales, registration or licensing requirements (if applicable). It is also useful to demonstrate that you have undertaken the same sort of exercise where you have a spouse/partner who will be working.
Housing Costs - Contact real estate agents and real estate websites and have a good understanding of what you would typically pay for a home and be familiar with prevailing interest rates. Gain an understanding of what sort of rent you would pay in the area that you are considering settling in and how the rental process works in that particular state or territory.
Living Costs - Demonstrate that you are aware of what it is going to cost you to set up a home (ie costs of such things as washing machines, car, refrigerator, microwaves, furniture etc) and where you have gained this information from (ie websites, specific store on line catalogues etc). Show that you have an understanding of what it will cost you to buy your weekly groceries, how much it will cost to purchase your weekly petrol requirements etc.
Education - Contact the state/territory Education Department and have a good understanding of the education system, what schools you have contacted in the preferred settlement area and how the education system operates.
Lifestyle Factors - Have a good knowledge of the key lifestyle factors that you are looking for and where they are available in the area where you wish to settle. This may include such things as being close to good surfing beaches, good areas for camping and hiking, good sailing conditions etc.
Future Developments - Show a good knowledge of any significant developments that may be flagged for the future. This may include such things as major government projects that will increase employment in the region that you wish to settle or that will create future opportunities for your kids etc.
Another positive factor would be to consider settling in a regional area. As the bigger state capital cities continue to grow and property prices continue to climb, regional living starts to look very attractive. Both DIAC and state/territory governments place a high priority on getting skilled migrants and their families into more regional areas of Australia. Applications from candidates indicating a desire to move into a regional area are likely to be afforded an increased level of consideration. This does not mean you have to think about moving “out bush”, there are plenty of large cities in rural areas of Australia that offer all the same facilities and infrastructure as the major cities without the higher costs and populations to deal with.
In summary if you want to give yourself the best prospect of gaining a state/territory sponsorship you will have to “do your homework” and show how you are “ahead of the pack” in what will become an increasingly competitive arena. Historically the key consideration of the states/territories, aside from specific skills, has been their assessment of the ability of the applicant to assimilate into life in the new state/territory. In that context the significance of the above factors cannot be overstated.
For more information regarding state/territory nomination or skilled migration call us today on 0845 644 5607 or ask us a question.
