Ministers Announcement NEW ANZSCO as at 17/5/2010
What if I have Lodged my Application Already?
If you have already applied for a general skilled visa, you will not be affected by the new Skilled Occupations List. This will also be the case if you lodge prior to 1 July 2010, before the introduction of the new list coming into effect. However, you should be aware of the following:
- The Minister is seeking changes to the Migration Act allowing him to cap and cease applications by specific criteria (eg occupation). The Minister might in future use this power to cancel applications in certain occupations to reduce the current backlog of skilled applications, even if your occupation was on the Skilled Occupations List at the date of application.
- The Minister has already put the offshore General Skilled Migration program on hold, with no further applications being possible until the new Skilled Occupations List comes into effect
What Happens if I'm Not on the New Skilled Occupations List
The new legislation applicable to the Skilled Occupations List has not yet been finalised. However, it appears that if your occupation is not on the new Skilled Occupations List, you will not be able to apply for the following skilled visas after 1 July 2010:
- Skilled Independent
- Skilled Sponsored - if sponsored by a relative
- Skilled Regional Sponsored - if sponsored by a relative
Most likely, the legislation will mean that:
- You would need a skills assessment in an occupation on the new Skilled Occupations List
- Any work experience can only be counted if it is related to such an occupation
- Points are only available for spouse skills if their work experience and skills assessment are in an occupation on the new list
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