General Skilled Migration - amendment to the 'points test'

The Migration Regulations have been amended in relation to the Skilled Migration "points test" to provide additional points for applicants who:

• have completed at least two full academic years of post-graduate studies at doctoral or masters (research) level;
• in specified fields, which may include science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or information and communication technology.

Please contact us if you would like advice and assistance about your eligibility for an Australian permanent residence visa.  These changes may just mean that you can now apply.

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Review of the skilled migration and 400 series visa programmes

The Department has released further information related to the Review of the skilled migration and 400 series visa programmes.

There are four broad review terms of reference:

• Review the effectiveness of the current skilled migration and 400 series visa programmes with the aim to reduce unnecessary red tape and impost on Australian business.
• Explore and develop, in consultation with key stakeholders, new and innovative skilled migration visa models to support Australia’s short and long term skilled migration needs while ensuring the primacy of Australian workers.
• Implement a new skilled migration visa framework that is supportive, flexible and responsive and which enriches the Australian economy through a well-managed skilled migration programme.
• Ensure that integrity is maintained and strengthened in a new skilled migration framework.

The review will be guided by the following six principles:

• Simplicity in design supports increased comprehension and usability.
• Structural flexibility is critical to ensure changing skilled migration needs can be met. 
• Employment outcomes should be a key driver for Australia's skilled migration programmes.
• Skilled migration must support and complement the Australian labour market.
• Integrity is essential to maintain the continued acceptance of a skilled migration programme.  
• Support the whole of government deregulation agenda to reduce red tape and regulatory costs for Australian business and industry.

The Department has prepared a discussion paper Reviewing the Skilled Migration and 400 Series Visa Programmes to further assist in this process.

The consultation process is divided into three phases: 

• Scoping and development – will seek input from key stakeholders on the current skilled migration and temporary activity visa frameworks and explore concept visa models.
• Refinement- will provide stakeholders with an opportunity to further contribute to any proposed skilled visa framework.
• Implementation - will share understanding and raise awareness of the new visa frameworks.

 

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DIBP Credit Card Surcharge Fees Now in Effect

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) credit card surcharge fees now in effect from 19 April 2014.

The purpose of the surcharge fees enables DIBP to recover credit card merchant fees from applicants using credit card payments with the exception of payments made in Singapore or New Zealand.

This surcharge will apply to all clients (both in Australia and outside Australia) who pay by credit card for any Australian visa application charge and other related DIBP fees both online and at a departmental office.

Any additional information regarding credit card surcharge fees will be published once made available by DIBP.

If you are interested in Australian visas, contact our immigration team for more information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. 

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Stop Attacking Skilled Migration - Minister for Australian Immigration, Scott Morrison MP

DIBP Minister, Scott Morrison, has called on the Labor Party to stop attacking skilled migration, following a recent change to the sponsoring of 457 visa holders.

The change in question, described by Minister Morrison as being “quite minor”, involves approved sponsors of 457 visas having to fill out less paperwork when they have reached a certain number of employees, and instead, every 457 employee must satisfy the current tests required when finding an Australian to do the job first. His defence of such a change was that it will save the time of busy employers by removing additional paperwork in order to find an overseas worker to do the job available that could not be filled by an Australian resident.

With unemployment rising, the unions and the Labor Party haven’t taken the change well, with leader Bill Shorten attacking skilled migration. Meanwhile, Morrison claimed that “there should be a unity ticket on skilled migration in this country, but clearly there isn’t, the Labor Party is still going to oppose it.”

If you have any questions or require advice about your eligibility to apply for Australian permanent residence or a temporary skilled visa, please contact Ryan Curtis-Griffiths at Nevett Ford Lawyers Melbourne by telephone: +61 3 9614 7111 or by email: rcurtisgriffiths@nevettford.com.au or any other member of the immigration law team.

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