The 2016-17 fiscal year has just begun and a number of changes on the Australian Visa application process have been implemented already. This new program year might be tough, particularly if you are planning to migrate to Australia under the skilled migration program.
Below is the summary of the changes that may or may not impact your eligibility should you lodge in an application in the following months:
Updated Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
Prior to the beginning of the new fiscal year, the Immigration department released the updated 2016-17 SOL. Reviewed by the Department of Education and Training, two occupations were added on the SOL and nine were transferred to the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL). Some occupations were flagged for possible removal due to an excess in supply in the labour market.
2016-17 Occupational Ceilings
New occupational ceilings were set to limit the invitations issued through SkillSelect this program year and to balance the employment opportunities for Australian citizens as well. To summarize the 2016-17 Occupational ceilings, Accountants is set to have 2,500 places – a bit lower than last year’s 2,525 and Auditors’ occupational ceiling has increased to 1,431 from 1,000. It may be tough for Computer Network Professionals and ICT Business and System Analysts as the ceilings have been reduced to 28% and 4% respectively.
English Tests for Nursing Skills Assessment
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMAC) is now accepting Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT. For PTE Academic, applicants must achieve a minimum overall score of 65 – minimum of 65 points in each skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. For TOEFL iBT, applicants must obtain a minimum overall score of 94 with the following minimum score for each skills: 24 in listening, 24 in reading, 27 in writing and 23 in speaking.
Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF)
The SSVF aims to simplify the process of visa application for genuine students. Expect that the criteria will be more straightforward. The student visa subclasses from the previous years are eliminated and are replaced by a new Subclass 500 Student visa. Simplified English and financial requirements for this visa type are also implemented.
We specialized in Australian Permanent Residency Application and other visa services. To further evaluate your eligibility, call (65) 6299 0245 to book an appointment or complete our free online assessment form at http://www.ntrust.com.sg/free-assessment.
Source:
https://www.education.gov.au/skilled-occupations-list-sol
https://www.border.gov.au/StudyinginAustralia/Pages/student-individuals.aspx
https://www.border.gov.au/about/reports-publications/reviews-inquiries/student-visa-programme
http://www.anmac.org.au/sites/default/files/documents/Communique_ELP_requirements_1_July_2016.pdf