Has all hope gone or just rapidly diminishing !

Hi All

It seems this is becoming a much bigger issue than first thought, with the Prime Minister now steeping in to the firing line - enjoy !!

Wishing you a Happy & safe Easter.

Until next time or come and join us at the next Skypecast (online) each Sunday.

Use the link and Search for : Australian Immigration & Recruitment

Kind regards

Chris

http://www.oz-migration.com.au/

Changes to General Skilled Migration (GSM)

Hi All

Below is a summary of the changes to the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program which will be introduced on 1 September 2007.
English Language Ability
Applicants who hold a passport from the UK, Canada, New Zealand, USA and the Republic of Ireland will be exempt from sitting an IELTS test but the points for this factor will be reduced from 20 to 15. The number of points will, however, be increased to 25 for applicants who choose to sit an IELTS test and who score a minimum of 7 for each of the four components for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The test certificate is valid for a period of 24 months immediately before an application is lodged with DIAC.
Migration Occupations Demand List (MODL)
Applicants whose nominated occupation is on the Migration Occupations Demand List will be awarded 20 points (with a job offer) or 15 points (without a job offer) providing they have worked in their nominated occupation or closely related occupation for a minimum of 20 hours paid employment for 1 year out of the 4 years immediately prior to lodgement of their application.
Recent Work Experience
The threshold criteria have been changed to having worked for a minimum of 20 hours paid employment per week for at least 1 year in the 2 years immediately before lodgement with DIAC for any occupation nominated from the Skilled Occupations List.
Specific Work Experience
The criteria for the award of these points has not changed with the exception of recognising applicants whose nominated occupation, for example, is Accountant (60 points) and whose Specific Work Experience is Internal Auditor (50 points) as being eligible to claim 10 bonus points as the occupations are closely related.
Australian Work Experience
Applicants who have completed at least 12 months skilled work experience in Australia in their nominated occupation or a closely related occupation will be awarded 10 points.
Pass mark
The pass mark for the Skilled Independent category will remain at 120 but the pool entry mark will increase to 100.
The pass mark for the Skilled Australian Sponsored category will be reduced from 110 to 100 points but the 15 points awarded for sponsorship will be abolished.
Bonus Points
The 5 bonus points awarded for capital investment of A$100,000.00 is to be abolished.
Assurance of Support (AOS)
The AOS is to be discontinued for GSM applicants and will also apply to applicants whose cases have not been finalised before 1 January 2008.
Interdependent Relationships
Interdependent relationships are to be recognised for GSM applicants who have demonstrated a committed and ongoing relationship.
Sydney and Selected Areas Skill Shortage List
The Sydney and Selected Areas Skill Shortage list will be abolished.
Skilled – Regional Sponsored (formerly Skilled Independent Regional)
The pass mark will be reduced to 100 with 10 points being awarded by the participating State or Territory.
Visa holders will also no longer need to be sponsored by a State, Territory or employer in Australia provided they can demonstrate that they have fulfilled the conditions of their visa in respect of living and working in regional Australia.
Skilled – Regional Sponsored (formerly Skilled Designated Area Sponsored)This category will be points tested (pass mark 100) with 25 points awarded for sponsorship from the relative residing in the designated area
Chris
Or join us at our next weekly Skypecast Forum, using the following link and Search for : Australia Immigration
https://skypecasts.skype.com/skypecasts/home

http://www.e-ra.biz/
http://www.oz-migration.com.au/

Moving to Australia - made easier !

Hi

I have Set up this Blog to assist people considering a move to Australia and to inform you of the services that Oz Migration has to help you complete that major journey, or help you appreciate that it may not be for you at all, or perhaps not just yet !

I have been busy along with my colleagues in setting up this extremely comprehensive website and online services for immigration support, visa application submission, recruitment and business purchase (consulting).

www.oz-migration.com.au is a one-stop centre for all Australia immigration needs. There is a two tier service with a complete DIY and information service broken down by state, by category and simplifying the visa application side (Desktop Service) or you can opt for the full blown migration agent (consultant) lawyer service (Premium Service) that will look after all your visa application needs from start to finish, with minimal input from yourself.

I will being putting a couple of audio/video brief recordings on this blog and the website along with weekly skypecasts "Australian immigration - helping hands from down under" (https://skypecasts.skype.com/skypecasts/all) which will discuss immigration to Australia in general, these will be around 45 minutes long and progressing to webinar sessions of approximately 90 minutes with myself and a migration lawyer - watch this space.

Any suggestions you may have for this Blog or the website and services offered or how they are offered, please feed this back either on the this Blog or via the website.

Thank you for taking the trouble to read this Blog and I trust you will return. Please inform any friends that may also need such support and information.

Chris