Australian Migration

Temporary suspension of certain General Skilled Migration (GSM) applications – 7 May

The Australian Government has decided to temporarily suspend the acceptance of certain General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa applications. This temporary measure will begin on 8 May 2010 and is expected to remain in effect until the end of 30 June 2010.

The temporary suspension applies only to primary (main) applicants for the following visa subclasses:

• Subclass 175 – Skilled Independent (Migrant) visa
• Subclass 176 – Skilled Sponsored (Migrant) visa
• Subclass 475 – Skilled Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa.

Update on announcement of New Australian Skilled Occupations List

The Australian Government is considering the report from Skills Australia containing their Skilled Occupation List. An announcement and publication of the new Skilled Occupation List for Migration purposes will be made in May.

Changes to the time of provision of evidence of English language ability

There are new arrangements for the provision of evidence for English language ability. Applicants for the following GSM subclasses have until the time of decision to provide evidence of their English language ability.

• Skilled – Independent (Residence) visa (subclass 885)
• Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (subclass 886)
• Skilled – Independent (Migrant) visa (subclass 175)
• Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176)
• Skilled – Provisional (Regional Sponsored) visa (subclass 475)
• Skilled – Provisional (Recognised Graduate) visa (subclass 476)

Applicants should not delay in providing their evidence of English language ability. The department will not delay finalizing applications where English language test results have not been provided at time of application. Applicants will have 28 days from the date of application to provide their English language results if they did not provide them at time of application. At this point in time, if evidence has not been provided the application will be refused.