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
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