Permanent Skilled Entry Backlog

I have received the update from DIAC NSW Permanent Skilled Entry.

This week DIAC is receipting applications received on 9 November.

They are currently allocating visa applications which were receipted on 23 September and nomination applications receipted on 19 October.

Please note that the NSW Permanent Skilled Entry team are experiencing temporary delays due to an unprecedented increase in applications received through that office.

Agents and applicatns will by contacted by a case officer within 2 working days of the case being allocated, with either an outcome for decision-ready cases or a request for additional information or documents. Until the case has been allocated to a case officer, the department is unable to provide the agents or applicants with a processing update.

Please email the NSW PSE mailbox should anyone have any additional information or documents that the applicants would like to be considered by the case officer. This information will then be attached to the application.

The published service standards for ENS/RSMS cases is 5 months (ETA countries) and 7 months (non-ETA countries). Timeframes for processing an application vary from one case to another, depending on the individual circumstances of each applicant.

student visa change 9 Nov

Three changes to Student Visa legislation. This is partly in the context of the recent closure of some colleges.

1. From 9 November 2009, a Visa Application Charge refund has been introduced for Student visa holders who have been affected by the closure of their education provider in 2009 and who need to apply for a further Student visa to continue their studies in Australia as a result of the closure.
2. Regulation changes are being proposed to assist students affected by provider closures through the introduction of nil Visa Application Charge for students who need to apply for a further Student visa to continue their studies as a result of the closure of their education provider. Subject to approval by Parliament and the Governor-General, these changes will come into effect from 1 January 2010.
3. Regulation changes are being proposed to increase the living cost requirement from $12,000 per year to $18,000 per year for Student visa applications. Subject to approval by Parliament and the Governor-General, these changes will come into effect from 1 January 2010.

IELTS for trade occupation

From 1 January 2010, the English language requirement for all General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa applicants who nominate a trade occupation will be increased to a minimum of 6.0 (Competent English) in each of the four components of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.

This will replace the previous English language threshold of Vocational English (a minimum of 5.0 on each of the four components of an IELTS test).

So, it's better that everyone organize your IELTS as soon as possible.

choose your college carefully... better to go to government one!!!

The closure of nine registered colleges in Sydney and Melbourne last week has affected a further 3400 student visa holders.

I personally, not a big fan of those "private colleges".
All my clients are go to proper University and TAFE or government colleges. They are just too many problems!!!

Please see the ABC news at http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/06/2734900.htm