New Points Test for General Skilled Migration (GSM) Announced

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Honourable Chris Bowen MP, has announced the new Points Test for General Skilled Migration (GSM) on 11 Nov 2010.

Designed to complement the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) that came into effect on 1 July, the Points Test is "proposed to take effect from 1 July 2011, subject to passage of supporting legislation through the Parliament. It will apply to anyone lodging an application from 1 July 2011."

The new points test will not apply to unfinalised applications lodged prior to 1 July 2011.

The new points test will not change the generous transitional arrangement in place until 31 Dec 2012 for former international students.

Amongst its features:
  • Distinction between 40/50/60 point occupations abolished, those points removed from test
  • Age points adjusted to reflect productive working years rather than youth
  • Additional 10 point differential introduced for “Superior English” language ability (IELTS 8)
  • Additional points for extended periods of employment in Australia
  • Additional points for longer periods of professional experience generally
  • Considerable additional points for university graduates, particularly for applicants with PhDs
  • Relative advantages of trade and degree qualified occupations have been reversed
  • Regional nomination and family sponsorship points reduced
  • No indication of difference between independent and sponsored pass marks at this stage
  • Pass mark of 65
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Sponsored Family Visitor Applications for 2010-2011 Holiday Period

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has advised that potential Sponsored Family Visitor (Subclass 679) visa applicants hoping to come to Australia during the December 2010 / January 2011 holiday period should lodge by Friday 6 November if possible to avoid backlogs due to a high volume of applications during this time.
While DIAC will continue to accept applications after 6 November 2010, it is strongly recommended that applications are lodged prior to this date. Applications seeking approval for travel in compelling or compassionate circumstances will continue to be prioritised, regardless of the date of lodgement.
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same-sex relationship registration in NSW

Background

The NSW Relationships Register commenced operation 1 July 2010. It provides legal recognition for a couple, regardless of their sex, by registration of the relationship.

Who is eligible to register a relationship?

Adults who are in a relationship as a couple, regardless of sex, can apply for registration of their relationship, provided at least one of them lives in NSW. Adults in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships are eligible to register.
People under 18 years old are not eligible.
A relationship cannot be registered if either person is:
  • married,
  • in another registered relationship,
  • in a relationship as a couple with another person, or
  • if they are related by family.
A couple does not have to live together to be eligible to register their relationship.

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Be Wary Of Migration Scams

Wednesday, 6 October 2010

Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, today warned prospective migrants and visa applicants to Australia to be wary of migration scammers.
'It is vital that people are aware of fraudsters' tricks before handing over money for immigration assistance which is never provided,' Mr Bowen said.

'This is why the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has launched a new online consumer protection resource to help people to learn about migration scams online and safeguard against scams.
'The Protect Yourself from Migration Fraud information kit includes victims' stories, tips to stay safe online, information on how to identify non-genuine websites and fraudulent emails, links to consumer resources and a video testimonial.'

The information kit has been developed following an increase in complaints about internet migration scams, which often appear to be official Australian Government websites.
'A common tactic of these sites is the use of language such as 'registered provider' or 'Australian visa application service',' Mr Bowen said.

'They claim that they can 'guarantee' a visa, this is a 'once in a lifetime opportunity' or it is your 'only chance' to travel or migrate to Australia.'
In the most prevalent scam, clients are invited to register online before a salesperson contacts them and asks them to provide credit card details. Charges are then debited to their card despite no migration service being provided.

Migration fraud involves illegal operators posing as migration professionals. In Australia, migration agents must be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
People with information about migration scams or illegal operators should telephone DIAC's Dob-In Line or visit the DIAC website.
Telephone: 1800 009 623

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