Skills Australia - the body that will determine the new SOL

[wrussell]

My concern is for those who haven't yet pressed the "go" button on skills assessments - there is a real risk that they will miss the opportunity to submit an application under the existing SOL.

I concur. I have pushed the Go button for all my engineers and IT clients (and a few others) and advised them - Either do what I advise, or do whatever you are going to do. Before the now defunct SSASL was introduced I advised 6 prospective clients to proceed ASAP, only one did and as it happened her occupation (internal auditor) was on the list anyway. In due course the other 5 came back to me and wanted to know what to do. I advised them to find a short pier and take a long walk.

[Alan Collett]

Am I not correct in saying the SS is not done through DIAC, but through local govts, so it might be possible to do this still and only lodge 176 after new SOL is out??? Agent has told another forum member the following, although it does sound a bit outdated..."
"Applications for State Sponsorship may take approximately 2 months to be processed but given that the MODL was removed last week, I can imagine that many applicants are seizing the opportunity to obtain Sponsorship so delays may be expected. As you have requested, we can still proceed with a family-sponsored application."

Tough to know when to send, but personally I think applying for SS now is still OK, and can apply for 176 after June 30 or whenever DIAC decide to make the SOL official.

Why don't you lodge a subclass 175 application now (while your occupation is on the known SOL) and transition to a subclass 176 when State Sponsorship comes through.

Best regards.

[Suz2011]

Help anyone,
I am waiting on skills assessment from CPA which should be wittin the next 2 weeks. Unfortunatley i have dropped 15 points since the removal of modl and now have 115 points with IELTS result of 8.5 so short for 175 skilled visa. I am an accountant currently on csl, i turn 40 in July and drop another 5 points. What do you suggest i do. Looking to move to Perth. My agent wants to apply for WA Statesponsorship asap and then maybe in 2mths time apply for 176 but statesponsorship appears to be taking 6mths therefore a real possibility the DIAC will request statesponsor details before they have been approved. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks Suz

[Alan Collett]

Consider lodging a subclass 175 application to lock into the present SOL. Then move across to a subclass 176 when the WA Sponsorship comes through.

And discuss the strategy (and risks) with your agent, in particular the Schedule 6B points test.

Best regards.

[JK2510]

Hi Alan/Gill.
Do you think the tradies will be kept off the new list?
My OH is an air con engineer and were quite concerned that if we cant gain an ENS(121) we may have to wait. It feels like the Aussie dream is fading away!

Is the current processing times for an ENS 5-7mths? If thats the case im concerned that that may influence a company not to sponsor you. A few months ago it was a 6-9wk wait!

[Alan Collett]

I don't see the barriers to entry for tradies being lowered, I'm afraid - Union influence and the desire at a political (Australian Labor Party) level to provide vocational pathways for Australians will see to that.

Unless there is a change of Government at Federal level, which would be very unusual given that the incumbent ALP is only in its first term.

Processing times for ENS applications vary between the DIAC Centre of Excellence (their words for the offices that handle such applications, not mine). Melbourne still seems to be looking at applications within a few weeks. Perth seems to be 3 to 4 months.

=> Maybe try to find an employer in VIC or SA, as Melbourne oversees ENS and RSMS applications from those States.

Best regards.

[Alan Collett]

PS. I think that State Sponsorship will still allow a strategy with a halfway reasonable processing timeline, so long as the Minister doesn't refuse State Migration Plans that contain trade skills occupations.

In short - if you have a pathway available now, I would go for it. The consensus seems to be that if you are on the SOL as presently constituted you will be protected once the flagged changes are introduced in the middle of the year.

See also: Go Matilda - Your Gateway to Australia - News
(published today)

[JK2510]

Hi,
Thanks ever so much.
Were going to Perth i have a mother and a nan there! We have a possible sponsor we just need it confirmed.
We just need to get licences transferred. I hate to think the cost.

Thanks