Thread for Agents ONLY re the new GSM changes

[Jag Khairra]

Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting | Migration assessment | About us - CPA Australia

 

Graduates of Australian accounting degree programs will continue to have the option to complete the Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting (SMIPA) and gain an assessment that can be used to apply for general skilled migration (GSM). The professional accounting bodies wish to reassure graduates of Australian accounting degree programs that they still have an opportunity to increase their English language proficiency or to complete this recognised Professional Year program.

 

From 1 July 2010, graduates of Australian accounting degree programs who receive an assessment showing that they have:

 

formal qualification assessed as being at least comparable to an Australian Bachelor degree

completion of at least nine out of the 12 core knowledge areas at tertiary level

IELTS Academic or General Test Report Form (TRF) to show you have a band score of at least six (6) on each of the four (4) components – speaking, reading, listening and writing

will be able to use their assessments to apply for a 485 visa. These individuals will be able to use the 485 visa period to either gain an IELTS Academic band score of at least seven (7) or to complete the Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting(SMIPA).

 

CPA Australia will update assessments when we receive documentation showing that you have achieved:

 

IELTS Academic Test Report Form (TRF) Number to show you have a band score of at least seven (7) on each of the four (4) components – speaking, reading, listening and writing OR

completed the Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting(SMIPA)

We have been advised by DIAC that you will be able to use this updated assessment to apply for general skilled migration (GSM).

 

Skilled Migration Internship Program (SMIPA)

 

English proficiency

an IELTS academic test report form is required showing a band score of at least seven (7) on each of the four (4) components – speaking, reading, listening and writing, OR

if you have graduated from an Australian accounting degree in the last six months, you may complete the Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting (SMIPA)

All other individuals must meet the IELTS requirement.

 

Please note that a successful assessment is valid for two years from the assessment outcome date.

 

Individuals who have submited an application before 30 June 2010 will need to ensure that all outstanding documentation is received by CPA Australia by 31 August 2010 to be assessed under the previous criteria.

[George Lombard]

The Department has finally released, in digestible format, the full details of how ANZSCO and the new SOL and State SOL will affect GSM applicants, see What's New? Recent Changes in General Skilled Migration .

 

Note that the information is still complex, as is the system, but the FAQs seem comprehensive.

 

Cheers,

 

George Lombard

[George Lombard]

Just in from South Australia. Seems that an August start of their SMP is most likely now.

 

I would like to acknowledge your emails expressing your concern and the anxiety of your clients of the uncertain situation of sponsorship applications at the moment. Immigration SA is making every effort to reinstate the facility to provide State Sponsorship for the new Program Year 2010-2011 as soon as possible.

 

I have been aware that in the meantime, DIAC will accept state sponsorships for occupations that are on the revised Skilled Occupations List. However, Immigration SA will not commence accepting new applications for State Sponsorship until the State Migration Plan (SMP) is implemented. Information about the SMP and the sponsorship eligibility list and any new criteria will be available on the Immigration SA website when they are finalised. While I am unable to provide you with a date when the SMP and the associated List of Occupations for Sponsorship will be published and/or implemented, I can advise that this is not likely to occur before August 2010. Every effort will also be made to advise you as soon as I can.

 

Monitor our website regularly at www.migration.sa.gov.au – for the release and implementation of the State Migration Plan and the List of Occupations for Sponsorship for the new Program Year. Any amendments to the criteria, process and processing times will also be published when the State Migration Plan is released and all current and new applicants must meet any new requirements.

 

Current complete applications for State Sponsorships for 176 Visas received by Immigration SA (and not yet processed) may be considered for Sponsorship when the new State Migration Plan/List of Occupations is released. Emails are being sent to current applicants/agents to advise them of the action they need to take.

 

Note that Sponsorship approvals provided prior to 15 May 2010 will only be valid until 5pm Adelaide time on 7 July 2010 (the 60 day validity will not apply). If your client has not lodged their visa application with DIAC by that time, the sponsorship approval will expire.

 

Thank you for your support for South Australia. Please monitor our website regularly for updates.

 

 

Cheers,

 

George Lombard