ACS Skills Assessments - Important for IT people

[Guest Vertex]

And how am I supposed to know whether the course I want to apply to is suitable for ASC assessment or not? May be they will not give me an assessment couse they don't not find that my IT course is suitable enough for any occupation in SOL based on the lack of hours for that specific occupation...

[Jobo]

its difficult working out these new ANZSCO codes.

Does anyone know where it shows how many points each code and occupation carries?

Im interested in 263113 Network consultant/Network designer.

 

Thanks

 

occupation 263113 is Network Analyst on the new list, is assessed by ACS and is worth 60 points. however it is only on the SOLsch 4 - the list for occupations that can only be sponsored by a State under a State Migration Plan (SMP) and these aren't yet published - see other sticky thread on SMPs.

 

here is the link to scedule 4 of the SOl (thelist of state sponsor occupations) http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/_pdf/sol-schedule4.pdf

 

sounds like you are going to have to wait until the SMPs are out unless you can get an assessment for one of the limited IT occupations on the full SOL (sch 3) but if you are a network specialist then i doubt you have much chance.

 

Jo

[Guest rbaharwal]

Hi Guys,

 

PLEASE HELP ME !! I AM IN REAL NEED OF ADVICE...

 

I have graduated yesterday with Bachelors in IT(Infor. Systems) covered around 4-6 units that directly relate to ICT Business Analyst ANZSCO classification.Also, via a university placements I have gained around 12 months of part-time BA type experience. I have a distinction average and won various awards during the course.

 

Can I nominate ICT Business Analyst as my occupation when applying for ACS assesment (under seeking exemption but having recent experience considered)...

 

PLEASE HELP !!! THANKS A TON GUys, appreciate it...

 

Cheers

[Nigel A]

Thanks Jobo for the advice.

My skills dont fit too great witht eh SOl (sched 3) so I'll have to wait for the SMP.

 

How's the does the State Sponsorship scheme work?

Does that mean you apply for a different VISA, designated a location to migrate to etc...?

 

Thanks again

 

Nigel

[Guest khadkabirendra]

HI, I have complete 1 year diploma cource from NIIT in 2002. Then in 2004, i joined BSC IT directly in 3rd semester that is offered by Karnataka State Open University (because they accept 1 year of NIIT diploma as first year and give admision of lateral entry in second year of BSC IT). I complete BSC IT degree in 2 year (2006 ) as correspondace form the universtiy, I have been working as Software programmer since 2004 ( 6 yr experiance in Java). Can my degree and/or experiance is acceptable for Skill migration for Australia???

 

Thanks for ur reply in advance

Biren.

[Jobo]

Thanks Jobo for the advice.

My skills dont fit too great witht eh SOl (sched 3) so I'll have to wait for the SMP.

 

How's the does the State Sponsorship scheme work?

Does that mean you apply for a different VISA, designated a location to migrate to etc...?

 

Thanks again

 

Nigel

 

Hi Nigel

I can only advise you on what I know at the moment and until the SMPs are announced and the priority processing is confirmed know one knows for sure how the state sponsorship will work after 1 July. But basically here is how I believe it works:-

- You apply for a 176 visa (sponsored) rather than a 175 independent

- You only need 100 points for a 176, compared to 120 for a 175

- You must still meet the minimum criteria such as age (under 45) and competent English Language.

- You will still need a skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation (probably ACS for yours) and still need to show that you have worked in that profession for 12 out of the past 24 months.

- You will need to apply for state sponsorship before you lodge your visa application to DIAC

- You will need to check the SMPs (once published) and if your occupation is listed on one you will need to apply to that state for sponsorship.

- Each state has its own process and department for processing sponsorship applications, I think they also have their own criteria. for instance the Northern territory states that you must show you have enough money in the bank to settle in the state which starts at AU$35,000 plus more if you have dependents (remember that you won’t be entitled to any benefits for 2 years in Oz so you need to have the finances to support your move, initial rent, new car, medical insurance etc). I think that some other states will set a minimum number of years in your profession to demonstrate employability.

- If you apply for state sponsorship you must commit to living and working in that state for at least two years so you will need to think carefully about where you want to live when considering which state to apply to.

- If your occupation is on more than one SMP then you would normally be advised against applying to more than one state. in your application you must normally show that you are committed to living in that state (e.g. that you have researched the area, jobs and costs) so if you apply to more than one state it doesn't really show that commitment and you may be declined.

The 176 visa is a permanent residency visa...you could also apply for state sponsorship for a regional visa (I think a 475) but this is a temporary visa and i think you have to live and work in that state in your chosen profession for 2 or 3 years before you can go on to apply for permanent residency. under this visa you must live and work in a designated 'regional' area which basically rules out most of the cities, although it doesn't mean you have to live in the middle of nowhere.

I would advise taking a look at the state internet sites and see what you can find on migration and sponsorship processes. many are currently suspended until the SMPs are out but you should find some useful info. i would also advise that you thoroughly read the DIAC site about the different types of visa, criteria and processes. there is a lot on there but if you are patient you should eventually find what you need.

please note that i'm just giving an overview of what i understand but you really need to check for yourself on what you need to do individually. if you have family or links in certain states that this could help, also if you been to any of that states before that may help to show you have researched them.

because there is so much change and uncertainty I would definitely recommend that you get yourself a good migration agent...this will save you some time (and possibly heartache) searching sites and gathering paperwork. i can recommend a good agent for IT migrants, especially if you still need to get your skills assessment so if you want the details send me a PM. Of course, if will cost you to use an agent but remember they are the experts and also many are based in Oz (so in same time zone as the DIAC) and have to follow migration regulations and therefore have to be honest about your chances of getting a visa. it's probably not worth rushing to engage someone just yet - you may be wise to wait and see what the state migration plans say to make sure you are on at least one!

One tip I can give you – be prepared to wait quite a while before anything is certain and then even longer to go through the whole process…however if you get there eventually it will all be worth it!!

hope this helps!

Jo

[George Lombard]

Pretty good summary Jobo.

 

FWIW I expect all the state migration plans will have some space for IT people - since they did before the system was frozen in May - and there will be at least 8 lists for permanent visa sponsorship as well as seven lists for temporary sponsorship (the ACT doesn't participate in the temporary scheme as yet) - or possibly one comprehensive SMP for each state.

 

Also likely that most states will specify particular IT skillsets from within the available IT Schedule 3 and 4 occupations. The great hope is that if this is done in an appropriate fashion then people with existing ACS assessments may not need to be reassessed, and instead could apply for state sponsorship immediately.

 

Some states are now mentioning a release date of 1 August, others are suggesting September. It seems too much to ask for DIAC to combine all this in one single database to be released on 1 August.

 

Very likely that some occupations will require high level IELTS standards - even before the freeze for example the ACT was asking for 7.0 level for all professional occupations and even 8.0 for some - so anyone under time pressure should consider doing an IELTS now just in case.

 

Cheers,

 

George Lombard

[millholl]

Thanks Jobo and George for that extremely useful insite.

 

As you guys obviously 'know your onions' when it comes to IT, could you answer me something that has baffled me for a while now.

 

If Sydney is to be regarded as the 'IT Capital' of Australia, why is it that there are only 3 or 4 IT professions on their recently updated SMP?

 

My intended place of migration is Sydney and I keep a close eye on potential employment via the recruitment websites and there appears to be plenty of opportunities for web/software/application development. If I were there tomorrow I could apply for 60-70+ vacancies and be confident of receiving offers.

 

I don't understand why it seems disproportionately difficult for someone like myself with my skills and experience to get the ball rolling on the migration process. I seem to be hanging around waiting for DIAC, ACS, NSW to make their minds up and commit to something.

 

Yours frustratingly

 

Dave. Cheers.

[Graemsay]

Going back to the first post for a second, I'd agree with the sentiments that the ACS has lowered the bar in their skills assessments.

 

I'm wondering whether the occupation codes will continue to have associated speciality. For example Developer Programmer specialising in Java or C++. I suspect that will be the case, though any programmer will tell you that it's relatively easy to switch between languages.

 

I'd agree with Alienfeet that Sydney is Australia's IT capital, with something like 60% of all job openings there. There probably isn't a significant skills shortage there if the recently announced state sponsorship list is anything to go by.

 

In your case, I'd suggest looking at Melbourne as an alternative, or possibly Brisbane, as they were looking for C++ / C# / .Net types in their old SS list.

 

The other thing to bear in mind is that the new Software Engineer ANZSCO code relates to someone who's a systems architect (or similar), whereas a Developer Programmer is a code monkey. So if you're looking at SS from NSW then that's how you have to frame your experience.

[Guest Lankan1]

ACS has today announced new guidelines for skills assessment which appear to take into account the differential value of IT experience under the new SOL, ENSOL and State SOL. See ACS (Australian Computer Society) - Membership, Professionalism and Leadership for ICT Professionals and the ICT Community and in particular, http://www.acs.org.au/assessment/docs/SUMMARY_OF_CHANGES_PASA_GUIDELINES_FOR_APPLICANTS.pdf .

 

Cheers,

 

George Lombard

 

Hi George,

 

I'm here from Sri Lanka,

My skill category was granted on 9th June and in the letter it goes as 2231-79 (J2EE Specialist)

 

I'm interested in Skilled – Independent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 175) program.

 

ASCO to ANZSCO correlation exist for above skill category and it goes as 261399.

 

Since ANZSCO code 261399 is listed in the schedule 4 of the DIAC SOL, and it is not applicable for Skilled – Independent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 175) program.

I'm not certain whether states will start offering sponsorships any sooner, lets say at least next month! If they do I can change my mind and go ahead with GSM 176.

 

 

Therefore, Is it possible for me to get a re-assessment and get an adjustment to a new ANZSCO code which is applicable for General Skill Migration (175) program. I think new ANZSCO code 261313 Software engineer is matching for my profile.

 

Best Regards

[George Lombard]

I am told that ACS will shortly be releasing guidelines using a relevancy standard of 65% with respect to subjects studied or employment duties undertaken for the purposes of linking studies or duties to particular ANZSCO occupations. Not clear what they'll regard as "relevant" or how they'll measure duties. Also not clear whether ACS will offer extended definitions of each occupation or just rely on ANZSCO.

 

Cheers,

 

George Lombard

[Guest Lankan1]

I am told that ACS will shortly be releasing guidelines using a relevancy standard of 65% with respect to subjects studied or employment duties undertaken for the purposes of linking studies or duties to particular ANZSCO occupations. Not clear what they'll regard as "relevant" or how they'll measure duties. Also not clear whether ACS will offer extended definitions of each occupation or just rely on ANZSCO.

 

Cheers,

 

George Lombard

Thanks George,

 

So far I'm using the job descriptions found in,

 

1220.0 - ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, First Edition, Revision 1

[Guest grooovy]

I am told that ACS will shortly be releasing guidelines using a relevancy standard of 65% with respect to subjects studied or employment duties undertaken for the purposes of linking studies or duties to particular ANZSCO occupations. Not clear what they'll regard as "relevant" or how they'll measure duties. Also not clear whether ACS will offer extended definitions of each occupation or just rely on ANZSCO.

 

Cheers,

George Lombard

 

Hi George,

 

This is probably the document you are talking about:

ADDENDUM TO THE ACS PASA GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS (JULY 2010): Relevance to the nominated occupation: criteria for assessment

 

I have found it today.

 

Kind regards,

Alex

[Guest ManasiK]

Hello Everybody

 

I had applied for assesment to ACS 6 months back , requested ASCO -2231-79(c/c++)

but as a result of assesement, they put me under 2231-15(Software designer)

 

I had left hopes to be in priority processing list (CSL) , but when I came across New SOL (floated in June), I found that New SOL has 2231-15 (and 2231-79 removed)

*Please let me know if this information is right????

 

Now, Are they going to declare new CSL list ? OR How is it going to process in future?

 

My Question -> At this point, what should I do???, Shall I wait for New CSL list? Are there any hopes to get my application (2231-15) through in priority processing ?

 

I really need your expert advice...Please help

 

-Thanks in advance

Manasi

[Jobo]

wow if your occupation is on the new SOL schedule 3 (which it looks like your is) that's like winning the jackpot! there are hardly any It occpuations on the new SOL so well done you!

 

There isn't going to be another CSL, the new SOL replaces previous CSL (although i think that still applies for pre-1 July occupations).

 

Have you already lodged an application with DIAC or not?

 

Jo

[Guest ManasiK]

Hi Jobo!

 

Its first positive reply..I ever read for 2231-15

 

I havent applied yet, was waiting for New CSL list,

 

so should I apply for Visa now, will it process in a year (like priority processing)??

 

guide me please

[Guest Seb]

@George,

 

I believe DIAC does not allow you to change ASCO code once you have submitted a visa application. But due to the current circumstances, is it possible to change a nominated ASCO code to a new closely related ANZSCO code, without lodging another visa application?

[Guest Lankan1]

Hello Everybody

 

I had applied for assesment to ACS 6 months back , requested ASCO -2231-79(c/c++)

but as a result of assesement, they put me under 2231-15(Software designer)

 

I had left hopes to be in priority processing list (CSL) , but when I came across New SOL (floated in June), I found that New SOL has 2231-15 (and 2231-79 removed)

*Please let me know if this information is right????

 

Now, Are they going to declare new CSL list ? OR How is it going to process in future?

 

My Question -> At this point, what should I do???, Shall I wait for New CSL list? Are there any hopes to get my application (2231-15) through in priority processing ?

 

I really need your expert advice...Please help

 

-Thanks in advance

Manasi

 

 

Hi ManasiK,

 

If you have 7 for all IELTS components you can apply for GSM 175 independent migration category!!!

 

Good Luck dude!! :wink:

[Guest Lankan1]

I think 2231-15 is mapped to Software engineer in new SOL schedule 3!!! you may go ahead with this!

[George Lombard]

Lots of little issues in this thread:

 

@ Manasik - no there won't be a new CSL but strangely enough I'm not sure that the current CSL has yet been terminated, or at least my interpretation of continuing case officer behaviour is that they're still prioritising CSL applications. To that extent you can certainly go ahead with an application now if you've got a pass mark on the points test. The uncertainty is whether a 175 application is going to take three years to process or not, remembering that it's now impossible to lodge a 175 and convert simply to a state sponsored 176. The 2231-15 assessment can be correlated to ANZSCO using http://www.immi.gov.au/employers/_pdf/asco-anzsco-correlations-all-occupations.pdf, ie to 261313 Software Engineer, but be careful because if you need 10 points for specific work experience or work experience in Australia, the DIAC officers will expect you to have employment experience "closely related" to their definition, which according to the above link is:

 

"Designs, develops, modifies, documents, tests,

implements, installs and supports software

applications and systems. Specialisation:

Database Designer, Systems Architect, Computer

Applications Engineer.'

 

@Seb - that link for official correlations mentioned above means you don't need to do another application if you've got a positive skills assessment, provided the official correlation supports you. Also still possible for existing IT 2231-79 applicants to be reassessed in a CSL occupation and submit that revised assessment but this is a quite narrow category, and not yet clear if ACS will continue to issue CSL assessments although they're certainly using ASCO codes for people who applied using their previous guidelines.

 

@Lankan1 - you should be considering using the ACS free reassessment offer and also applying to NSW for state sponsorship, although be careful, since the NSW sponsorship option does not guarantee that NSW will put this occupation on their SMP, if they have an SMP. Check with NSW that this will give you SMP status when applying.

 

@Alienfeet - the NSW government seems to think that any really good IT professionals will find their way here irrespective of the General Skilled Migration program. And if you really are very good then employer sponsorship is the best way forward. Try coming here for a visit to show off your skills.

 

Cheers,

 

George Lombard

[Guest psharma]

Lots of little issues in this thread:

 

@ Manasik - no there won't be a new CSL but strangely enough I'm not sure that the current CSL has yet been terminated, or at least my interpretation of continuing case officer behaviour is that they're still prioritising CSL applications. To that extent you can certainly go ahead with an application now if you've got a pass mark on the points test. The uncertainty is whether a 175 application is going to take three years to process or not, remembering that it's now impossible to lodge a 175 and convert simply to a state sponsored 176. The 2231-15 assessment can be correlated to ANZSCO using http://www.immi.gov.au/employers/_pdf/asco-anzsco-correlations-all-occupations.pdf, ie to 261313 Software Engineer, but be careful because if you need 10 points for specific work experience or work experience in Australia, the DIAC officers will expect you to have employment experience "closely related" to their definition, which according to the above link is:

 

"Designs, develops, modifies, documents, tests,

implements, installs and supports software

applications and systems. Specialisation:

Database Designer, Systems Architect, Computer

Applications Engineer.'

 

@Seb - that link for official correlations mentioned above means you don't need to do another application if you've got a positive skills assessment, provided the official correlation supports you. Also still possible for existing IT 2231-79 applicants to be reassessed in a CSL occupation and submit that revised assessment but this is a quite narrow category, and not yet clear if ACS will continue to issue CSL assessments although they're certainly using ASCO codes for people who applied using their previous guidelines.

 

@Lankan1 - you should be considering using the ACS free reassessment offer and also applying to NSW for state sponsorship, although be careful, since the NSW sponsorship option does not guarantee that NSW will put this occupation on their SMP, if they have an SMP. Check with NSW that this will give you SMP status when applying.

 

@Alienfeet - the NSW government seems to think that any really good IT professionals will find their way here irrespective of the General Skilled Migration program. And if you really are very good then employer sponsorship is the best way forward. Try coming here for a visit to show off your skills.

 

Cheers,

 

George Lombard

 

 

Dear Mr. Lambard,

 

I am existing 885 applicant and applied in Sept 2008. I am Analyst .Net programmer and has got total of 3+ year experience now. As you mentioned above that its still possible for existing applicants to get reassessed and get the specialization from ACS and that will put me in CSL.

 

But here I am so confused that CSL has been revoked and DIMA has not clearly mentioned anywhere that still gonna use CSL for processing.

 

Please suggest if I go ahead and get reassessed from ACS or not?

 

Regards

[Guest Lankan1]

Lots of little issues in this thread:

 

@ Manasik - no there won't be a new CSL but strangely enough I'm not sure that the current CSL has yet been terminated, or at least my interpretation of continuing case officer behaviour is that they're still prioritising CSL applications. To that extent you can certainly go ahead with an application now if you've got a pass mark on the points test. The uncertainty is whether a 175 application is going to take three years to process or not, remembering that it's now impossible to lodge a 175 and convert simply to a state sponsored 176. The 2231-15 assessment can be correlated to ANZSCO using http://www.immi.gov.au/employers/_pdf/asco-anzsco-correlations-all-occupations.pdf, ie to 261313 Software Engineer, but be careful because if you need 10 points for specific work experience or work experience in Australia, the DIAC officers will expect you to have employment experience "closely related" to their definition, which according to the above link is:

 

"Designs, develops, modifies, documents, tests,

implements, installs and supports software

applications and systems. Specialisation:

Database Designer, Systems Architect, Computer

Applications Engineer.'

 

@Seb - that link for official correlations mentioned above means you don't need to do another application if you've got a positive skills assessment, provided the official correlation supports you. Also still possible for existing IT 2231-79 applicants to be reassessed in a CSL occupation and submit that revised assessment but this is a quite narrow category, and not yet clear if ACS will continue to issue CSL assessments although they're certainly using ASCO codes for people who applied using their previous guidelines.

 

@Lankan1 - you should be considering using the ACS free reassessment offer and also applying to NSW for state sponsorship, although be careful, since the NSW sponsorship option does not guarantee that NSW will put this occupation on their SMP, if they have an SMP. Check with NSW that this will give you SMP status when applying.

 

@Alienfeet - the NSW government seems to think that any really good IT professionals will find their way here irrespective of the General Skilled Migration program. And if you really are very good then employer sponsorship is the best way forward. Try coming here for a visit to show off your skills.

 

Cheers,

 

George Lombard

 

 

Thanks for the reply George!, I have heard that NSW is very hard to approach for 176 sponsorships, anyway at the moment considering the re-assessment option!

[millholl]

My family and I are going out to Sydney anytime between Nov 2010 - Feb 2011 for 2/3 weeks. My wifes Sister in Law lives in Sydney.

 

We're using this trip to check out schools, the housing market, what we can afford near the best schools, job prospect and general cost of living etc. etc.

 

I intend to contact several potential employers and maybe even apply for positions advertised on Seek and set up some interviews. I'm going to take my portfolio and a lot of my work can be seen online anyway.

 

Does anybody think companies would let me in the door to talk to them? Has anybody tried finding employment this way? My intention is to gain empoyer sponsorship. I don't need the company to pay for the move, just want the job.

 

Thanks guys

[Guest rpkbuviki]

@George,

 

I believe DIAC does not allow you to change ASCO code once you have submitted a visa application. But due to the current circumstances, is it possible to change a nominated ASCO code to a new closely related ANZSCO code, without lodging another visa application?

 

Hi Seb

 

I have done the same. See my thread to get a clear idea of my case.

http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/migration-issues/90132-letter-acs-reg-asco-anzsco.html

The answer 2 your question is "YES"

 

:daydreaming: Rpkbuviki

Oz Day Dreamer

[Guest MihaRus]

Hi all,

 

I'm applying for the reassessment of ACSO 2231-79 as I have received the outcome letter prior to May 1. I applied online. In the first letter ACS asked me to send certifeid copies of my diploma, birth certificate etc.

 

Could someone please clarify whether I should send ACS certified copies of my docs if I have already sent them with my first application.

 

Surely, I mailed them my question but still no responce.

 

Has someone done such reassessment yet ?

 

Thanks.