IT Occupations and the new SOL

[ptlabs]

Hi all,

 

Gill (our ever-helpful moderator) has asked me to pen a few lines to try to explain the situation for IT professionals in the new post-1 July 2010 world.

 

A summary of which IT occupation is on the new SOL and which one is not on the new SOL here:

Ptlabs Consulting - IT Occupations.

 

Existing overseas students currently studying IT in Australia will, in general, need to nominate an occupation on the new SOL to stand a chance of getting permanent residence. This change which was brought in in 1 July 2010 has obviously caused a fair bit of confusion and nervousness amongst overseas students who are not yet in a position to apply for a skilled permanent visa.

 

Aspiring migrants who are overseas who plan to apply for a skilled visa will need to have an occupation on the new SOL. Alternatively, state migration plans (SMP) may offer a separate pathway to those whose occupations are not on the new SOL. However, SMPs are not expected to be published until Sept 2010 at the earliest due to the upcoming Australian federal elections.

 

Applicants who have previously obtained a ASCO-based ACS result may need to apply for a review (if the result was issued between 1 May 2010 and 30 June 2010) or apply for a new skills assessment if the result was issued before 1 May 2010. If the latter, the new application will be based on the current 1 July 2010 ACS guidelines.

 

DIAC has issued an "endorsed" mapping between ASCO and ANZSCO codes, which includes some IT occupations. Anyone holding a 2231-79 whether including MODL or not will not automatically map into an new SOL occupation. This means if you hold such a 2231-79 result, you will need to go back to the ACS for a new skills assessment application or for a review to "translate" the ASCO code into an appropriate ANZSCO code. There is no automatic/default mapping for 2231-79 to an SOL ANZSCO code as 2231-79 was used to place a multitude of IT sub-occupations in the past.

 

There are clearly a number of competent registered migration agents who are active on this forum. I would urge anyone in an IT occupation who is thinking about applying for a skilled visa to seriously consider engaging the professional assistance of such an agent, especially one who is IT aware, as the complexity of an ACS-related skilled visa application has risen significantly from 1 July 2010.

 

Regards

Peter

[Guest dtroy]

Hi Peter,

Just a note on Computing Professional (nec) 2231-79:

The document announcing the new Processing Arrangements also mentions:

 

"Applicants with a nominated occupation of Computing Professional (nec), Hospital Pharmacist and Retail Pharmacist, who have already been allocated a case officer, will be contacted directly by their case officer to advise processing arrangements."

 

I would really want to know if anyone has been contacted by a CO in this matter as I am in the same situation and hoping to hear from the CO that they will continue processing my application.

I have been asked to provide PCC + medicals on 07/07/2010 and already sent all the documents.

I am from a HR country though, so I've got no idea how far I am from a decision on the application.

[nickyc88]

Applicants who have previously obtained a ASCO-based ACS result may need to ... apply for a new skills assessment if the result was issued before 1 May 2010. ...

 

DIAC has issued an "endorsed" mapping between ASCO and ANZSCO codes, which includes some IT occupations. Anyone holding a 2231-79 whether including MODL or not will not automatically map into an new SOL occupation. This means if you hold such a 2231-79 result, you will need to go back to the ACS for a new skills assessment application or for a review to "translate" the ASCO code into an appropriate ANZSCO code. There is no automatic/default mapping for 2231-79 to an SOL ANZSCO code as 2231-79 was used to place a multitude of IT sub-occupations in the past.

 

Hi Peter,

 

Thanks for this. A couple of questions... have you been told that 2231-79 with a specialism will not be mapped across? My understanding was that it will be mapped but to some codes which are not on the SOL.

 

Also, if we do get a new ACS assessment, will we be able to append this to our existing application?! Would they classify this as changing occupation (and therefore require a new application)?

 

I'm really frustrated that we got Queensland sponsorship in April which they turned around in 3 weeks, and now it seems that it is not valued.

 

Cheers,

Nicky

[Guest Manj]

Hi Peter,

 

Thanks for this. A couple of questions... have you been told that 2231-79 with a specialism will not be mapped across? My understanding was that it will be mapped but to some codes which are not on the SOL.

 

Also, if we do get a new ACS assessment, will we be able to append this to our existing application?! Would they classify this as changing occupation (and therefore require a new application)?

 

I'm really frustrated that we got Queensland sponsorship in April which they turned around in 3 weeks, and now it seems that it is not valued.

 

Cheers,

Nicky

 

 

My understanding is that once you nominate an ASCO code you cannot change same....It would be intresting to know if we could because if so it may change for good for people who applied as ICT recent gradutes too.:wideeyed:

 

_________________________________

CAT (4), 885 applied 2008 AUG, ICT - Recent graduate NEC, IELTS 8.0, NAATI qualified, Currently employed as a ICT Project Officer

[ptlabs]

have you been told that 2231-79 with a specialism will not be mapped across?

Nicky

 

This is what I said:

 

"Anyone holding a 2231-79 ... will not automatically map into an new SOL occupation."

 

and

 

"There is no automatic/default mapping for 2231-79 to an SOL ANZSCO code..."

 

I hope the statements above will help clarify things for you?

 

Regards

Peter

[nickyc88]

Hi Peter,

 

I was looking here which shows mapping across from 2231-79 to 261399 Software and Applications Programmers nec or to 261314 Software Tester.

 

Please could you tell me where you've heard that these will not apply? It's brilliant news [i think] if they are not automatically mapped as these new codes aren't the ones we would have selected and aren't on the SOL. If I'm contacting DIAC then I'd like to tell them where this info came from.

 

If no automatic mapping is taking place, we'll need to contact DIAC for advice on next steps. We'd happily do a new skills assessment but can't afford to start the whole process again from scratch.

 

Thanks for your help.

Nicky

[Guest tyasawa]

My understanding is that once you nominate an ASCO code you cannot change same....It would be intresting to know if we could because if so it may change for good for people who applied as ICT recent gradutes too.:wideeyed:

 

_________________________________

CAT (4), 885 applied 2008 AUG, ICT - Recent graduate NEC, IELTS 8.0, NAATI qualified, Currently employed as a ICT Project Officer

 

This is also my understanding about how "nominated occupation" works. It is an unexpected pleasant surprise if existing ICT graduates applicants in the queue also can do reassessment to get ANZSCO code. (Edit: after rereading the post I think I'm only jumping into conclusion)

 

Peter, could you please clarify this? Does it count as changing the "nominated occupation" therefore need to lodge a new visa? Or updating the skill assessment code is sufficient and acceptable.

 

Is it still possible tho to get assessed as group C, since it is way past 6 month since I've graduated? or we have to be assessed as group A with 2 years experience?

 

I would also thank you -- Peter, and also Gill for the time and attention given to give us advice.

[Guest TheStig]

bump....

[Guest pjmills]

So even though I applied for ACS assesment in April and received my letter about a week ago it put me down as 2231-79. They should have automatically converted this to ANZSCO and not accessed me on the old code. So now it seems I am in a difficult situation.

[Jag Khairra]

For ICT recent graduates (work experience waiver), check http://www.acs.org.au/assessment/docs/ADDENDUM_TO_THE_ACS_PASA_GUIDELINES_FOR_APPLICANTS.pdf

 

Free skill reassessment for those meeting requirements at http://www.acs.org.au/assessment/docs/ACS_Pre-application_Skills_Assessment_PASA_%20during_ASCO-ANZSCO_transformation.pdf

[Guest TheStig]

For ICT recent graduates (work experience waiver), check http://www.acs.org.au/assessment/docs/ADDENDUM_TO_THE_ACS_PASA_GUIDELINES_FOR_APPLICANTS.pdf

 

Free skill reassessment for those meeting requirements at http://www.acs.org.au/assessment/docs/ACS_Pre-application_Skills_Assessment_PASA_%20during_ASCO-ANZSCO_transformation.pdf

 

 

Thank you. But what happens to those who received their assessments before 1 May 2010 with 2231-79 (Recent ICT Graduate) classification who now have their occupation on Schedule 3 SOL? Resubmit the entire GSM application to DIAC and pay the full VAC fee again? Thats absurd.

[Guest pjmills]

what a rip off. They now want you to re-apply and give them more money!!

[Guest tyasawa]

what a rip off. They now want you to re-apply and give them more money!!

 

I will be giving them more money since I'll apply for another visa. This is my last attempt. If they screw me up again. That's it! I'll stay away as far as I can from Australia. It is a beautiful country, but the immigration department is an absolute joke.

 

My question is, my old 2231-79 result is still valid. Is it possible for me to get reassessment for that result to get ANZSCO. I don't mind paying. Or do I have to wait until I have 2 years experience? Since I graduated 1.5 years ago.

[Guest mrright]

Hi all,

 

I have received my ACS assessment between May 2010 and June 2010 as a Computer Professional nec.

 

But I have already applied for PR with Computer Professional NEC.

 

Should I apply for the review of my ACS assessment or is of no use because I have already nominated the occupation in my PR application?

[Guest ddd2010]

So what about those that were unfortunately assessed as 2231-79 (ICT Recent Graduates) who applied before July 2010 and now fall into priority 4, while new graduates can now apply and fall into category 3? What can they do to get into priority 3 like other new gratuates applying now? They can't change occupation and can't lodge a new application because 6 months has elapsed since the time they graduated.

[Guest tyasawa]

mrright: I think you would need to re-apply to nominate new occupation. Since you are basically in the same position as many of us (beside maybe eligible for free assessment from ACS). Can someone else confirm?

 

I'm thinking of lodging 175 if possible. I can still stay here with my bridging visa I assume. Until they find way to kick me out off course. Hopefully already got decision for the 175 by then @_@. Like I said if they change the rule too much to my disadvantages again, I'm out.

[Guest Manj]

mrright: I think you would need to re-apply to nominate new occupation. Since you are basically in the same position as many of us (beside maybe eligible for free assessment from ACS). Can someone else confirm?

 

I'm thinking of lodging 175 if possible. I can still stay here with my bridging visa I assume. Until they find way to kick me out off course. Hopefully already got decision for the 175 by then @_@. Like I said if they change the rule too much to my disadvantages again, I'm out.

 

I'm not so sure if you can have 2 visa applicants at the same time - Maybe one of our Agents would be able to answer that.

 

My understanding is that wehn you lodge a application, the previouse applicant is void

 

not sure though!

 

_________________________________________

CAT (4), 885 applied 2008 AUG, ICT - Recent graduate NEC, IELTS 8.0, NAATI qualified, Currently employed as a ICT Project Officer

[George Lombard]

Just a short note to say that ACS has now advised of a cut-off date for the free review assessment cases.

 

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS FOR REVIEW OF SUITABLE ASSESSMENT OUTCOME, FREE OF CHARGE UNDER THE ACS TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS, IS 13 AUGUST 2010.

 

Answering some of the questions which have accumulated here...

 

a) You can have as many applications in processing at any one time as you like, including multiple applications for the same visa application. Noting that if you apply more than one time for a particular subclass, the second and all later applications might need to be lodged as paper applications.

 

b) Applicants applying to ACS before 1 July will have their applications assessed under PIM2 and will be assessed in ASCO Codes assigned by ACS according to the evidence provided. It is possible to ask ACS to also assess an existing application under PIM3 and obtain an ANZSCO assessment at the same time.

 

c) Many 2231-79 (CSL) applicants will be eligible for state sponsorship and therefore end up in Category 2.

 

d) @Nickyc88 - having state sponsorship means that if Qld announces its SMP as we expect, including sponsorships already granted, then you will be able to lodge your application with category 2 priority as soon as the SMP is announced.

 

Cheers,

 

George Lombard

[Guest tyasawa]

Thanks for clearing that up George.

 

I myself won't be able to lodge another 885 tho, 175 is my only option. Regarding the state sponsorship. Queensland, at the moment asking for 4 years experience for SS. So bye bye SMP -- unless something magical happens-- and ENS is just so unachievable for most.

[nickyc88]

George - you are a star! Thank you for putting my mind at rest. Roll on the SMP!!

[Lenore]

Could somebody explain this, please:

 

Ptlabs wrote:

 

"There is no automatic/default mapping for 2231-79 to an SOL ANZSCO code as 2231-79 was used to place a multitude of IT sub-occupations in the past."

 

Does it mean that if we got ASCO 2231-79 in March we cannot apply for SS without ACS reassessment to ANZSCO (because mapped code is on Schedule 4 only, so SS is our only option) ? So what was the point of issuing the mapping document?

[Guest Soultripper]

Hey all!

 

Been following this forum silently for over 6 months now, but with the latest priority processing changes, I am left with no alternative but the seek help and advice, and the various agents on this post (a couple of them know me from Embrace Australia) have shown to excel at offering that!

 

Like most people in this thread, I am 2231-79 applicant. The details:

 

ACS Approved as 2231-79 (.Net Specialist) - so was CSL at time of application

Lodged 175 visa 19th April, 2010 (so around 2 weeks just before the suspension)

Status: Application received - processing commenced

Health requirements preloaded and showing as finalised 17th May, 2010

 

So, I have no Case Officer, I am under the old coding system, and am not sponsored. Before the 19th July, I was safely thinking that I will still be processed under priority processing of a CSL applicant. Now, that's all gone to pot.

 

So where do I, and many others like me, stand? After reading several posts, I still have no real clue! From what I've read, there is a mapping to new ANZSCO codes, however, .Net is not on the list!

 

Here's the questions:

 

1) So, are .Net 175 applicants, pre 8th May, now in Category 4 processing but those who have the new code are Category 3?

2) Can a 175 seek sponsorship without re-applying (similar to Lenore's post above)? I know they used to, but I believe this has changed.

 

From what I've seen on a timeline website, other applicants similar to me who applied same time or late, some have got their Visa's already, most others have a case officer, so I feel somewhat 'unlucky' that I had not been looked at rather than being party of a system...is that really a fair, systematic way to process something as important as an immigration Visa?

 

I've emailed the DIAC as I had another question regarding my application but no response yet.

 

Any advice will be most gratefully received, as these changes have left me currently stranded in South America (no bad thing at mo, but in 10 months I would rather be heading to Australia then back to UK!).

 

Kindest Regards

 

Sky

[George Lombard]

@Lenore, Soultripper - if you've got a positive skills assessment and had lodged an application for a General Skilled Migration visa by 1 July then the indications are that when the State Migration Plans are announced that it will be possible to obtain state sponsorship using your existing skills assessment. This will of course give you priority 2 status in processing.

 

People applying for a GSM visa on or after 1 July don't have the flexibility of adding a sponsorship to an existing application.

 

@Soultripper - state sponsors will ask how much money you have to settle here and may also ask for proof of recent work experience so you may need to go home sooner rather than later.

 

@Lenore - the point of issuing the mapping document was to explain to people holding a skills assessment in the 400+ occupations available to 30 June whether their skills assessment is still viable from 1 July. If you've lodged a visa application already it doesn't matter, except insofar as you may need a state sponsor and their SMP will be expressed in ANZSCO codes which have been chosen with the mapping in mind.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Cheers,

 

George Lombard

[Guest Soultripper]

Hi George,

 

Thanks for the prompt response. So do you think it will be possible to apply for state sponsorship on my existing application when the SMP are agreed? From what I recall of material I have read recently, this option was no longer possible and a new application, under sponsorship, would be required. You say "the indications are", which suggests this is an unknown area still.

 

It's a tad infuriating, in that I am undecided to what state I would like to work / live in, so seeking sponsorship ties me to 2 years to that state if I am correct. Perhaps I should travel Australia for a few months, then seek sponsorship...then there's the problem of being onshore...oh my!

 

My finances are good, and I'm doing freelance work whilst travelling, but obviously, it depends on the state sponsoring what they feel is adequate...

 

Once again, thanks. Will sit tight for a while. I guess it's still such a new change, that there may be a possibility of the visa being processed without sponsorship, as they do state that it's on an individual basis (how optimistic of me!)

 

Well, no rush anyways :-)

 

All the best,

 

Sky

[Guest]

Hello Sir

I understand your concern.But please listen to this story as this may make position more clearer.

I applied 886 Family Sponsored visa in august 2008 (Paperwork Not Online).Job was 2231-79 NEC.A case officer was allocated to me on 23 Dec 2008 But as the processing begin 1 Jan brings CSL and from thereon i never came in priority.

 

Now 1 July 2010 Brings this ASCO and ANZSCO confusion.Now there are 3 groups in ACS assesment for a graduate there is group 1 and for Graduates with 2 yrs work ex there is group 3

 

Now they also state that you cannot re assess your assesment if you have used your assesment for migration purposes that means I cannot get a work ex waiver under group 1 as i am not a recent graduate (Obviously I have graduated in july 2008) and i have used my assesment for migration purposes.

 

Now group 1 is gone and only remains group 3 which means 2 yrs work ex which i do not have and i believe not many have in there economic times.

 

Is there any way thay we the people graduated more than 6 months ago and do not have IT work ex can reassess our assesments under new ANZSCO codes as a graduates?

 

Can anyone explain this as i know this is the question of 1000's of IT graduates who graduated in 2009 and 2008

 

Thanks