Press Release from Chris Bowen re the new points test

[Ozmaniac]

Here is Chris Bowen's press release on the new points test. Not much detail, but it doesn't take effect immediately which will be good news for PIO members.

 

The new 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.

NEW MIGRATION POINTS TEST TO BETTER ADDRESS AUSTRALIA’S SKILLS NEEDS - Media Releases - Chris Bowen - Federal Member for McMahon - Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

[reza]

Here is Chris Bowen's press release on the new points test. Not much detail, but it doesn't take effect immediately which will be good news for PIO members.

 

The new 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.

NEW MIGRATION POINTS TEST TO BETTER ADDRESS AUSTRALIA’S SKILLS NEEDS - Media Releases - Chris Bowen - Federal Member for McMahon - Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

Thank you, Thanks god and Thanks Mr.Bowen, I will sleep well tonight without nightmare:cute::jiggy:

[Guest MOTO]

Great, we can now sleep at night

 

I have a question though, Will we be able to get some detailed information about the proposed points test? I mean, if it needs to be aproved by the parliament, can we request the info under Freedom of Information Act ? Or is it classified information?

 

Thanks.

[Guest tyasawa]

Thank you, Thanks god and Thanks Mr.Bowen, I will sleep well tonight without nightmare:cute::jiggy:

 

Good news for my sister who is about to graduate this Dec and couple of friends that are still on TR (485)..

 

Now you mention it, yesterday night I had a nightmare, then I woke up to see the new point test rumor.. I thought it was a premonition for a bad thing to happen. What a relief seeing this news. Even tho I want to know more.. at least he said it only applies for new applicants.

[Ozmaniac]

Great, we can now sleep at night

 

I have a question though, Will we be able to get some detailed information about the proposed points test? I mean, if it needs to be aproved by the parliament, can we request the info under Freedom of Information Act ? Or is it classified information?

 

Thanks.

 

The Press Release says that we'll find more information on the DIAC website. It isn't on there yet, but it sounds like they're not trying to keep the details secret so it should be put up within the next day or so.

[George Lombard]

The text of Minister Bowen's announcement shadows very closely what was previously foreshadowed by Minister Evans effectively we can expect to see further gradations in English skills and points for higher academic qualifications. More engineers, fewer tradesmen I imagine. But it won't happen before 1 July next year, so plenty of time for people to get organised.

 

Text of announcement is as follows:

 

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, today announced a new points test to assess independent skilled migrants as part of the Gillard Government’s ongoing commitment to reforming the skilled migration program to deliver the skills Australia needs.

Mr Bowen said the new points test will emphasise the importance of English, work experience and high level qualifications, and is designed to ensure no one factor guarantees migration.

“These changes to the points test are an important next step in the series of reforms to the skilled migration program announced by the Government in February this year,” Mr Bowen said.

“The reforms set the foundations for a skilled migration program that will be responsive to our economic needs and continue to serve Australia’s interests in the medium to long term.”

The new points test has been formulated following extensive public and stakeholder consultation, and research review. The review found the existing points test led to a skewing of applications towards a small number of occupations and a growing pipeline of applicants waiting for a skilled migration visa.

“The existing points test has not always led to outcomes consistent with the objectives of the skilled migration program,” Mr Bowen said.

“For example, the current test puts an overseas student with a short term vocational qualification and one year’s work experience in Australia ahead of a Harvard educated environmental engineer with three years’ relevant work experience.

“The new points test will ensure we select the best and brightest people from a large pool of potential migrants.”

The new test will also continue to recognise the additional value that Australian education offers.

The new points test will complement the new skilled occupation list, which came into effect on 1 July 2010, to deliver migrants with a mix of the skills and attributes needed to contribute productively in Australia.

It is important to note that the points test only applies to one component of the skilled migration program. Employer-sponsored visa categories are not affected by changes to the points test.

The new 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.

More information on the proposed changes is available on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website at www.diac.gov.au.

 

Cheers,

 

George Lombard

[Guest mandhani]

Here is the new point system links from DIAC

 

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/points-fact.pdf

 

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/points-testfaq.pdf

[Guest MOTO]

Good luck to future grads on geting 8 in IELTS test. Couldn't they just say , if English isn't your first language, Australia doesn't want you.

 

PS.

I would still qualify under a new system though.

[Guest Jamie Smith]

I think it's good news that we have 7-8 months to work it through. It's nice not to have sudden death changes a la Sinister Minister Evans.

 

On the other hand, that means people need to do a double assessment, with points now and points later and "when should I apply" with the risk of later changes....

 

I can see many people getting the necessary 65 points. Methinks the 65 points might change or float soon after it comes into effect.

[jess1983]

Oh the irony...by next July I would have 15 points over the passmark

30-age

20-English

10-Australian work experience

15-Overseas bachelor degree

5-Australian study

 

Shame I no longer have an occupation on the SOL haha! Oh well just hope my existing application gets a look in sometime in the future!

 

It is definately skewed to reward native/very good English speakers (a 3rd of pass marks coming from it!) However I have to say I think that is fair enough. I think its ridiculous that some people who were on the CSL as engineers/accountants got their PR in 2 months or whatever and now work in unskilled jobs because there English simply isnt good enough. It defeats the whole point of the programme

[Jag Khairra]

Here is how a student might be eligible under new Points Test, under 2 age groups:

 

Age: 30 | 25 (25-32 vs 18-24 age group)

IELTS: 20 | 10 (8/7 each)

Education: 15 | 10 (degree)

2 yr study: 5 | 5

Employment: 5 | 5

State nomination: 5 | 5

Regional study: 5 | 5

 

Note: Not many will have 8 each in IELTS or 1 year Aus employment. State nominations will generally require 1 year employment as well with limited occupations on their lists. PhD students will have extra 10 points.

 

Diploma students (trades) stand no chance unless they have 8 each in IELTS + 1 year experience + State nomination + Regional study!

[fish.01]

Old rule: 45+ ineligible

New Rule: 45-49: 0 points

 

This seems to suggest that you may now apply if you are 45-49?

[Joebloggs]

 

 

It is definately skewed to reward native/very good English speakers (a 3rd of pass marks coming from it!) However I have to say I think that is fair enough. I think its ridiculous that some people who were on the CSL as engineers/accountants got their PR in 2 months or whatever and now work in unskilled jobs because there English simply isnt good enough. It defeats the whole point of the programme

 

Jess you are so right, the current IELTS is a joke and made a bollox of the system. I think many Australians and employers are sick to the back teeth of poor English skills and the minister has listened and acted that's why the bar has been raised to 8...it should have been raised years ago.

[Ozmaniac]

Old rule: 45+ ineligible

New Rule: 45-49: 0 points

 

This seems to suggest that you may now apply if you are 45-49?

 

The FAQs state that the higher age for eligibility only takes effect after 1 July 2011 when the new points test takes effect. Until then, applicants must be under 45.

[Ozmaniac]

A couple of other points of difference that I've noted in the FAQs.

 

1. Community language points will only be available to applicants who are accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) in a designated language.

Points for designated language will no longer be able to be claimed on the basis of having obtained a qualification from a university where instruction was in that language.

 

2. Applicants for the Skilled – Sponsored subclass 176 or 886 visa subclasses will need to be sponsored by a state or territory government under a state migration plan.

There will no longer be a permanent family sponsored skilled migration visa however eligible family members can still sponsor relatives under a provisional Regional Sponsored subclass 475 or subclass 487 visa.

[Guest MOTO]

Jess you are so right, the current IELTS is a joke and made a bollox of the system. I think many Australians and employers are sick to the back teeth of poor English skills and the minister has listened and acted that's why the bar has been raised to 8...it should have been raised years ago.

 

Well, it’s all good coming from what I presume a native English speaker. But how many of you [native speakers] can speak another language at a level, which would be equivalent to 8 IELTS ? As I stated earlier, I am in favour of the new points test, but I can see a very grim future for Australia’s education sector. Thus, eventually your children & my children will suffer as a result of it, as there will be not enough international students to fund universities in Australia that rely heavily on fees from international students.

 

Just a thought.

[jess1983]

Well, it’s all good coming from what I presume a native English speaker. But how many of you [native speakers] can speak another language at a level, which would be equivalent to 8 IELTS ? As I stated earlier, I am in favour of the new points test, but I can see a very grim future for Australia’s education sector. Thus, eventually your children & my children will suffer as a result of it, as there will be not enough international students to fund universities in Australia that rely heavily on fees from international students.

 

Just a thought.

 

Moto, yes I am a native English speaker but I am also an ex-international student. Of course the increase in language requirements will be an issue for potential students however this is an English speaking country and if you are going to work in a highly skilled environment as an Engineer, Doctor, IT professional then you need to have excellent English, full stop. Otherwise employers simply wont give you a chance. All of my friends and colleagues are native-English speaking Australians and poor language skills amongst migrants is their number one gripe. I think its a respect issue.... I went to college with a lot of non-English speakers and whilst there were some who genuinely wanted to improve their English and asked me for tips I have to say the majority sat at the back of the class and spoke amongst themselves in their own language whilst the teacher tried to teach. And it was infruriating!

 

I do not claim to be able to speak another language to that level which is exactly why I would never chose to immigrate to a non-English speaking country.

 

I do agree that this move spells bad news for the sector but if students aren't willing to make a genuine effort to get their English up to the highest level possible so that they will gain employment in their nominated occupation then whats the point of them being here?

[Guest Jamie Smith]

Well, it’s all good coming from what I presume a native English speaker. But how many of you [native speakers] can speak another language at a level, which would be equivalent to 8 IELTS ? As I stated earlier, I am in favour of the new points test, but I can see a very grim future for Australia’s education sector. Thus, eventually your children & my children will suffer as a result of it, as there will be not enough international students to fund universities in Australia that rely heavily on fees from international students.

 

Just a thought.

 

You're right.

 

But if I was going to work in another country I would expect to need something better than my schoolboy French and backpacker Japanese if I was wanting to do anything else other than wash dishes or pick fruit for $10 hour.

[Guest Jamie Smith]

What comes out of these IELTS and other requirements is that students and temporary visa holders wanting PR are expected to learn English to a solid level.

 

I don't mind people not speaking English in front of me, but I wonder if they are aware of what they SHOULD be working towards. I always wonder how the students that congregate in same langauage houses, sit around in same language groups, go to same language cafes and talk to same language friends while they drive their taxis are expecting to improve their English skills. Should they not be thinking that the comfort they get is potentially at the expense of being able to get a visa?

 

The course providers, migration agents and DIAC should repeatedly remind these people of the goal still in front of them.

 

Apparently there are many people paying for the English classes instead of sitting the IELTS test, and then not attending the classes, that DIAC are looking what to do about it. The Government clealry wants people to learn the local language and supposedly be safe at work understanding OHS (apparently OHS takes place of common sense).

 

There should be provision for some people not to need it, eg specialist chef in an international hotel or imported specialist in very technical job, but the difficulty is in phrasing the exceptions in policy so that Joe Average cannot access the waiver.

[Guest MOTO]

You're right.

 

But if I was going to work in another country I would expect to need something better than my schoolboy French and backpacker Japanese if I was wanting to do anything else other than wash dishes or pick fruit for $10 hour.

 

Agreed.

 

Well, there are quite a few native English speakers out there who struggle to achieve 7 in IELTS exam ( there is a whole thread here somewhere here called 'IELTS this week' ). Well, that should tell you something about the IELTS test and how absurd it is.

 

Would like to hear your opinion about it.

[Guest Rami]

Moto, yes I am a native English speaker but I am also an ex-international student. Of course the increase in language requirements will be an issue for potential students however this is an English speaking country and if you are going to work in a highly skilled environment as an Engineer, Doctor, IT professional then you need to have excellent English, full stop. Otherwise employers simply wont give you a chance. All of my friends and colleagues are native-English speaking Australians and poor language skills amongst migrants is their number one gripe. I think its a respect issue.... I went to college with a lot of non-English speakers and whilst there were some who genuinely wanted to improve their English and asked me for tips I have to say the majority sat at the back of the class and spoke amongst themselves in their own language whilst the teacher tried to teach. And it was infruriating!

 

I do not claim to be able to speak another language to that level which is exactly why I would never chose to immigrate to a non-English speaking country.

 

I do agree that this move spells bad news for the sector but if students aren't willing to make a genuine effort to get their English up to the highest level possible so that they will gain employment in their nominated occupation then whats the point of them being here?

 

 

How many native english speaker do you think can achieve a score of 8 in each bands? the answer is not even 1%. Logically, if a native english speaker cannot meet this requirement, what make u think a non-native english speaker will? If you don't believe me, check the number of number of native english speaker who weren't able to score an ielts score of 7 on the thread titled" ielts this week" u will be surprised.

 

The solution to students lack of language proficiency is not the ielts test . it is a proper

education. By the way, the assessment of english proficiency is flawed.

[Guest tyasawa]

I just wish there is a better way to measure English ability rather than using IELTS. From my experience, IELTS do not seem to measure the ability properly.

 

My English is no way better than my OH English. He's been in Australia for 8 years, he is really fluent. How come with my far than perfect English I got 8 overall in IELTS and he got 7.5? He never had to do IELTS test before, I did it once before I study here. My Malaysian friend only got 6.5, on daily basis she often correct my grammar. She was visibly upset I got better score than her.

 

My sister just recently did her IELTS test. She got 8 on each sections. FYI her daily English is way worse than myself and my boyfriend. She still stutters when nervous, heavily accented.. But she is really smart, especially in predicting the format of the test and what answer required.

[Guest MOTO]

How many native english speaker do you think can achieve a score of 8 in each bands? the answer is not even 1%. Logically, if a native english speaker cannot meet this requirement, what make u think a non-native english speaker will? If you don't believe me, check the number of number of native english speaker who weren't able to score an ielts score of 7 on the thread titled" ielts this week" u will be surprised.

 

The solution to students lack of language proficiency is not the ielts test . it is a proper

education. By the way, the assessment of english proficiency is flawed.

 

Thank you . This is exactly the point I was trying to make.

[Guest Rami]

I just wish there is a better way to measure English ability rather than using IELTS. From my experience, IELTS do not seem to measure the ability properly.

 

My English is no way better than my OH English. He's been in Australia for 8 years, he is really fluent. How come with my far than perfect English I got 8 overall in IELTS and he got 7.5? He never had to do IELTS test before, I did it once before I study here. My Malaysian friend only got 6.5, on daily basis she often correct my grammar. She was visibly upset I got better score than her.

 

My sister just recently did her IELTS test. She got 8 on each sections. FYI her daily English is way worse than myself and my boyfriend. She still stutters when nervous, heavily accented.. But she is really smart, especially in predicting the format of the test and what answer required.

 

 

I agree with you. ielts is a subjective test and the current immigration requirement fails to take that into account. DIAC has a strange way of assessing English proficiency. an alternative assessment approach that take into the subjectivity can be a complement of the single rule and still not undermine the purpose of the test.

[Guest stillwaiting79]

what do they mean by "There will no longer be a distinction in the pass mark between independent and sponsored visas and permanent and provisional visas." ?