Skilled Visa Points Test - Summary and Comment

[Guest swan2748]

If not for everyone, they should at least consider points based prioritization among cat 4 applicants. This would help shorten the cat 4 queue considerably. It's not as if these occupations are extinct (i.e., no one not even a single person needs to work in these occupations). Recent reports indicate that cooks and hairdressers are in short supply currently. So, choosing the best among these applicants would be very sensible, I think.

[virtual_bajwa]

I am trying to be optimistic after going into the details of New Point System. It says No family sponsored applicant can apply permanent application. They can only apply for Regional Provisional visas. It gives me a little bit of hope. I am also sitting on the Provisional application(496). It means they will process my application. When and how I do not know.

 

 

Will family sponsored applicants still be eligible to apply for a permanent Skilled – Sponsored visa?

No. As part of the changes accompanying the introduction of the new points test, from 1 July 2011 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 the provisional sponsored skilled migration visa. Holders of a provisional sponsored skilled migration visa may be eligible for a Skilled Regional (Residence) visa (subclass 887) after meeting certain eligibility criteria.

Will family sponsored applicants still be able to apply for a provisional Regional Sponsored visa?

Yes. The new points test will continue to award points to applicants for a subclass 475 or subclass 487 who are sponsored to a regional area by an eligible family member or a state or territory government under a state migration plan. Holders of either of these provisional sponsored skilled migration visas may be eligible for a Skilled Regional (Residence) visa (subclass 887) after meeting certain eligibility criteria.

[melbournegirlinny]

Hi Mary

 

I have a question for you, please. You are in South Africa and most of your clients are South African. How difficult will it be for them to get IELTS 8?

 

I've never done an IELTS but I am told that it is not easy, even for somebody who is a native English speaker, because the English used in the IELTS is not the ordinary sort of English that an English person would use in his/her local supermarket, pub or church. From what I have heard, it is the usual rubbish dreamt up by the British Council - ie the sort of "Ebglish" that doesn't actually test anything except whether or not one has discovered the knack for passing the IELTS.

 

To prove my point, there is now ample evidence to show that many British tradesmen are actually dyslexic. They are very good with their hands but when it comes to reading, writing, grammar and spelling they get the words muddled up.

 

I've also been told that even the Speaking module floored one of them. The candidate, a British Brickie, was told to discuss how his local library helped his local community. He didn't have a clue. Asking him how his local pub helped his local community would probably have kept him going, in fluent English, for at least 30 minutes! However he had never set foot in his local library.....

 

This sort of thing is not a genuine test of somebody's linguistic abilities, it seems to me.

 

I suspect that the IELTS is an end in itself, not a legitimate tool for demonstrating that somebody has learned to speak English adequately. So how much of a barrier is IELTS 8 likely to be, do you think?

 

Many thanks

 

Gill

 

Hi Gill. I too have not had to sit the IELTS but I was very unhappy to see they are now giving zero points for a score of 6 and going up to a score of 8 etc... I think this clearly will disadvantage tradesmen and seems frankly discriminatory to me. What is more, it is totally unnecessary to require tradesmen to get such a high score on the test. 'Require' in the sense that many tradesmen will need those extra points now.

 

From what I have seen with clients, even highly educated, native English speakers often only get 8's or 8.5's on the IELTS!!

 

It seems like total madness to me that they have introduced this. And I agree with you -the exam is more about exam technique than one's actual ability to communicate in English.

[jess1983]

Yes my nominated occupation may not be desired post July 2010. However how many of these PR holders get their visas based on so called 'priority' or 'desired' jobs yet never end up working in them often because their English isn't sufficient? Or because they decide, like the wife of one of my UK colleagues at work, who is a nurse, to now go into HR once she arrived. The country is crying out for nurses yet there is no mechanism to follow through and ensure these people are working in the field they were granted the golden ticket in. IMO they are no better than me, because yes, marketing specialists aren't a priority, but at least I am actually working in my field! And given I applied when marketing specialist was on the list I am actually probably one of the few examples of current onshore applicants (like many of the IT guys languishing in CAT 4) who are achieving what the skilled migration programme is supposed to do by working in our fields! Surely there should be some kind of reward for that?!

 

As for ENS, its not as easy as you think, there are many stipulations placed upon both employees & employers and given I work for a global brand which takes direction from Japan they were simply unable to do it for me. I hate the way everyone is like 'oh just get sponsored' Don't you think if it was that easy I would!?

[Guest Jamie Smith]

The country is crying out for nurses yet there is no mechanism to follow through and ensure these people are working in the field they were granted the golden ticket in.

 

Exactly! hence the move towards employer sponsored visas. Govt viewpoint is why give a visa to a nurse / chemist / engineer who wants to run a motel, we still need the nurse / chemist / engineer and in the meantime we have to house and transport the other people.

[Guest VickyMel]

I I had to practice the format before passing.

 

Will they judge the quality of your degree for example Masters, 1st, 2:1, 2:2, 3rd, Ordinary Degree ?? Or Will it just count that you have a Degree ?

 

Has anyone sussed this out yet

 

Cheers

 

Chris :-)

 

Hi Chris

 

From what I can see practicing is the way to do IELTS.

 

From earlier comments re IELTS and some skilled folks such as tradies etc not all being able to get the 8 needed. Maybe DIAC in the future might realise they are selecting out a lot of professions they need and change the points needed to score high for different professions appropriately.

 

 

Chris if you look at the points list Masters and Degree are under the same number of points. You have to get a PhD to get to the next points level.

 

VickyMel

[Guest mpogr]

... current onshore applicants (like many of the IT guys languishing in CAT 4) who are achieving what the skilled migration programme is supposed to do by working in our fields! Surely there should be some kind of reward for that?!

 

As for ENS, its not as easy as you think, there are many stipulations placed upon both employees & employers and given I work for a global brand which takes direction from Japan they were simply unable to do it for me. I hate the way everyone is like 'oh just get sponsored' Don't you think if it was that easy I would!?

I completely agree with that! How come that someone IS ALREADY in Australia AND IS WORKING, generating income for him/herself AND FOR AUSTRALIA, yet he/she doesn't get any priority? Worse than that, if he/she works in a non-SOL occupation, he/she is in risk of being eventually kicked out of the country, even though he/she is already settled and doing well! Is it only me who thinks this is one of the most ridiculous things on Earth?

 

As for ENS, as I already mentioned in another thread, this is a problematic thing. Not only some employers have difficulty with applying for it, it also puts the potential migrant in a dependent position towards his/her employer. As an employee, you'd always better not have your employer to have a leverage on you, no matter how good your relationships with your employer are. If you seek sponsorship, you OWE them. If you OWE them, they OWN you. You can imagine the rest...

[Guest tyasawa]

It is really hard to try explaining to my Australian friends why I haven't got a PR yet. They are confused why my OH and myself who both are working full time in our nominated occupation still haven't got any Permanent Residency even after 2 years. Even more shocked when I told them there is a possibility we can be deported

 

Thanks to DIAC and ACS is all I can say.

 

My wage is nowhere near 65K atm, my OH in the other hand is very lucky since his company seems to need him so much he manage to get a pay rise. Now even tho he satisfy the wage requirement, he only have two years experience therefore can not qualify for ENS. Moreover, he said his company is not even aware or care that he still haven't got his PR. If he ask their help for ENS the table would have turned, it would be he needs his company not the other way around. That idea do not sit very well with him.

[Jowill]

Yes my nominated occupation may not be desired post July 2010. However how many of these PR holders get their visas based on so called 'priority' or 'desired' jobs yet never end up working in them often because their English isn't sufficient? Or because they decide, like the wife of one of my UK colleagues at work, who is a nurse, to now go into HR once she arrived. The country is crying out for nurses yet there is no mechanism to follow through and ensure these people are working in the field they were granted the golden ticket in. IMO they are no better than me, because yes, marketing specialists aren't a priority, but at least I am actually working in my field! And given I applied when marketing specialist was on the list I am actually probably one of the few examples of current onshore applicants (like many of the IT guys languishing in CAT 4) who are achieving what the skilled migration programme is supposed to do by working in our fields! Surely there should be some kind of reward for that?!

 

As for ENS, its not as easy as you think, there are many stipulations placed upon both employees & employers and given I work for a global brand which takes direction from Japan they were simply unable to do it for me. I hate the way everyone is like 'oh just get sponsored' Don't you think if it was that easy I would!?

 

I agree with you completely... by the time I myself get enough points under the new points test based on Australian work experience (and age), DIAC might decide they don't need people working in my area any more. Stupid system isn't it?

 

And nothing we could do if our employers are happy keeping us as temporary residents and not sponsor us. Though the expectation from DIAC is probably that you get sponsored since you are already working in Australia.

 

And those nurses etc are no better than you, but i can't imagine how they could keep anyone in their nominated occupation. Maybe do what the UK does, make them work in the country for a couple of years as temporary residents first... THEN let them get permanent residence? Don't think any of us would really like that.....

[jess1983]

It is really hard to try explaining to my Australian friends why I haven't got a PR yet. They are confused why my OH and myself who both are working full time in our nominated occupation still haven't got any Permanent Residency even after 2 years. Even more shocked when I told them there is a possibility we can be deported

 

Yep this is exactly the same for me. People at my work cannot believe it and ALL think its ridiculous...these are just your average ozzies who have no idea what goes on with skilled migration. Its hard for me aswell because there are 5 people in my immediate family and 3 of them are citizens (Mum, Dad, and brother) and other brother has applied for a defacto...so people are just like 'how can they cap your application and deport you, your whole family is here and you live with them.' I think they think im lying or something because when you explain it it all sounds ludicrous!

[Guest clayty]

Hi Paul

 

I don't think they will try to apply the new Points test during the 2010/2011 financial year. It is a heck of a job to get an IELTS booking in many places, particularly in Oz. IDP (which seems to own the rights to the IELTS in Australia) will need extra staff in order to cope with the additional demand, I suspect.

 

IDP seems to belong to Kerry Packer's son, so I have been told. I am astonished that the Australian Government does not insist on administering the IELTS themselves. Think of all that luvverly lolly they could make for themselves?

 

Cheers

 

Gill

 

Gill,

 

I know thats true but with all the hoops I've had to jump through this year I wouldn't put it past them!

 

The whole process is a gravy train for someone...........certainly not the poor people trying desperatley to get in to Australia.....its as if they actively try to discourage people rather than encourage them

Very strange set up looking at it from the outside for the past year.........

 

Anyway need to get this 176 submitted sharpish like.....!

 

Cheers

 

Paul

[Kokki]

Has anyone noticed that in the new point system it says: "all applicants must nominate an occupation from the new list." Does that mean only a handful of occupations will be accepted at all? What about getting 65 points but have a different occupation, what happens in that case?

[yc1ten]

Hi All

 

I've just been reading an e-mail linking me to Mark Webster's Acacia Immigration website.

 

His article is below:

 

New Skilled Migration Points Test Announced

 

Mark says that Doctors, Nurses and Engineers will be amongst the losers from this new Test???

 

Many thanks :notworthy:

 

Gill

 

 

Hi Gill,

 

I think the biggest loser will be the Australian economic.....

 

Take a look at these two articles:

 

Student loss a $2.6bn blow | The Australian

 

Foreign student numbers slump

[Guest stillwaiting79]

Hi Allan C,

 

I was reading through your article in GoMatilda and had a query re:

" There will no longer be a permanent family sponsored skilled migration visa. However eligible family members will still be able to sponsor relatives for a provisional sponsored skilled migration visa. Holders of a provisional sponsored skilled migration visa may then be eligible for a Skilled Regional (Residence) visa (subclass 887) after they have met relevant eligibility criteria. "

 

what happens to those who are currently being sponsored by their families with our SS's?

 

thanks,

SW

[Guest MOTO]

Hi Alan,

 

 

I also have a question about a FamSpon 176 visa.

Can you still apply for 176 FamSpon visa before new points test comes into effect next year?

I am just hoping that I can sponsor a relative if my current 175 visa application comes through (wishful thinking on my behalf) before new points test is implemented next year.

 

PS.

Not worried about processing time for 176.

[Alan Collett]

Hi Allan C,

 

I was reading through your article in GoMatilda and had a query re:

" There will no longer be a permanent family sponsored skilled migration visa. However eligible family members will still be able to sponsor relatives for a provisional sponsored skilled migration visa. Holders of a provisional sponsored skilled migration visa may then be eligible for a Skilled Regional (Residence) visa (subclass 887) after they have met relevant eligibility criteria. "

 

what happens to those who are currently being sponsored by their families with our SS's?

 

thanks,

SW

 

Hello SW.

 

My understanding is that the changes impacting skilled visas only apply to applications lodged from 01/07/2011.

 

Best regards.

[Alan Collett]

Hi Alan,

 

 

I also have a question about a FamSpon 176 visa.

Can you still apply for 176 FamSpon visa before new points test comes into effect next year?

I am just hoping that I can sponsor a relative if my current 175 visa application comes through (wishful thinking on my behalf) before new points test is implemented next year.

 

PS.

Not worried about processing time for 176.

 

Hello MOTO.

 

As per my above post, I believe family sponsored subclass 176 visa applications can be lodged before 01/07/2011.

 

Best regards.

[Guest freakz]

Hi, just quick question. I have applied visa 485 before February 2010 (I was on bridging visa a at that moment), and now I am holding 485 visa until December 2011. Do I still need to worry about this new points test or not (before and after July 2011)? I am still going to use the old point test, aren't I? Cheer, thanks heaps.

[Jag Khairra]

freakz,

 

You are under transitional arrangements. So you can lodge 885/886 until 31/12/2012.

[Kokki]

Someone pls answer;

 

Has anyone noticed that in the new point system it says: "all applicants must nominate an occupation from the new list." Does that mean only a handful of occupations will be accepted at all? What about getting 65 points but have a different occupation, what happens in that case?

[Guest foha2012]

Gill,

 

IELTS is difficult.. trust me!. When I took the test, many ladies were crying because they didn't do well !.

 

I had to practice for 1 month 4 hours everyday to get 7.5 (7 in each).

 

I don't think I can do an 8!. But if it comes to it, I will definitely give it a shot.

 

I think the new points system favors native english speakers.

 

Cheers,

 

TAA

[Lenore]

Gill,

 

IELTS is difficult.. trust me!. When I took the test, many ladies were crying because they didn't do well !.

 

I had to practice for 1 month 4 hours everyday to get 7.5 (7 in each).

 

I don't think I can do an 8!. But if it comes to it, I will definitely give it a shot.

 

I think the new points system favors native english speakers.

 

Cheers,

 

TAA

 

I think it's an individual thing, I wouldn't scare people about IELTS.

I am not a native English speaker and I managed to get overall 8.5, but I met an Irish girl who was making third attempt to get over 6.0.

You just need to check about HOW to take IELTS exam, and stay calm, because the time is very limited, eg for wriiting. There are plenty of sites with good tips.

Don't give up

 

 

I have a question: can English native speakers still take IELTS to make some more points? At the moment they don't get any points for "being" a native speaker, right?

[cjdrum]

Lenora, yes, I'd go as far as to say most native speakers will have to take ielts to get sufficient points

[gr8leo87]

Hi Mary

 

I have a question for you, please. You are in South Africa and most of your clients are South African. How difficult will it be for them to get IELTS 8?

 

I've never done an IELTS but I am told that it is not easy, even for somebody who is a native English speaker, because the English used in the IELTS is not the ordinary sort of English that an English person would use in his/her local supermarket, pub or church. From what I have heard, it is the usual rubbish dreamt up by the British Council - ie the sort of "Ebglish" that doesn't actually test anything except whether or not one has discovered the knack for passing the IELTS.

 

To prove my point, there is now ample evidence to show that many British tradesmen are actually dyslexic. They are very good with their hands but when it comes to reading, writing, grammar and spelling they get the words muddled up.

 

I've also been told that even the Speaking module floored one of them. The candidate, a British Brickie, was told to discuss how his local library helped his local community. He didn't have a clue. Asking him how his local pub helped his local community would probably have kept him going, in fluent English, for at least 30 minutes! However he had never set foot in his local library.....

 

This sort of thing is not a genuine test of somebody's linguistic abilities, it seems to me.

 

I suspect that the IELTS is an end in itself, not a legitimate tool for demonstrating that somebody has learned to speak English adequately. So how much of a barrier is IELTS 8 likely to be, do you think?

 

Many thanks

 

Gill

True that!! I was given a topic to talk about a book that I have read and characteristics and what I liked about the book.

 

I didn't know what to say..cuz I never read a book except for the usual text books in my studies

[annever]

Hello MOTO.

 

As per my above post, I believe family sponsored subclass 176 visa applications can be lodged before 01/07/2011.

 

Best regards.

 

 

Dear Alan,

 

Do you think it still make sense to lodge an application for a 176 family sponsored application? Given that this subclass won't exist anymore as from July next year, don't you think that the risk to see our application ending in a low priority category that will never be processed is big?

 

Thanks.