George Lombard Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 This just in from the ASPC today: I am wanting to decrease the time taken from allocation of a GSM visa application to a case officer and finalisation of the application. To help achieve this, we would like to invite some applicants who do not yet have case officers allocated but are expected to have case officers allocated in coming months to commence obtaining and providing standard documentation that may not have been provided with their application or has expired. Attached is a notice which provides details of which applicants we would suggest "front end load" their applications in this way. Similar information will be included in the next update to the auto response from gsm.processing@immi.gov.au , which provides details of what applications have been allocated to case officers. please circulate to MIA Members. This is not a request for information and in any cases where this information is not provided prior to allocation, the case officer will take this up after allocation. Similarly any questions regarding such applications should wait until a case officer is allocated and contacts the agent / applicant. Agents / applicants who upload or email documents in response to the invitation should not separately advise GSM of this as this does not impact on the date cases are allocated. You will note in the invitation we suggest only clients from low risk countries proceed with "front end loading", however, you may on the basis of your experience choose to also do this for applicants outside of those we have suggested. The following text explains who should be front-end loading now: Health & Character Clearances for GSM Applications PRIORITY GROUP 2 (STATE MIGRATION PLAN) All applicants who meet the following eligibility criteria (Points 1 & 2 below) are invited to proceed to obtain health and character clearances now. 1. The application was lodged under one of the following visa subclasses: • Skilled – Independent (Migrant) visa (subclass 175) pre 1/7/2010, • Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176), • Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 475), • Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional)visa (subclass 487), • Skilled - Independent (Residence) visa (subclass 885) pre 1/7/2010, or • Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (subclass 886), AND 2. A case officer has not yet contacted you about the application. PRIORITY GROUP 3 APPLICANTS All applicants who meet the following eligibility criteria (Points 3 & 4 below) are invited to proceed to obtain health and character clearances now. 3. The application was lodged under one of the following visa subclasses between 15 January 2009 and 30 June 2010: • Skilled – Independent (Migrant) visa (subclass 175), • Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176), or • Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 475) , OR The application was lodged under one of the following visa subclasses between 6 November 2009 and 30 September 2010: • Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional)visa (subclass 487), • Skilled - Independent (Residence) visa (subclass 885), or • Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (subclass 886), AND 4. A case officer has not yet contacted you about the application. Priority Group 2 and Priority Group 3 applicants who meet all respective eligibility criteria may choose to initiate health and character clearances ahead of their application being assigned to a case officer for consideration and a formal request for these being made. Under the current priority processing arrangements it is likely that most applications above will be considered by a case officer within the validity period of medical and character clearances, should these clearances be undertaken now. When providing these clearances, Form 80: Personal particulars for character assessment (http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/80.pdf'>http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/80.pdf), should also be submitted. In addition, if an applicant has not already done so they should also update the Department on any change to their circumstances. To do so see information below: Change in circumstances All other Priority Group 3 and Priority Group 4 applicants should not yet provide health and character clearances. Applicants not from a ‘low risk’ country It is important to recognise that all applications are considered on their individual characteristics. As such, processing timeframes will vary in regards to whether an application is considered to be ‘low risk’ or ‘high risk’. Applicable clearances, forms or related information may be necessary and will be formally requested by a case officer on a case-by-case basis once an application has been considered. In our experience, processing of an application after allocation to a case officer may be lengthy (greater than 6 months) for people who are nationals of, or have resided for more than 12 months in, a ‘high risk’ country. We would strongly encourage these clients to wait until a formal request for these clearances is made by a case officer. By doing so, additional costs for replacement health and character clearances may be prevented. ‘High risk’ countries are those which are not included in either of these lists: • http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/evisitor/eligibility.htm,'>http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/evisitor/eligibility.htm, and • http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/976/eligibility.htm.'>http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/976/eligibility.htm. Priority 3 applications not in this date range Applications lodged outside of this date range should not yet proceed with health and character clearances. In this case applicants can periodically check the GSM Processing Update by emailing gsm.processing@immi.gov.au as the date ranges for each visa subclass will change. Benefit of providing Health and Character clearances now Initiating all necessary health and character clearances now is likely to enable an application to be considered in a quicker timeframe once it is allocated to a case officer. It may mean that a decision can be made when first considered, without a case officer needing to request any further documentation, as considerable delays can be encountered in requesting and receiving information. It is important to understand that providing these clearances does not guarantee immediate processing of an application. Applications will continue to be processed in line with the priority processing arrangements outlined below. In undertaking these clearances now, an applicant should be mindful that processing arrangements may change over time and that any such changes may impact on the validity of a clearance and the order of assessment of applications. An applicant may be required to repeat a clearance at their cost in the event of a change to the current application allocation arrangements. Priority Processing Arrangements Applications are being processed according to the prioritisation arrangements set by the Minister. Applicants whose applications have a nominated occupation that appears on an active State Migration Plans – Priority Group 2 are being processed ahead of all Priority Group 3 applications, and Priority Group 3 applications are being processed ahead of Priority Group 4 applications. Once all Priority Group 2 applications have been allocated, Priority Group 3 applications will continue to be allocated for consideration in date of lodgement order. This process will be repeated for Priority Group 4 applications in due time. To determine which priority group your application falls into please read the information on the department’s website at: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/updated-priority-processingarrangements.'>http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/updated-priority-processingarrangements. htm As mentioned, changes may be made to priority processing arrangements over time and in such circumstances processing timeframes may vary. Information on changes to processing arrangements will be available at http://www.immi.gov.au and by sending a blank email to gsm.processing@immi.gov.au. Validity of Health and Character clearances Priority Group 2 and Priority Group 3 applicants who meet the abovementioned criteria may choose to initiate new clearances given the likelihood of their application being considered in coming months. All other applicants should not yet proceed to obtain new clearances. Rather, Migration Agents and applicants should monitor this advice until such time as the relevant date range for lodgement of an application is specified. Applicants who choose to disregard this advice risk needing to repeat these clearances. Priority Group 4 applicants The Department is not yet in a position to advise when Priority Group 4 applications are likely to be considered, other than that this is likely to occur in the 2011-2012 Migration Program Year and after all Priority Group 2 and Priority Group 3 applications have been considered. As such, all Priority Group 4 applicants should not yet undertake health and character clearances. Priority Group 4 applicants are encouraged to periodically check the General Skilled Migration (GSM) Processing Update by emailing gsm.processing@immi.gov.au as the date ranges for each visa subclass and Priority Group will change over time. Change in circumstances If the circumstances of any family members or dependents have changed since lodgement of an application and DIAC is yet to be notified, completion of the relevant form(s) is required. See http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/visa-enquiries/change.htm eVisa applicants should upload any relevant documentation concerning the change of circumstance (eg birth or marriage certificate) to the web-browser. Paper visa applicants should email gsm.documents@immi.gov.au with the relevant form(s) and supporting documentation. Questions Please note that specific guidance on whether or not an applicant should obtain these clearances now can only be provided once the application is allocated to a case officer for consideration, as a detailed assessment is required. Cheers, George Lombard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Lombard Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 Some of the formatting in the long statement above has been lost so attaching it here. Cheers, George Lombard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kellyjamie Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 OOOOH thanks George so exciting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malkitek Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Thanks George, We were trying to decide if we should front losd, and now decision made! Gill :biggrin: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Manj Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 What about pre Sep 2009 applicants....they have'nt mentioned 885's before Nov 2009...does it mean despite moved to cat 3 from 4 (2231-79 bungle we are still in Limbo!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest VickyMel Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Thanks George - very useful information. My worry with this would be whether DIAC are going to continue with all applications that fall under these categories. We saw in 2009 when the government changed the priorities that even people asked by a CO to get Meds and PCCs were just dumped (hopefully they will not do that again). We know that the Meds and PCCs only have a years validity, and we know there are quotas for the year 2010-2011 but do not know how close to reaching those quotas DIAC may be. Plus the potential for the new points system to adjust the priorities around in July? Hopefully DIAC have looked carefully at the numbers and are pretty certain that the priorities mentioned will be processed within a reasonable timeframe which is great news. Thanks George VickyMel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MICK2009 Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Thanks George. Are they going to process applications according to "low risk" and "high risk" countries? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest yorkspud Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Hi george great news ,i hope you have let the ones in your stable know of this we are over the moon .:biggrin::rolleyes::laugh::hug::hug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Violet S Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Hi George, Thanks for the update. How about those applicants who are pregnant now? Do you recommend to frontload their document too? Thanks. Violet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prussu Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Thanks George I'm not from low risk country and so should i do my meds and PCC? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mirob Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 What about pre Sep 2009 applicants....they have'nt mentioned 885's before Nov 2009...does it mean despite moved to cat 3 from 4 (2231-79 bungle we are still in Limbo!!! I'd like to know that as well ... Though, in another document (link) it says that: Applications not in this date range: If your application was lodged after the specified date range you should not yet proceed to undertake your health and character clearances. It does not mention pre Nov 2009 applications at all, so perhaps it's suitable for us, who knows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
User Name Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Another form of queue jumping. Whichever clown from DIAC comes up with these should be shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest yorkspud Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 user name bet your glass is always half empty never half full Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHANO7 Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Finally a very very very small glimmer for Cat 4. At least now there is a statement statinh when they MIGHT get looked at !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos fandango Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Just to give a bit of info........I have been waiting for a week now for my Police checks application to just be put onto their system....and they are quoting ((approx)) 10 days after that......now that DIAC have opened the flood gates I can imagine you wont soon be able to get a medical or PCC's this side of July..................................................... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
User Name Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 user name bet your glass is always half empty never half full Yeah whatever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
User Name Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 IMMIGRATION NEWS Volume 189 Processing Updates from DIAC for GSM Visas 10th February 2011 Dear Students, Welcome to the latest edition of IMMIGRATION NEWS and to the new subscribers. This free service is brought to you by Australian Immigration Law Services. You can subscribe by using the link below or by visiting our web site. Today we bring you the latest information supplied to migration agents by DIAC regarding processing arrangements for GSM Skilled Migration applications still waiting to be processed. DIAC seems to be moving away from the crazy notion of the past of introducing a capping and ceasing to old GSM files so there is hope yet that sometime next financial year the Priority Group 4's will have their applications assessed. Health & Character Clearances for GSM Applications PRIORITY GROUP 2 (STATE MIGRATION PLAN) All applicants who meet the following eligibility criteria (Points 1 & 2 below) are invited to proceed to obtain health and character clearances now. 1. The application was lodged under one of the following visa subclasses: • Skilled – Independent (Migrant) visa (subclass 175) pre 1/7/2010, • Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176), • Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 475), • Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional)visa (subclass 487), • Skilled - Independent (Residence) visa (subclass 885) pre 1/7/2010, or • Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (subclass 886), AND 2. A case officer has not yet contacted you about the application. PRIORITY GROUP 3 APPLICANTS All applicants who meet the following eligibility criteria (Points 3 & 4 below) are invited to proceed to obtain health and character clearances now. 3. The application was lodged under one of the following visa subclasses between 15 January 2009 and 30 June 2010: • Skilled – Independent (Migrant) visa (subclass 175), • Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176), or • Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 475) , OR The application was lodged under one of the following visa subclasses between 6 November 2009 and 30 September 2010: • Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional)visa (subclass 487), • Skilled - Independent (Residence) visa (subclass 885), or • Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (subclass 886), AND 4. A case officer has not yet contacted you about the application. Priority Group 2 and Priority Group 3 applicants who meet all respective eligibility criteria may choose to initiate health and character clearances ahead of their application being assigned to a case officer for consideration and a formal request for these being made. Under the current priority processing arrangements it is likely that most applications above will be considered by a case officer within the validity period of medical and character clearances, should these clearances be undertaken now. When providing these clearances, Form 80: Personal particulars for character assessment (http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/80.pdf), should also be submitted. In addition, if an applicant has not already done so they should also update the Department on any change to their circumstances. To do so see information below: Change in circumstances All other Priority Group 3 and Priority Group 4 applicants should not yet provide health and character clearances. Applicants not from a ‘low risk’ country It is important to recognise that all applications are considered on their individual characteristics. As such, processing timeframes will vary in regards to whether an application is considered to be ‘low risk’ or ‘high risk’. Applicable clearances, forms or related information may be necessary and will be formally requested by a case officer on a case-by-case basis once an application has been considered. In our experience, processing of an application after allocation to a case officer may be lengthy (greater than 6 months) for people who are nationals of, or have resided for more than 12 months in, a ‘high risk’ country. We would strongly encourage these clients to wait until a formal request for these clearances is made by a case officer. By doing so, additional costs for replacement health and character clearances may be prevented. ‘High risk’ countries are those which are not included in either of these lists: • eVisitor, and • ETA (Visitor) (Subclass 976). Priority 3 applications not in this date range Applications lodged outside of this date range should not yet proceed with health and character clearances. In this case applicants can periodically check the GSM Processing Update by emailing gsm.processing@immi.gov.au as the date ranges for each visa subclass will change. Benefit of providing Health and Character clearances now Initiating all necessary health and character clearances now is likely to enable an application to be considered in a quicker timeframe once it is allocated to a case officer. It may mean that a decision can be made when first considered, without a case officer needing to request any further documentation, as considerable delays can be encountered in requesting and receiving information. It is important to understand that providing these clearances does not guarantee immediate processing of an application. Applications will continue to be processed in line with the priority processing arrangements outlined below. In undertaking these clearances now, an applicant should be mindful that processing arrangements may change over time and that any such changes may impact on the validity of a clearance and the order of assessment of applications. An applicant may be required to repeat a clearance at their cost in the event of a change to the current application allocation arrangements. Priority Processing Arrangements Applications are being processed according to the prioritisation arrangements set by the Minister. Applicants whose applications have a nominated occupation that appears on an active State Migration Plans – Priority Group 2 are being processed ahead of all Priority Group 3 applications, and Priority Group 3 applications are being processed ahead of Priority Group 4 applications. Once all Priority Group 2 applications have been allocated, Priority Group 3 applications will continue to be allocated for consideration in date of lodgement order. This process will be repeated for Priority Group 4 applications in due time. To determine which priority group your application falls into please read the information on the department’s website at: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/updated-priority-processingarrangements. htm As mentioned, changes may be made to priority processing arrangements over time and in such circumstances processing timeframes may vary. Information on changes to processing arrangements will be available at www.immi.gov.au and by sending a blank email to gsm.processing@immi.gov.au. Validity of Health and Character clearances Priority Group 2 and Priority Group 3 applicants who meet the abovementioned criteria may choose to initiate new clearances given the likelihood of their application being considered in coming months. All other applicants should not yet proceed to obtain new clearances. Rather, Migration Agents and applicants should monitor this advice until such time as the relevant date range for lodgement of an application is specified. Applicants who choose to disregard this advice risk needing to repeat these clearances. Priority Group 4 applicants The Department is not yet in a position to advise when Priority Group 4 applications are likely to be considered, other than that this is likely to occur in the 2011-2012 Migration Program Year and after all Priority Group 2 and Priority Group 3 applications have been considered. As such, all Priority Group 4 applicants should not yet undertake health and character clearances. Priority Group 4 applicants are encouraged to periodically check the General Skilled Migration (GSM) Processing Update by emailing gsm.processing@immi.gov.au as the date ranges for each visa subclass and Priority Group will change over time. Change in circumstances If the circumstances of any family members or dependents have changed since lodgement of an application and DIAC is yet to be notified, completion of the relevant form(s) is required. See Contact Us - Department of Immigration and Citizenship eVisa applicants should upload any relevant documentation concerning the change of circumstance (eg birth or marriage certificate) to the web-browser. Paper visa applicants should email gsm.documents@immi.gov.au with the relevant form(s) and supporting documentation. Questions Please note that specific guidance on whether or not an applicant should obtain these clearances now can only be provided once the application is allocated to a case officer for consideration, as a detailed assessment is required. Subscription to IMMIGRATION NEWS? If you haven't subscribed yet to IMMIGRATION NEWS but would like to join the other 8500+ recipients, send us an e-mail, subscribe@australiavisa.com Make your comments for all to read, comments@australiavisa.com Although I've been busy with all these changes lately I will get around to printing them. I promise that even if you don't like what I write I will print your reply. Please limit them to 200 words and they cannot be questions regarding migration regulations or points test requirements. Getting sick of them? unsubscribe@australiavisa.com Kind regards Karl Konrad Managing Director Australian Immigration Law Services Publishers of IMMIGRATION NEWS MARN: 9904238 Australian Immigration Law Services t: 61 2 92791991 | f: 61 2 9279 1994 e: sydney@australiavisa.com | w: www.australiavisa.com Level 13 37 York Street Sydney NSW 2000 Disclaimer and Copyright IMMIGRATION NEWS is intended to provide general information on migration issues and does not constitute legal advice and no responsibility is accepted by Australian Immigration Law Services (AILS) for the accuracy of material appearing in IMMIGRATION NEWS. People seeking advice on migration law should seek advice from a registered migration agent. The copyright of IMMIGRATION NEWS belongs to Australian Immigration Law Services (AILS) and no part of IMMIGRATION NEWS is to be reproduced by any means without the written consent of AILS. Australian Immigration Law Services is a trading name licensed to AILS INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD 10022011KK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie2010 Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Thank you , it seems DIAC are makeing steps to reduce the backlog with sensible solutions...fingers crossed those of us who applied on a 175 in Dec 2010 will be asked to front load in a few months!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lobsters Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Does this apply to those who are waiting for the NSW SMP? I'm sure my occupation is included on their list of 138 occupations. The big question is: WHEN IS THE NWS SMP GOING TO BE RELEASED??? It's awful knowing I'm category 2 but have to watch from the sidelines while all other category 2 visa applications are being processed. :mad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mirob Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 This just in from the ASPC today: Priority 3 applications not in this date range Applications lodged outside of this date range should not yet proceed with health and character clearances. George, where did this difference come from? Your message: Applications lodged outside of this date range should not yet proceed with health and character clearances. Email from DIAC: If your application was lodged after the specified date range you should not yet proceed to undertake your health and character clearances. There are a lot of pre Nov 6th 2009 applicants who are curious about this, including myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Lowbie Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 This does sound like good news and that things are moving We have a 175 lodged in Dec 2009, so are lucky enough to fall into the category for front-end loading meds, PCCs etc, but we have an agent who is still suggesting that we don't do it! Is anyone else using an agent that advising against front-end loading She says it could all change again in a few months and we may be stuck with out of date meds this time next year - that doesnt seem to be the vibe I'm getting from the information being released from DIAC Surely by now they want to crack on as much as possible and clear the backlog for their own sake, as much as anyone elses Hmmmm confused! :unsure: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mirob Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 There's an updated charter at DIAC's website - Client Service Charter For onshore 885/886 Cat 3: Applications lodged before 1 July 2010: finalised by 1 July 2011. For offshore 175/176 Cat 3: Applications lodged prior to 1 July 2010: finalised by 31 December 2011. This is really good news everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PissLUR Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 There's an updated charter at DIAC's website - Client Service Charter For onshore 885/886 Cat 3: Applications lodged before 1 July 2010: finalised by 1 July 2011. For offshore 175/176 Cat 3: Applications lodged prior to 1 July 2010: finalised by 31 December 2011. This is really good news everyone! where did you get that mirob? couldnt find it on the website Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mirob Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 where did you get that mirob?couldnt find it on the website sorry, apparently this is from October 2010. A friend of mine sent it to me via msn. it seems to be the latest charter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Collett Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 This does sound like good news and that things are moving We have a 175 lodged in Dec 2009, so are lucky enough to fall into the category for front-end loading meds, PCCs etc, but we have an agent who is still suggesting that we don't do it! Is anyone else using an agent that advising against front-end loading She says it could all change again in a few months and we may be stuck with out of date meds this time next year - that doesnt seem to be the vibe I'm getting from the information being released from DIAC Surely by now they want to crack on as much as possible and clear the backlog for their own sake, as much as anyone elses Hmmmm confused! :unsure: Would you be happy if the Minister changed processing priorities again, and you find you have to incur the cost of medicals again? While I think it is improbable we will see changes of the type introduced in the last couple of years the Department of Immigration has created significant uncertainties. I'd be cautious about obtaining meds. Police clearance certificates maybe (they cost a lot less), but please be aware of the risks if you nevertheless decide to progress medical examinations. Best regards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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