Guest garynhelen Posted April 14, 2011 Share Posted April 14, 2011 After reading the processing Times guidlines posted on DIAC website http://www.immi.gov.au/about/charters/client-services-charter/visas/8.0.htm#a Assessment of cases will commence once all cases in priority groups 1–3 are finalised. How on earth will they ever get round to category 4's? Surly there will be a constant flow of new cat 1 - 3's that will have to be processed ahead of us in cat. 4? Can anyone shed any light on this? It certainly looks very grim! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Collett Posted April 14, 2011 Share Posted April 14, 2011 Have you considered trying to source an employer who would sponsor you, ideally for permanent residency? An employer sponsored visa under the ENS or RSMS could progress on a Visa Application Charge free basis: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/ens/fee-free-visa-apps.htm Best regards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest garynhelen Posted April 14, 2011 Share Posted April 14, 2011 Thanks for that Alan, but it doesn't really answer my question. We are not in a hurry to get a visa, just need to know if we will get one some time in the next three years or so. There just seems to be no clarity on this. If it is impossible to process category 4's due to the fact that there will always be new applicants entering categories 1-3, then we should be told up front and given a refund, instead of keeping our money paid in good faith at a time when the processing guild lines for our visa was given as 12-18 months! (June 2009) (I'm about the start Theatre nurse training (3 year course) so that when we get a visa, I will hopefully be more employable when/if we get to OZ.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Collett Posted April 14, 2011 Share Posted April 14, 2011 Category 4 applicants are faced with the reality that their applications may well take many years to be processed. Agreed that this is a change in expectations from the situation when the application was lodged - this argument has been discussed (almost) to exhaustion on the PiO forum. Best regards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Collett Posted April 14, 2011 Share Posted April 14, 2011 PS. The fact that you are not in a hurry to secure your visa means that DIAC would seem to be handling your application with the appropriate level of urgency. There are many applicants who seek out employers to sponsor them under the ENS and RSMS, and there are many employers in Australia who are filling their skilled vacancies through sponsorship. To be relatively blunt (and I mean no offence in saying this), if you are unwilling to introduce some urgency into the migration process you will find that others will always secure visas that are available if you were to grasp the proverbial nettle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musmanasghar Posted April 14, 2011 Share Posted April 14, 2011 PS. The fact that you are not in a hurry to secure your visa means that DIAC would seem to be handling your application with the appropriate level of urgency. There are many applicants who seek out employers to sponsor them under the ENS and RSMS, and there are many employers in Australia who are filling their skilled vacancies through sponsorship. To be relatively blunt (and I mean no offence in saying this), if you are unwilling to introduce some urgency into the migration process you will find that others will always secure visas that are available if you were to grasp the proverbial nettle. Dear Alan If some one from CAT-4 is unable to get his place under RSMS or ENS then what other options he got ... Like one of my friend is CAT-4, 2231-11 Family sponsored (475) applied in 2008.. what will be his chances? .... my thinking is he should go for New SKILL ASSESSMENT from ACS with new Closely related Occupation included in SOL-3 ... what u say? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
virtual_bajwa Posted April 14, 2011 Share Posted April 14, 2011 Category 4 applicants are faced with the reality that their applications may well take many years to be processed. Agreed that this is a change in expectations from the situation when the application was lodged - this argument has been discussed (almost) to exhaustion on the PiO forum. Best regards. But for how long? I am already waiting since last 4 years? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taniaholmes Posted April 14, 2011 Share Posted April 14, 2011 Category 4 applicants are faced with the reality that their applications may well take many years to be processed. Agreed that this is a change in expectations from the situation when the application was lodged - this argument has been discussed (almost) to exhaustion on the PiO forum. Best regards. How can you say that this may take many years when this in red below is the priority process update and my Agent also has confirmed that Cat 4 will probably looked at this year, and we can see that their isn't many in Cat 3 so gives Cat 4 hope!!! until you say that we are faced waiting many years so who do we listen to. Regards Tania 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taniaholmes Posted April 14, 2011 Share Posted April 14, 2011 Thanks for that Alan, but it doesn't really answer my question. We are not in a hurry to get a visa, just need to know if we will get one some time in the next three years or so. There just seems to be no clarity on this. If it is impossible to process category 4's due to the fact that there will always be new applicants entering categories 1-3, then we should be told up front and given a refund, instead of keeping our money paid in good faith at a time when the processing guild lines for our visa was given as 12-18 months! (June 2009) (I'm about the start Theatre nurse training (3 year course) so that when we get a visa, I will hopefully be more employable when/if we get to OZ.) Hi garynhelen, Don't give up hope yet, below is from the priority process update and as you can see that it say they are likely to look at cat 4 in the new financial year also to remember Cat 3 are being cleared at fast speed and with the new points test being introduced this has also been said that this could also effect the number of people trying to apply for a visa as its a lot harder, I have read on this forum that not as many visa now in the pipeline as their use to be. Tania 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taniaholmes Posted April 14, 2011 Share Posted April 14, 2011 After reading the processing Times guidlines posted on DIAC website http://www.immi.gov.au/about/charters/client-services-charter/visas/8.0.htm#a Assessment of cases will commence once all cases in priority groups 1–3 are finalised. How on earth will they ever get round to category 4's? Surly there will be a constant flow of new cat 1 - 3's that will have to be processed ahead of us in cat. 4? Can anyone shed any light on this? It certainly looks very grim! Also read the bit in Red Tania DIAC Liaison Meeting – Canberra 10 March 2011 DIAC Attendees_---> Kruno Kukoc, First Assistant Secretary, Migration and Visa Policy Section Joanne McKern, Migration Agents Section Andrew Daly, Migration Agents Section Linda Bone, Migration Agents Section Susan Murray, Deregulation Strategy Section Amanda Pohl ,Assistant Director, Sponsored Skilled Visas Dwayne McMoore, Business Skills Program Mary Miller, Freedom of Information Michael Willard, Independent Skilled Migration Brooke Thomas, 457 Section Elizabeth Carter, Skilled Migration Section Greg Phillipson, Legal Section MIA Attendees Sharon Harris, MIA National President & Qld Branch President Boniface Town, MIA National Vice-President & Vic Branch President Mark Webster, MIA National Treasurer & NSW Branch President Maurene Horder, MIA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Lane. MIA Professional Services Manager Law Council of Australia Maria Jockel Nick Parmenter Office of the MARA Christine Sykes, CEO Stephen Wood, Deputy CEO Temporary Work Visas Discussed visa simplification for work visas There will be further consultations about simplification of temporary work visas. Visitor visas will also be simplified – there will be a paper out in a few weeks. DIAC has put out discussion papers in June and Dec 2010 and will be engaging with organisations, including the MIA, which responded to these. DIAC is not looking at extending eligibility just reducing the number of visas. They will meet with stakeholders in confidence prior to producing legislation. New Short stay activity visa o Will subsume business visitor visa within this subclass o Will most likely be e-lodged o 8112 will be abolished – there will be no work rights on visitor visas. Freedom of Information (FOI) Compliance rate was 40-45% in 2005-06 – this included movement records which are now not part of FOI. There was an ombudsman investigation and as a result changes were made. 2008 task force consisted of 60 staff over 6 months – worked on the backlog of some 3000 applications. Compliance rate now 90%. Centres operating: o NSW o Victoria o Nation Office – media and highly complex/sensitive cases. DIAC is trying to institute a cultural change in relation to FOI and openness – for example encouraging officers to hand over documents during processing (eg movement records, Xmas Island cases, copies of decisions). Investigation/compliance sections tend to be the most difficult – a lot of documents, many of which are sensitive, and there is a culture of resistance. FOI is pushing an “if not, why not?” approach to release of documents. 24 hour processing model being introduced – do as much as possible within 24 hours, including requesting the file, issuing acknowledgement. A case management approach has been introduced – talking with the client about what documents make sense to release – particularly where a very wide range of documents have been requested. Agents should not send $30 with an FOI request – this is no longer required and is troublesome to refund. Agents should make FOI requests as specific as possible. Where a client requests “everything” DIAC will send a standard letter back asking for a more specific request. Business Skills Program A discussion paper for review of Business Skills has been issued – 33 responses currently being reviewed. No policy position within DIAC has been formulated yet. The MIA’s submission was discussed. The MIA requested that DIAC provide more statistical information to allow for more informed submissions to be made. The feeling at DIAC is that a 2-stage process is preferable to granting PR then monitoring. Business training: DIAC acknowledges that there is a weakness in skills of case officers. Accountants have been hired at Adelaide and Perth to address these weaknesses. ENS/RSMS PAM for ENS is due to be rewritten, even after 2 April changes. ENS Review is at the gathering evidence stage. Discussion paper will be issued. Looking at “aligning” 457 and ENS – removing red tape for the transition, including looking at English, sponsorship approval . RSMS: DIAC is of the opinion that this delivers for regional business. Skilled Occupations List Skills Australia reviewed the SOL in October 2010. Refer to Skills Australia website for which occupations might be removed as they have an occupation by occupation analysis. New list should be announced in May 2011, to take effect from 1/7/11. If an applicant has lodged and occupation is removed from SOL then they will still be eligible, but will lose priority processing. DIAC is looking at changing regs to facilitate this. There are now fewer applications being lodged than available places in the program, and DIAC anticipates processing priority level 4 in the coming year. 457 457 Occupations List was recently changed – these were as a result of the ASCO -> ANZSCO shift. Occupations removed had dropped in terms of skill level. Occupations added had increased in skill level. WTO considerations require that most occupations at skill level 1-3 be included, and also keen not to disadvantage employers. DIAC analysed activity in the occupations removed – all had less than 10 applications lodged. A new 457 booklet has been released – seeking to make it clearer for employers Significant increase in demand this year. Priority processing for flood reconstruction – so far only 9 approvals. There have been delays due to sponsors needing to get documentation together. No update on new training benchmarks being introduced. No update on e-lodgement for overseas sponsors or centralised processing. National Resources Sector Task force Recommendations of task force included: o Improving information & support o Expedited visa processing o Enterprise Resource Agreements for large projects. The ERAs will involve a head agreement under which contractors can access labour agreements “off the shelf”. For labour agreements, 2/3 of these are now signed off within the department rather than needing to go to the Minister. Significant increase in approvals of LAs. OMARA Code of Conduct There will be changes to the Code of Conduct in Mid August – these will be minor in nature, and will be to clarify the requirements. Major ones are being discussed – there will be consultation before these are introduced. A tender has been issued for developing an ethics framework – this will result in an ethics statement and methodology to be used in an ethics “refresher course” which will need to be undertaken by existing agents. PAM3 updates The MIA raised the matter of delays in policy being updated in LEGENDcom. The Department to see if it is possible for any updates case officers may get before LEGENDcom is updated to be provided to the MIA. Case officers bypassing registered migration agents The Department has agreed to issue instructions to case officers, especially in certain overseas posts, that appointed registered migration agents should not be bypassed. Adherence to law The MIA brought to DIAC’s attention instances where some case officers appear to be failing to follow the law correctly because they are applying policy rather than the law. This is to be the subject of further discussions between the MIA and DIAC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Collett Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 How can you say that this may take many years when this in red below is the priority process update and my Agent also has confirmed that Cat 4 will probably looked at this year, and we can see that their isn't many in Cat 3 so gives Cat 4 hope!!! until you say that we are faced waiting many years so who do we listen to.Regards Tania 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. Hello Tania. With Australian employers using 457 visas to fill skills shortages and sponsored employees eligible for ENS permanent residency visas after two years working on a 457 visa I would contend that the prospects for early visa grant for those applying for a GSM visa in priority category 4 are not great. My understanding - and I say this after attending a seminar in Melbourne this week where a well informed DIAC representative involved with ENS and RSMS was present - is that the Department sees employer sponsored visas as a win for the country in a way that GSM has often failed, namely the employment of skilled migrants in skilled positions paying tax in Australia from the day they arrive in the country. It seems to me that DIAC is being told by Skills Australia and the State Governments that those with occupations in priority category 4 are not in high demand. It is from that perspective that I make my comments. Yes, some cat 4 applicants may well be processed in the 2011/12 program year, but I will be surprised - and pleased for those who are waiting patiently - if large numbers of cat 4 applicants achieve visa outcomes in the next 15 months. My recommendation for those with occupations in cat 4 is therefore to get yourselves to Australia and find an employer to sponsor you. Or be prepared to wait while others jump ahead of you in the processing queue. Best regards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xenos1987 Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 Hey guys, The other main thing we have to realize is how many people are in group 4 and when they lodged their applications. After the new SOL was released last year, there should not be any Cat 4 after that date apart from International students who met the transitional requirements and used/will use them to lodge applications. I dunno what happened to Pre Sept 2007 Onshore applications? Other thing is who lodged online and who lodged a paper based application. Seems like online applications are allocated faster than paper based. Issues with ENS pathway, entry level jobs across various fields are around 40k. I know an Australian citizen who started as a lawyer on 38k. Therefore, good luck to former International students who want to lodge a 457 due to market salary rates. Most businesses require PR before they give you a job. Companies are more likely to give you a job if you know someone already working there or used to work there so networking is the key. My company (a company that has the largest market share in Australia) is having a massive recruitment freeze and so is my partner's due to "GFC" as well as other issues. It is weird because the occupation is on the current SOL and on a number of SMPs. So much for Skills Australia knowing what is happening. I have a feeling Group 4 will be looked at but it may take some years before everyone in this group is looked at. Good luck everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ChittyChargo Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 This is easier said than done finding ENS.You can yes find a ENS but then you say that you would be required to be paid 48k per year well they just laugh at that.DIAC should look at the job and what pay scale these are to which they can then set the salary level. My wife has been in the trade she trained in since the day she qualified 2 1/2years ago,why cant DIAC look at these people who are actually working in the trade they came here to do.I would be sure they would whittle some of the people who did come here to rort the system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Collett Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 The Australian Government is committed to upskilling Australian citizens to fill employment vacancies - and I believe this is well received by the majority of Australians. Any argument that says the salary threshold should be reduced to accommodate non Australians is likely to receive very short shrift - particularly from the present Federal Government and its supporters. It is as well to recognise the politics in which you are seeking a visa. Best regards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xenos1987 Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 Hey ChittyChargo, I empathize with your situation as I am in a similar boat. Why has the government set the market salary rates at 48k for most occupations and around 60k for some? Well my opinion is because of all the $$$ they will earn from taxing these high income earners. Hence most if not all medical specialists and engineers are included in the SOL. Most people in these professions (including tradespeople) can get six figures salary here. The government taxes these people at around 40-45%. Therefore, they would rather have one doctor as opposed to two or three people working in their field earning 40k each. Most Australians do not want a big Australia and I guess this is why the government has also gone down this road. Training Australian people is another story. It takes time (about 15-20 years), a lot of money and effort to become someone who for example is a medical specialist. They would rather import people than wait. There seems to be more overseas trained doctors than locally trained ones in Australia. However, some shortages can be fulfilled by the local population mainly due to the relatively less time it takes to complete studying and commence work. There will be a massive skills shortage in two or three years time due to baby boomers retiring and therefore in my opinion perfect time to look at P4. It's going to be a long journey so hang on tight. I am just waiting to see if the new points test gets implemented, making it harder for a lot of people to apply. I guess we will just have to wait and see. Best wishes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul1Perth Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 You might want to wait until you have finished your course and then re-apply. They are always crying out for nurses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taniaholmes Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 Hello Tania. With Australian employers using 457 visas to fill skills shortages and sponsored employees eligible for ENS permanent residency visas after two years working on a 457 visa I would contend that the prospects for early visa grant for those applying for a GSM visa in priority category 4 are not great. My understanding - and I say this after attending a seminar in Melbourne this week where a well informed DIAC representative involved with ENS and RSMS was present - is that the Department sees employer sponsored visas as a win for the country in a way that GSM has often failed, namely the employment of skilled migrants in skilled positions paying tax in Australia from the day they arrive in the country. It seems to me that DIAC is being told by Skills Australia and the State Governments that those with occupations in priority category 4 are not in high demand. It is from that perspective that I make my comments. Yes, some cat 4 applicants may well be processed in the 2011/12 program year, but I will be surprised - and pleased for those who are waiting patiently - if large numbers of cat 4 applicants achieve visa outcomes in the next 15 months. My recommendation for those with occupations in cat 4 is therefore to get yourselves to Australia and find an employer to sponsor you. Or be prepared to wait while others jump ahead of you in the processing queue. Best regards. Ok so what about these comments below in red when they say their are now fewer applications being lodged Tania DIAC Liaison Meeting – Canberra 10 March 2011 DIAC Attendees_---> Kruno Kukoc, First Assistant Secretary, Migration and Visa Policy Section Joanne McKern, Migration Agents Section Andrew Daly, Migration Agents Section Linda Bone, Migration Agents Section Susan Murray, Deregulation Strategy Section Amanda Pohl ,Assistant Director, Sponsored Skilled Visas Dwayne McMoore, Business Skills Program Mary Miller, Freedom of Information Michael Willard, Independent Skilled Migration Brooke Thomas, 457 Section Elizabeth Carter, Skilled Migration Section Greg Phillipson, Legal Section MIA Attendees Sharon Harris, MIA National President & Qld Branch President Boniface Town, MIA National Vice-President & Vic Branch President Mark Webster, MIA National Treasurer & NSW Branch President Maurene Horder, MIA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Lane. MIA Professional Services Manager Law Council of Australia Maria Jockel Nick Parmenter Office of the MARA Christine Sykes, CEO Stephen Wood, Deputy CEO Temporary Work Visas Discussed visa simplification for work visas There will be further consultations about simplification of temporary work visas. Visitor visas will also be simplified – there will be a paper out in a few weeks. DIAC has put out discussion papers in June and Dec 2010 and will be engaging with organisations, including the MIA, which responded to these. DIAC is not looking at extending eligibility just reducing the number of visas. They will meet with stakeholders in confidence prior to producing legislation. New Short stay activity visa o Will subsume business visitor visa within this subclass o Will most likely be e-lodged o 8112 will be abolished – there will be no work rights on visitor visas. Freedom of Information (FOI) Compliance rate was 40-45% in 2005-06 – this included movement records which are now not part of FOI. There was an ombudsman investigation and as a result changes were made. 2008 task force consisted of 60 staff over 6 months – worked on the backlog of some 3000 applications. Compliance rate now 90%. Centres operating: o NSW o Victoria o Nation Office – media and highly complex/sensitive cases. DIAC is trying to institute a cultural change in relation to FOI and openness – for example encouraging officers to hand over documents during processing (eg movement records, Xmas Island cases, copies of decisions). Investigation/compliance sections tend to be the most difficult – a lot of documents, many of which are sensitive, and there is a culture of resistance. FOI is pushing an “if not, why not?” approach to release of documents. 24 hour processing model being introduced – do as much as possible within 24 hours, including requesting the file, issuing acknowledgement. A case management approach has been introduced – talking with the client about what documents make sense to release – particularly where a very wide range of documents have been requested. Agents should not send $30 with an FOI request – this is no longer required and is troublesome to refund. Agents should make FOI requests as specific as possible. Where a client requests “everything” DIAC will send a standard letter back asking for a more specific request. Business Skills Program A discussion paper for review of Business Skills has been issued – 33 responses currently being reviewed. No policy position within DIAC has been formulated yet. The MIA’s submission was discussed. The MIA requested that DIAC provide more statistical information to allow for more informed submissions to be made. The feeling at DIAC is that a 2-stage process is preferable to granting PR then monitoring. Business training: DIAC acknowledges that there is a weakness in skills of case officers. Accountants have been hired at Adelaide and Perth to address these weaknesses. ENS/RSMS PAM for ENS is due to be rewritten, even after 2 April changes. ENS Review is at the gathering evidence stage. Discussion paper will be issued. Looking at “aligning” 457 and ENS – removing red tape for the transition, including looking at English, sponsorship approval . RSMS: DIAC is of the opinion that this delivers for regional business. Skilled Occupations List Skills Australia reviewed the SOL in October 2010. Refer to Skills Australia website for which occupations might be removed as they have an occupation by occupation analysis. New list should be announced in May 2011, to take effect from 1/7/11. If an applicant has lodged and occupation is removed from SOL then they will still be eligible, but will lose priority processing. DIAC is looking at changing regs to facilitate this. There are now fewer applications being lodged than available places in the program, and DIAC anticipates processing priority level 4 in the coming year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramot Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 I just can't make sense of the whole schedule 4 system. My family member can't be alone still in limbo land because the system was changed after he lodged his application over 2 years ago. Yes he is one of the unpopular ex international students, who stupidly thought when he came here over 5 years ago, that by gaining genuine Australian qualifications, (an accepted and encouraged route to PR then), that he was dealing with an honourable Government!!!! He has top academic qualifications, lodged his 885 application over 2 years ago, as he had the necessary 120 points. On bridging visa A since then, works for a large multinational company earning well over the necessary minimum wage for a 457 visa. On the stupid bridging visa, which was surely only intended as a short term visa originally? he cannot leave the country without applying and paying for bridging visa B, this is quite embarrassing when he has to travel for the company!!!! Has paid taxes since he arrived even as a student. Why is he and others in this position? because like many he is the victim, yes I do mean that, of the retrospective changes made by Evans when he was minister if immigration, and his job was removed from the list after he had applied for PR, and could face the prospect of having to leave the country in 28 days if the Government ever tries to re-intrduce the cap and cease bill, before his application is ever looked at. I really think that the whole immigration system is one big immigration lottery scam, taking I wouldn't like to guess how at much money off hopeful would be immigrants. No-one can disagree with Countries changes their rules for immigration, but to do so retrospectively when they have your money in their hands has to be verging on dishonest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Collett Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 Ok so what about these comments below in red when they say their are now fewer applications being lodgedTania DIAC Liaison Meeting – Canberra 10 March 2011 DIAC Attendees_---> <snip> There are now fewer applications being lodged than available places in the program, and DIAC anticipates processing priority level 4 in the coming year. Tania, * In what way are my comments inconsistent with the comments from the Liaison Meeting please? * If the Department were to process (say) 500 priority category 4 applications in 2011/12 that would mean they have commenced processing cat 4 applications. It would also mean a lot more cat 4 applicants will still be waiting for visas at the end of June 2012. * Over time I'm fairly sure cat 4 applicants will get their visas. But the timescale for a visa decision is a function of unknowns such as the size of the visa program in 2011/12 (this will be announced in the next month), and others who jump ahead in the processing queue. Best regards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rahulpatel1969 Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 Tania, * In what way are my comments inconsistent with the comments from the Liaison Meeting please? * If the Department were to process (say) 500 priority category 4 applications in 2011/12 that would mean they have commenced processing cat 4 applications. It would also mean a lot more cat 4 applicants will still be waiting for visas at the end of June 2012. * Over time I'm fairly sure cat 4 applicants will get their visas. But the timescale for a visa decision is a function of unknowns such as the size of the visa program in 2011/12 (this will be announced in the next month), and others who jump ahead in the processing queue. Best regards. I totally agree with you. They might slowly start processing a few cat 4 applicants but in general i dont think they would be rushing to finish the cat 4. I dont think cat 4 applicants should get their hopes up. By the way I too am a cat 4 applicant who lodged preseptember 2007 for a 496 visa sponsored by a realtive. I dont mean to sound pessimist but we got to be realistic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
virtual_bajwa Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 I totally agree with you. They might slowly start processing a few cat 4 applicants but in general i dont think they would be rushing to finish the cat 4. I dont think cat 4 applicants should get their hopes up. By the way I too am a cat 4 applicant who lodged preseptember 2007 for a 496 visa sponsored by a realtive. I dont mean to sound pessimist but we got to be realistic. Finally some voice of encouragement from u. Nothing wrong in pessimistic. That is why we are still safe. Remember what happened to all the Pre September applicants and we are still in the race, brother. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taniaholmes Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 Tania, * In what way are my comments inconsistent with the comments from the Liaison Meeting please? * If the Department were to process (say) 500 priority category 4 applications in 2011/12 that would mean they have commenced processing cat 4 applications. It would also mean a lot more cat 4 applicants will still be waiting for visas at the end of June 2012. * Over time I'm fairly sure cat 4 applicants will get their visas. But the timescale for a visa decision is a function of unknowns such as the size of the visa program in 2011/12 (this will be announced in the next month), and others who jump ahead in the processing queue. Best regards. This comment below in red that you made saying that will have to wait many years when i have shown you that its said they will start to look at Cat 4 in the new financial year, I lodged my visa in Nov 08 and have been waiting some time now so when i read that its possible to have our application looked at in the new financial year it gives me hope and i like to be a positive!!! person until you then post comments like i will have to wait many years so this goes against what my Agent has said and what i have also read. Regards Tania Category 4 applicants are faced with the reality that their applications may well take many years to be processed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest VickyMel Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 It would be really interesting to get some numbers from DIAC as to the numbers of applicants waiting in each category. Given that there is a quota each year it would be useful to know whether Cat 2 will meet its target quota - applications are flooding in form people getting SS on the new SMP system at the moment and being processed quickly they are pretty up to date. I assume any quota left over will go to the Cat 3 applicants in addition to their own quota allowance. And Cat 3 applicantions are up to 2010 applicants now. I assume that for Cat 4 applicants to be processed that this will rely on their being quota left over that cannot be filled by the other 2 categories - hence it would be great to see the numbers. I am wondering if the new points system is strict (and it does seem as if it is going to be hard for people to get sufficient points) and therefore limits the number of application that will make things more likely for Cat 4 folks to get through the system - hurray. But I also imagine that by the looks of things if it is strict that it will be the tradies who loose out and that DIAC will realise that they really need those skills too and will have to change something somewhere to account for that. But a potential window of opportunity! But the reality is this is pure speculation on my part - I am watching it less than you guys. I think of you guys all the time - I am just so lucky to have been bumped up in the last changes - I really hope it happens soon for all of you. Vickymel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Collett Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 This comment below in red that you made saying that will have to wait many years when i have shown you that its said they will start to look at Cat 4 in the new financial year, I lodged my visa in Nov 08 and have been waiting some time now so when i read that its possible to have our application looked at in the new financial year it gives me hope and i like to be a positive!!! person until you then post comments like i will have to wait many years so this goes against what my Agent has said and what i have also read. Regards Tania Category 4 applicants are faced with the reality that their applications may well take many years to be processed. As you lodged your application in 2008 I suggest my point is well made ...! Stay positive though, Tania - and realistic. Best wishes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rahulpatel1969 Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 This comment below in red that you made saying that will have to wait many years when i have shown you that its said they will start to look at Cat 4 in the new financial year,I lodged my visa in Nov 08 and have been waiting some time now so when i read that its possible to have our application looked at in the new financial year it gives me hope and i like to be a positive!!! person until you then post comments like i will have to wait many years so this goes against what my Agent has said and what i have also read. Regards Tania Category 4 applicants are faced with the reality that their applications may well take many years to be processed. Tania I dont think Alan wishes to demoralise you. He is just being realistic. I am a cat 4 preSeptember 2007 applicant (august 27 2007) and even if they process a few thousand of cat 4 I probably have a good chance of getting a CO but still I feel its not great to get your hopes up. Looking at DIACs track record they are probably planning something real bad for us in the future too. Also remember people have applied for migration to US/Canada and it takes years for them to do so. Possibly the wait could be very long for cat 4. Regards Rahul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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