Changes to the Skilled Migration Program for 2009 and establishing ‘Critical Skills List’(CSL)
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, has announced a number of measures that will ensure the 2008-09 Skilled Migration Program is better targeted and more responsive to the changing needs of the economy.
The key change is Australian Government established a new Critical Skills List (CSL). The CSL will only apply to people who are seeking to migrate under the skilled migration program who are not sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state or territory government.
The following outlines key information about the CSL:
<!— – The list was developed in consultation with State and Territory governments and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). It is focused on building trades, information technology professionals, engineers and medical professionals
<!— – the CSL is a smaller list of occupations developed in consultation with state and territory governments
<!– – applications from people nominating the occupation of Accountant will receive processing priority only if they have completed the skilled migration internship program – accounting (SMIPA); and/or they have demonstrated that they have proficient English language skills under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS 7) in the past two (2) years
<!– – under these arrangements, graduating overseas students who meet the requirements for either a temporary or permanent skilled migration visa will still be able to apply while onshore
<!– – this list will be subject to ongoing review in consultation with state and territory governments, industry and unions to ensure that it remains responsive to skill demands.
The main aim is to meet critical skill shortages in State/Territory jurisdictions. This change will provide State and Territory governments greater scope to meet critical skill shortages in their jurisdiction.
Under current arrangements, State and Territory governments can sponsor a restricted range of occupations, in areas where they consider a skills shortage exists in their jurisdiction:
<!– – jurisdictions have been provided with an expanded baseline list of occupations which will be reviewed regularly
<!– – in addition, State and Territory governments have been offered a quota of 500 places in 2008-09 to sponsor skilled migrants in occupations beyond their existing lists of eligible occupations.
<!– – In addition, recent graduate overseas students who meet temporary or permanent skilled migration requirements still also can apply while onshore
<!– – The new list below will be subject to labour needs review with occupations added/removed
Migration occupation shortages in the critical skills list nominated by a suitably qualified applicant from January 01, 2009 are:
<!– Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Avionics
<!– Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Mechanical
<!– Anaesthetist
<!– Bricklayer
<!– Cabinetmaker
<!– Carpenter
<!–Carpenter and Joiner (various)
<!–Dentist
<!–Electrician (general)
<!–Electrician (special class)
<!–Electronic Equipment Trades
<!–Emergency Medicine Specialist
<!–Engineer – Chemical
<!–Engineer – Civil
<!–Engineer – Electrical
<!–Engineer – Electronics
<!–Engineer – Mechanical
<!–Engineer – Mining
<!–Engineer – Production or Plant Engineer
<!–Fibrous Plasterer
<!–Gasfitter
<!–General Medical Practitioner
<!–Medical Diagnostic Radiographer
<!–Metal Fabricator, Boilermaker
<!–Metal Fitter
<!–Metal Machinist
<!–Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
<!–Occupational Therapist
<!–Pharmacist (Hospital)
<!–Pharmacist (Retail)
<!–Physiotherapist
<!–Plumber (general)
<!–Podiatrist
<!–Psychiatrist
<!–Quantity Surveyor
<!–Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic
<!–Registered Mental Health Nurse
<!–Registered Midwife
<!–Registered Nurse
<!–Secondary School Teacher
<!–Solid Plasterer
<!–Specialist Medical Practitioners NEC
<!–Specialist Physician
<!–Surgeon
<!–Surveyor
<!–Toolmaker
<!–Urban & Regional Planner
<!–Wall and Floor Tiler
<!–Welder
<!–Motor Mechanic
<!–Speech Pathologist
<!–Sonographer
<!–Ophthalmologist
<!–Paediatrician
<!–Pathologist
<!–Radiologist
<!–Accountant – where an applicant has achieved a score of at least IELTS 7 in each of the four competencies, and or has completed The Professional Year
<!–Computing Professionals – where an applicant’s specialisation is listed on the Migration on Demand List
If you need which courses provide qualification for these occupations or if you would like to apply for Australian visa contact to us.
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