Changes in Australian migration procedures

Australia has been a favourite destination among Sri Lankans for many years, and to date, the desire among many people to live in Australia remains unchanged. However, it is vital to note the legislative changes and amendments to the procedures when considering application to Australia.

As many migrate under the Skilled Migration umbrella, the newly announced processing guidelines by the Department of Immigration will provide some indication to the current processing regime. From January 1, 2009, there has been an announcement of a special list by the name of Critical Skills List (CSL). In the Australian Migration process, one must know there are few lists that need attention. Basically, one’s skills must be in the Skills Occupations List (SOL) to be eligible for migration. In addition, there is a further list by the name of Migration Occupations in Demand (MODL).

Priority processing

This becomes very confusing to an applicant. What you need to understand is the MODL and the CSL listed occupation receives priority processing. According to the current procedures, government sponsored migration applications receives the highest level of priority. CSL occupations are preceded by the MODL occupation and least priority is received for occupations under the independent and relative sponsored categories. In summary, there will be processing delays for the least level of priority, while case allocation will be done faster for occupations in government sponsored and CSL occupations.

When considering the applications lodged by Sri Lankans, majority stands at either CSL or relative sponsored. In terms of occupations receiving priority, Accountants, Engineers, ICT professionals and limited trades level occupations can be highlighted.

Qualifications

It must be noted that in particular instance of an accountant, to receive priority in the highest level, one must have a score of seven in each band in the IELTS test.

When speaking about Sri Lankan qualifications that are recognised for migration, all university degrees and technical level qualifications stand the highest scope. Also, ICASL and CIMA, ACCA are some of the qualifications recognised in the accounting industry. CIMA fellow members are being recognised by the CPA Australia, providing them the CPA membership access. Another opportunity for accountants is the concessional English option.

What this means is, certain state governments in Australia are prepared to sponsor them for migration if they have not met the required IELTS score, but has scored an overall band score of 5.5. It is vital to know that all state governments are willing to sponsor accountants provided they have met the basic migration criteria.

Highest level

Engineering is one of the other occupations that receive priority. Almost all Engineering categories receive highest level of priority in terms of processing, at the same time, most of the State Governments are willing to sponsor applicants with Engineering skills. When applying for migration as an engineer, as opposed to many other occupations, applicants must reveal their competencies with their engineering skills.

You are required to produce a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) with your IELTS score of six in each band for skills assessment prior to lodging for the visa. All degree level qualifications in engineering and Members of Engineering Council UK are recognised as professional engineers.

One of the other occupations that receive priority under the CSL processing is ICT professionals.

ICT is one of the rare occupations that do not require a qualification to migrate. If one possesses work experience for more than seven years, the applicant can migrate through the RPL system.

Work experience

Of course, having a qualification provides the opportunity with less years of work experience. Generally, an applicant with an IT degree will require four years of work experience, whilst a diploma holder will need to demonstrate six years of work experience.

CSL priority will be received for occupations specialised in C++/C#/C, CISSP, Data Warehousing, Java, J2EE, Linux, Net technologies, Network Security/Firewall/Internet, Oracle, PeopleSoft, SAP, SIEBEL, Solaris, Unix. Even if you are not specialized in anyone of the above, there are many States that are looking into sponsoring applicants with IT related work experience.

It is important to know that occupations such as motor mechanics, A/C refrigeration mechanics, electricians and plumbers among others. must complete a trade test in Sri Lanka before migrating. The new assessment for trade skills changed in 2007 September, and applicants are now required to sit for the practical testing after completing an initial assessment on the suitability for the test.

However, the due test did not take place in Sri Lanka to date, and the applicants had no option other than travelling to India or the Philippines.

This year too, although the tests are scheduled for May and October, the Australian government is yet to confirm whether the tests are to be held in Colombo.

It must be noted that the trade test is required only for limited number of occupations and most of the technical level occupations will require the full time NAITA accredited training, the Ceylon German Technical Institute certificate, or Automobile Engineering Technical Association’s qualifications.

Occupations such as fitter, machinist, auto electrician, cook/chef etc., has an excellent potential with one of the above mentioned qualifications. It is a positive move by the Australian government to keep the same IELTS requirement, which is five in each band, for technical level occupations.

Given the current economic trend, although Australia has not fallen into deep recession, certainly the impact on the economy is visible. The new processing guidelines do highlight the measures taken by the government to eradicate unemployment until the waters are settled. Further announcements to the changes are expected in due course.

Free seminars

The Australian Migration Centre has organized two free seminars on both Skilled and Business Migration for the benefit of those interested. The Skilled Migration seminar will be held on March 15 at JAIC Hilton, Colombo 02 commencing 9.30 a.m.

This seminar will be conducted by Hemantha Punchihewa, Surani Punchihewa and Ron Kessels.

Participants could attend four repeat sessions, conducted on the same day. Meanwhile, the seminar on ‘Business Migration’ exclusively for businessmen, will be held on March 16, at the TransAsia commencing 9.30 a.m.