Australia’s General Skilled Migration category will be modified diversely from July 1, 2017

Several changes will be made effective to the General Skilled Immigration program of Australia from July 1, 2017 onwards. Age limit for Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visas to be changed The current age limit for General Skilled Immigration is 49. This will be reduced to 44 years from July 1st, 2017, onwards for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visas, as quoted by ACACIA AU. New Australia PR mode for New Zealand nationals From July 1, 2017, onwards citizens of New Zealand who are residing and working in Australia for at least five years will be eligible for the new pathway for Australia PR. It does not require paying the fee for the English language for the applicant who possesses lesser English language proficiency and also does not have the age limit. This new mode of obtaining Australia PR also does not have English language test, assessment for skills points test or sponsorship from an employer. Skilled Occupations Lists to be revised Several occupations from the Engineering industry are included in the MLTSSL but do not find a place in the STSOL. This is unusual and General Skilled Immigration occupations lists are likely to be revised from July 1, 2017. Ceilings for Occupations will be revealed Ceilings for occupations have a very major role in administering the General Skilled immigration program. Even if the ceilings for occupations remain same or decreased, they are expected to be made more competitive implying increased scores for receiving the invitation. State Immigration Programs to reopen The majority of the states are expected to reopen their immigration categories from July 2017. Some of the state immigration programs particularly South Australia and ACT exhaust quickly after reopening. It is good to keep all the required documents ready for filing the application for state immigration programs when they reopen so as to ensure positive processing of visa applications. The changes that will be made effective to the General Skilled Immigration programs in Australia will make it tougher to avail these visas especially for the category in which age limit will be decreased. Thus it is advisable to apply for these visas prior to July 1, 2017. If you are looking to Migrate, Study, Visit, Invest or Work in Australia, contact Y-Axis, the world’s most trusted Immigration & Visa Consultant.