May 2014 Update

updateIn this issue:-

  • Introduction of Credit Card Surcharges for Visa Application Charges
  • Implications of the 2014-2015 Budget on Australian Immigration
  • New Skilled Occupation List Update
  • Latest SkillSelect News

Introduction of Credit Card Surcharges

The DIBP has introduced credit card surcharges effective April 19, 2014.  It applies to applications lodged anywhere and using any method.  The surcharges depend on the type of card used:

  • Visa and MasterCard – 1.08%
  • American Express and JCB – 1.99%
  • Diners Club International – 2.91%

Implications of 2014-2015 Budget

Family (Other) Visas

It is possible that a number of visa options may no longer be available in the near future.  These include the Carer, Last Remaining Relative and Parent (Non-Contributory) Visas.  It is envisaged that applications will close for these applications soon, although this has not been confirmed by DIBP and no date has been set.

It is envisaged that places under this scheme will divert to the Partner, Child and Contributory Parent Visa Categories.

Appeals

From 1 July 2015, the Migration Review Tribunal and the Refugee Review Tribunal will form part of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.  The MRT and RRT are the main mechanisms for merits review of decisions made by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection

New Border Agency

A new border agency incorporating Customs and Immigration will be created from 1 July 2015. It is understood that the new border agency will be called the Australian Border Force and will take into account lessons learnt from the UK’s Home Office Border Agency.

New Skilled Occupation List (SOL)

The new SOL is still being developed by the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency.  Public submissions from industry bodies and interested persons closed on 22 November 2013.

Did you know?

According to AWPA, the SOL is “concerned only with medium-to-long-term skills needs rather than immediate skills shortages…..For the purposes of this exercise, ‘medium-to-long term’ is defined as a period of around two to ten years.

If you are concerned, please speak with a registered migration agent for advice.  Call 02 8205 7555 to book an appointment.

SkillSelect Update

12 May 2014

Invitation process and cut-off date by point score
Visa Subclass Points Score Visa date of effect
Skilled – Independent (subclass 189) 60 29/04/2014 8.48pm
Skilled – Regional Provisional (subclass 489) 70 10/03/2014 12.01am

For pro-rata occupations, results are:

Occupation ID Description Points Score Visa date of effect
2331 Chemical and Materials Engineers 60 29/04/2014 1.05pm
2334 Electronics Engineers 60 27/04/2014 6.33pm
2339 Other Engineering Professionals 60 29/04/2014 12.01am
2611 ICT Business and Systems Analysts 65 11/12/2013 3.34pm
2613 Software and Applications Programmers 60 29/04/2014 8.48pm
2633 Telecommunications Engineering Professionals 60 29/04/2014 7.21am

Information provided by http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/index/reports/report-12-05-2014/

Are you subscribed to email updates?  Subscribe now for free.

*This news update is for your information only and does not constitute immigration advice.  You should not make any decisions based on the information provided in this news update.*