Changes to the general skilled migration program

February 2010

Significant changes to the General Skilled Migration Program were announced on 8 February 2010 by Senator Evans, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. The changes are aimed at delivering a demand rather than a supply driven skilled migration program that meets the needs of the economy in sectors and regions where there are skill shortages.

The major changes involve:

  • The list of occupations in demand will be tightened so only highly skilled migrants will be eligible to apply for independent skilled migration visas.
  • The points test used to assess migrants will be reviewed to ensure it selects the best and brightest. This will include skills assessment requirements for GSM applicants nominating a trade occupation.
  • Certain occupations to be capped to ensure skill needs are met across the board.
  • Offshore General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas applications made before 1 September 2007 (approx 20,000) will be cancelled and applicants will receive a refund of fees paid.

The Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) and Skilled Occupation List (SOL) will be replaced with a new list of targeted occupations determined by 'Skills Australia'. As the new SOL will a comprehensive, targeted list, the current Critical Skills List will be phased out and revoked. The new SOL will come into effect from mid-2010 and will apply to all applicants lodging visa applications made on or after this date.

Under the changes, individual state and territory migration plans will also be developed so states can prioritise in demand occupations at a regional level. Migrants nominated by a state and territory government under their State Migration Plan will be processed ahead of applications for independent skilled migration.

While the reforms are well-intentioned CCIQ warns that the future success of Australia's Migration Program will depend on how well governments engage with the business community to ensure the skills needs of employers are met and how flexible the system is to a dynamic and evolving skills market.

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