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Australia January 4, 2011 – A new Australian Skilled Migration Points Test will take effect for General Skilled Visas (GSV) from 1 July 2011. This point test for immigrants in Australia has been criticized for preferring hairdressers over Harvard scientists but it will be changed significantly in 2011, specifically by July of the said year. These changes will point out to high skills levels and employee sponsorship which makes it more difficult for overseas students with low quality Australian qualifications to secure permanent residency.

As stated in a discussion paper issued by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, the new Australian points test has lead to crabby outcomes. For an instance, a Harvard qualified environmental scientist with three years relevant work experience fails to this point test while an overseas student who only completes 92 week course in a 60 point job such as hairdressing or cookery with just one year experience passes it.

The said changes in the Australian new points test has been discussed which include rewarding superior levels of English and applicants with higher degrees. Youths will not be treated with higher priority as well. The trade off between age and work experience most especially for highly skilled professionals are also being evaluated by Australian Immigration. The bonus points earned by those with relatives who are a permanent resident in Australia will also be removed.

In addition to the changes mentioned, applicants aged between 45 and 49 will be eligible now to apply for General Skilled Migration visas which gives those age 44 the current maximum to apply for Australian visas.

According to Maurene Horder, chief executive of the Migration Institute of Australia, this new points system was keenly awaited. It includes numerous useful changes that bring in the mechanisms necessary to tailor Australia’s migrant intake to its skills needs. It is noted that the levels of English required and the points given appear onerous and may exacerbate Australia’s skill shortages.

This new points system is still under trial. Once Australian immigration observed who pass and who don’t, then they will be able to take full measure of this overdue change.