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Australia June 8, 2011 – Recent changes undertaken by the Australian federal with regards to its Skilled Migration Program has wrought further complications to the Australia immigration laws and policies.

Though Australia is not new to tough immigration laws, these recent changes have again brought confusion to visa applicants.

Changes in the Skilled Migration Program such as the introduction of a New Skilled Migration Points Test for independent skilled migrants, which is due to commence on the 1st July 2011, is said to favor towards applicants who are highly experienced, highly skilled, well- trained and who will enhance Australia’s productivity.

The New Skilled Migration Points Test has specifically introduced recently the compulsory passing band score of 7 in IELTS examination, with regards to the English Language requirement.

A Point test score of 10 is awarded to a score of at least 7 in each of the four components of the IELTS test or equivalent standard in a specified test, while a point test score of 20 is awarded to a score of at least 8 in each of the four components of the IELTS test or equivalent standard in a specified test.

Additional points are also awarded to an applicant’s highest education qualification such as doctorate degree, length of work experience, and age.

Streamlining Visa Application Process

With the recent changes, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has also initiated changes to deregulate and simplify the visa application process with the goal of reducing the number of temporary working visa subclasses by 50% by 2012, and to halve the total number of visa subclasses by 2015.

According to the Australian Minister for Immigration, the department’s project objective is to streamline the visa application process by delivering fewer and simpler visa products, and consistent application and assessment processes.
Fewer application forms across a broader range of lodgment options are also proposed.

Chris Bowen, the Minister of Immigration, says that he believes that a sound immigration program policy will attract the best and brightest skilled migrants to match Australia’s unique labor force needs, while boosting productivity.

source:
livepunjab.com