In an desperate attempt to increase the number of skilled professionals migrating to Australia, the immigration department has lowered the threshhold for skilled migrants.
From July 1, the pass mark for points tested skilled migrants who complete an expression of interest (EOI) through SkillSelect is being lowered from 65 points to 60 points.
The Australian government has been changing its skilled migrants’ policy since 2008.
“These reforms have ensured the skilled migration program is a responsive and demand driven program,†a Department of Immigration and Citizenship spokesman says.
Under the new SkillSelect electronic service, prospective migrants without an employer sponsor wanting to live and work in Australia can complete an online EOI. Based on claims of their skills and attributes, they will be allocated a score against the points test. SkillSelect will rank intending migrant’s scores against other EOIs.
The highest ranking migrants across a broad range of occupations may be invited to apply for a skilled visa.
“Delivery of a balanced migration program requires careful management,†the spokesman said. “SkillSelect will provide greater control over who can apply for a skilled visa and when they can apply.â€
The previous pass mark was appropriate in the context of the skilled migration reforms, with a greater emphasis on employer-sponsored skilled migration and managing a growing pipeline of unsponsored skilled migration applications, says a statement issued by Australia’s immigration department.
“The revised pass mark will encourage a broader range of people with the skills and attributes needed in Australia to register their interest in migration.”
Also read: How to get a job in Australia
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