Dear John, 
I am a qualified carpenter by trade. 
I met the 120 points needed to apply for my Skilled Independent Visa and was getting it ready when Immigration announced the new Skilled Occupation List won’t be out until July 1 (2010). I also heard the points are changing. Will carpenters be able to apply on July 1 and how can I check if I still meet the points test?
Brian.

Dear Brian,

On May 8, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) put a hold on accepting skilled independent and State sponsored skilled visas until the New Skilled Occupations List (SOL) comes in to force on July 1. The new list has been released and the good news is that carpenters are still on the list.

DIAC has also announced that the points system will not change on July 1, so if you have calculated your points correctly, and have your migration skills assessment done, you should be able to lodge a skilled application on or after July 1.

The points system is under review by the government but changes are not expected to come in until much later this year or early 2011.

The new SOL uses new six-digit occupation codes based on ANZSCO instead of the old ASCO codes.

It’s important you check for, and use, the correct new occupation code on your visa application especially if your skills assessment was done under the old four-digit ASCO codes. DIAC have said that they will release a report on July 1 showing which old codes match the new occupation codes.

The new SOL is much shorter than the old list, limiting the occupations that can apply for independent visas.

However, there are still lots of permanent visa opportunities via the current and much longer Employer Nomination Scheme Occupations List (ENSOL). 
(www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1121i.pdf) This lists occupations that can be sponsored by an employer.

ENSOL will also be the baseline of occupations that can be sponsored by an Australian State government on its new Migration Occupation Plans also due for release from July 1.

Check individual state websites for details (for example, www.migration.wa.gov.au)
The classification codes will also change on ENSOL, the long list will be much as it is now but the new codes  may also mean a few of the occupation titles will be updated particularly in IT and engineering roles.

Employer and state sponsored visa applications will be the fast track options to permanent migration after July 1.

DIAC has yet to announce what priority will be given to visa applications. With occupations on the new SOL, industry expectation is that the new SOL will get the same priority as the old Critical Skills List (CSL), i.e. processed in less than 12 months.

Expect to see an announcement from DIAC on July 1 and watch this space for details.

Before you commit to making an application consider having your situation professionally assessed by a registered migration agent.

Dear John, I am a 25-year-old carpenter from Ireland living and working in Brisbane this last 18 months. I have six years’ experience as a carpenter but no formal qualification. I have been told that state sponsorship could be my best option. Could you give me a rundown on the process, stages, expenses, length of time, and chances of success? Brian G.

Dear Brian,
Seeking state sponsorship may well be a strong option as it seems this route is set to get higher priority processing by the Department of Immigration (DIAC).

On February 8, 2010 the Government announced changes to priority processing of skilled visa applications.

Employer Nomination applications now get the highest priority followed by state-sponsored application where the applicant’s skill is a ‘State Migration Plan’.

Currently all states are offering sponsorship in some occupations but as yet none have issued a ‘State Migration Plan’. One would expect these plans will begin to appear in the coming months.

This could be good news for people who have a state-sponsored application in the system or are planning to make one.

If your occupation appears on a state plan one would expect to get moved up the priority processing list.

You need to check each state’s website to find the occupations they will sponsor however I note that Queensland is not currently sponsoring carpenters.

For people without formal trade qualifications, provided you have at least four years work experience in a trade such as carpentry there is a pathway to become eligible to apply for a skilled migration visa incuding  state-sponsored visas.

Your first step should be to get your skills assessed to the Australian Qualification Framework Certificate III (AQFIII).

This is the Australian equivalent of FETAC National Craft Certificate or City and Guilds level 3. There are many registered training organisations in Australia that will assess trade occupations. Expect this to cost about $2,500. (Find an RTO at www.ntis.gov.au)

With the AQFIII, apply for a migrating skills assessment through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). The application fee is $300. (www.deewr.gov.au/Skills/Programs/TRA/)

Once you have the skills assessment and can show recent work history, you can apply to a state government for sponsorship. Some states charge $250–$300.

State websites include, Queensland Government (www.workliveplay.qld.gov.au) and Western Australia (www.migration.wa.gov.au).

When the state sponsorship is approved you can apply for the 176 state-sponsored skilled visas. The visa application fee is $2,525.

Don’t forget, you have to agree to live in the sponsoring state for at least two years after the visa is granted. Expect the process to take about six months to get to the point of visa application.

Immigration’s stated application processing times for a visa application with a skill on a state migration plan is ‘within 12 months’.

For a state-sponsored application with a skill not on a state migration plan, expect about a three-year processing time.

Consider getting a full assessment from a registered migration agent to help find the best visa option. (http://mia.org.au)

Send your immigration questions to John at visability@irishecho.com.au

This Migration Column is intended to provide general information on migration issues and does not constitute legal or migration advice. While all care is taken, no responsibility is accepted by the Irish Echo or John McQuaid for the accuracy of material in the column. People seeking advice on migration law should seek advice from a registered migration agent.