Australian Government temporarily suspend General Skilled Migration for certain offshore applications from 8 May 2010.

Effective from 8 May 2010, the Migration Regulations 1994 were amended to prevent lodgment of valid applications for the following offshore skilled migration visas, until further notice:

• Subclass 475 - Skilled Designated Area
• Subclass 175 - Skilled Independent
• Subclass 176 - Skilled Sponsored

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship have indicated that the temporary suspension is expected to remain in place until 30 June 2010. 

These amendments were introduced as a result of anticipated changes to the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and to assist the transition process from the current SOL to the new SOL later this year.  It is anticipated that when applications for the affected visas subclasses recommence, applications will only be accepted in respect of skilled occupations listed on the new SOL.  Therefore, if your nominated occupation is not on the new SOL, you may still be unable to apply even once the temporary suspension is lifted.

If you have already submitted an application for one of the affected subclasses, the Governments amendments will not affect you. However, if you were in the process of preparing your application but were unable to lodge your prior to midnight 7 May 2010, your application for the above subclass will be deemed invalid until changes are made to lift the suspension. 

The changes were announced on the DIAC website on 7 May 2010 which gave applicants and their advisors up to midnight that night to lodge any outstanding applications.

At this time, applicants can only await the announcement of the new SOL to know the real affects of these changes.  The new SOL is due to be released this month.

If you are affected by the changes and require further assistance, please contact us.