- Subclass 175 (skilled independent);
- Subclass 176 (skilled sponsored); and
- Subclass 475 (skilled regional sponsored);
Applicants who have already submitted a valid application for one of the affected subclasses will not be impacted by this announcement.
It is expected that the General Skilled Migration system will resume when the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is in effect from 1 July 2010. DIAC’s website states that the measure “is expected to remain in effect until the end of 30 June 2010”.
The suspension means hard copy applications mailed, but not physically received by DIAC prior to 8 May, and online applications lodged through the Department’s website after midnight Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on 7 May 2010, will not be accepted and will be considered invalid, and returned to the applicant, along with the Visa Application Charge. However, other fees associated with visa applications such as medical examinations, English language tests and skills assessments will unfortunately not be refunded by the Government.
It is stated that the suspension is ‘to be intended to ensure that all offshore general skilled applications from this point onwards are in line with occupations included in the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL)’, which is supposed to be released later in May and implemented from 1 July 2010.
The suspension does not apply to onshore general skilled migration visas such as subclass 885, 885, 485 and the onshore Skilled Regional Sponsored visa subclass 487.
If you have concerns about the status of you application, or need further clarification of the scope of the suspension and whether it will affect you, please contact us at migrate@australianmigrations.com. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of the new SOL and details as to when the Department’s suspension will be lifted.
DIAC’s website can be accessed here.
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