Immigration
ALERT! NEW POINTS SYSTEM FROM 1 JULY 2011
On Thursday, 11 November 2010, the Minister for Immigration and
Citizenship, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, announced the government's
intention to implement a new points test applying to certain
skilled migration applications made on or after 1 July
2011. Please visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
website for further information.
ALERT! Processing Times for Applications
Applications received by DIAC after 30 June 2011 will be
processed under the New Points System effective from 1 July 2011.
If you intend to have your GSM application with DIAC by Thursday,
30 June 2011, we strongly advise that their qualifications
assessment (including IELTS) should be finalised with the Institute
of Public Accountants (IPA) by not later than 15 June 2011.
Applicants are advised of turnaround times for assessments as
follows:
- Standard: 2-4 weeks.
- Fast track 30: A guaranteed 30-hour turnaround for
applications lodged and collected in person at our National Office
in Melbourne.
- Fast Track 5: Five business days from the date of receipt of
the postal application
FAST -TRACK PROCESSING OF QUALIFICATIONS ASSESSMENTS
The introduction of Fast-Track 30 and
Fast-Track 5 as rapid response assessments has
been designed to provide guaranteed rapid turnaround of your
qualification assessment. This offer is only available to holders
of approved Australian degrees and neither Fast-Track 30 nor
fast-track 5 services can be offered for applications that rely in
part or fully on overseas studies or qualifications.
If you are unsure of the status of your degree please call our
National Office before applying.
Also see Fast Track Explained for more
information.
WHO MUST LODGE A QUALIFICATIONS ASSESSMENT?
Assessments may be lodged by either Onshore or Offshore
Applicants.
Onshore Applicants and Offshore Applicants have different
obligations and must provide different evidence.
Who will be an Onshore Applicant?
You will be classified and assessed as an Onshore Applicant if
you are currently;
- an international student studying in Australia;
- on a student visa; and
- this qualifications assessment is made to enable you to lodge
your application with DIAC for a Graduate (Temporary) visa
(subclass 485) or a GSM application.
>More info
Who will be an Offshore Applicant?
You will be classified and assessed as an Offshore Applicant if
you:
- currently reside outside Australia; and
- hold overseas qualifications or an Australian award.
>More info