Since Australia has continuously changed its immigration ministers, immigration policies have also been in constant flux. In July of last year, the Australian Department of Home Affairs made the largest reform in history regarding skilled immigration. Changes to the EOI scoring system, application requirements, occupation lists, and visa fees will differ from previous standards, leaving many skilled immigration applicants anxious. A careful analysis of these new policies reveals that some aspects are beneficial to applicants, while others are not, leading to mixed feelings among individuals. Below are the detailed changes to the Australian skilled immigration policy in 2018:
1. Advantages of the 2018 Australian Skilled Immigration New Policy
1. Community language NATTI certification accepts TOEFL scores
NATTI is the officially recognized translation qualification exam in Australia. Passing either the written or oral translation component can earn an applicant 5 points for community language. In addition to the exam, completing a NATTI-recognized course can also earn points. However, many individuals are unable to participate in the course due to insufficient English proficiency. The new policy allows NATTI to accept TOEFL scores, enabling applicants to meet course requirements and easily earn an additional 5 points.
2. Reduced EOI selection frequency, increased quotas
The 189 Australian skilled immigration invitations have been adjusted from twice a month to once a month, with selection dates set for the 11th of each month. Although the selection frequency has decreased, the number of available invitations has significantly increased compared to the previous fiscal year, with 1,000 invitations issued. Overall, even though the EOI pool score has risen, the increase in quotas will inevitably lead to lower selection scores over time. It is advisable for applicants to enter the pool early to secure their status as soon as possible.
3. Rapid advancement of invitations for popular professions
On September 11, the Australian Department of Home Affairs issued the third round of EOI invitations for the 2018-19 fiscal year, allocating a total of 2,000 invitations, mostly to popular professions. However, popular professions still face high score requirements; for instance, accounting and auditing remain stable at 80 points, and those with 85 points will receive invitations immediately; scores for computer and engineering fields remain at 70-75 points.
2. Disadvantages of the 2018 Australian Skilled Immigration New Policy
1. Increased EOI scoring
1) Due to the high demand for Australian immigration quotas, scores have been raised: the threshold for skilled immigration has been 60 points for many years, but starting July 1, the scores were suddenly raised: the basic score for the 189 visa is now 65 points, for the 190 visa it is 60 points, and for the 489 visa it is 55 points. This is the most significant change in recent Australian immigration policy and is undoubtedly a shock for many.
2) Strategies for applicants to cope with the increased scores: For some applicants who have just reached 60 points, there are still ways to quickly accumulate points. For example, achieving higher IELTS or PET scores can add 10-20 points; if a spouse meets the criteria for additional points, applying together can add 5 points; specific professions such as IT, engineering, and accounting can earn points through a professional year.
2. Increased age restrictions for spouses
Previously, if an applicant's spouse was under 50 years old, they could receive a 5-point bonus from their spouse's skills assessment. However, starting July 1, spouses must be under 45 years old to qualify for additional points.
3. Victoria tightens state sponsorship application policies
1) Cancellation of the 457 visa holder category: The 457 visa is a temporary work visa established to bring skilled workers to local businesses. Applicants who have worked in Australia for two years could apply for the 186 employer-sponsored immigration, but starting September 10, there will no longer be a separate application pathway for 457 visa holders.
2) Standardization of processing times for PhD graduates: Previously, PhD graduates enjoyed priority processing, but this has now been canceled, changing the processing time from 2 weeks to 12 weeks.
3) Applicants in ICT-related fields, construction and engineering, and nursing-related fields can only apply through the "Invitation Only" pathway.
The changes to the Australian skilled immigration policy in 2018 are a mix of advantages and disadvantages. With the new Prime Minister and Minister for Immigration in Australia, there will be greater emphasis on immigration, and the overall attitude is expected to be more positive. Friends who have not yet obtained their green cards need not panic; it is essential to steadily accumulate points to secure their status.