+61 (7) 3300 0101
1. New DIAC GSM visa processing priorities
Priority 1: RSMS (subclasses 119 and 857) Skilled Regional (Sub-class 887) - 5-8 months;
Priority 2: ENS (Sub-classes 121 and 856) - 5-8 months
Priority 3: Sate migration Plans (Sub-classes 176,475,487 and 886) - 12-24 months;
Priority 4: Nominated occupations on the SOL (sub-classes 175,495,496,861,862,863,880,881,882, 883,885 and 886) - 18 months;
Priority 5: All other visas. Will commence when all other cases in priority groups 1-4 are finalised.
2. New GSM Skilled Occupation List (SOL) on 1 July 2011
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is a list of occupations that are accepted for general skilled migration. See Attachment & FAQs 
New SOL and FAQs (86 KB)
3. New points test as at 1 July 2011
It is important to note that the new points test only applies to one component of the skilled migration program. This change will not affect every type of skilled migration visa and only applies to applicants for the following visas:
Subclass 885 Skilled Independent
Subclass 886 Skilled Sponsored
Subclass 487 Skilled Regional Sponsored
Subclass 175 Skilled Independent
Subclass 176 Skilled Sponsored
Subclass 475 Skilled – Regional Sponsored
See new points test New Points test (81 KB)
4. New job-matching opportunity with AustJOBS
Please refer the link: AustJOBS
5. New GSM visa invitation procedure announced by the Minister to commence on 1 July 2012
A radically different system of processing GSM visas has been announced and will go into operation mid next year. it is based upon an Expression of Interest (OIE)-valid for 2 years- being lodged and then applicants are effectively selected on the basis of an applicants 'rating' and shortgae of particular skills.
It is different to the processing in order of receipt subject to processing priorities. See the following link for further information:
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/skilled-migrant-selection-model.htm
Simon Earles
Registered Migration Agent.
Executive member of MIA (Queensland Branch)
Commissioner For Declarations (C.Decs)
Postal address:
P.O.Box 111,
The Gap, Queensland
Australia 4061
Off-site office (By appointment only):
66 Mungarie Street (Cnr Mungarie & Settiement Road), Keperra, Qld, Australia 4054,
Home Office:
8 Hillside Place
The Gap, Queensland
Australia 4061
Phone/Fax: +61(07) 33000101
Mobile: 0407174448
Email: Info@signetmigration.com.au
Web: www.signetmigration.com.au
Skype ID: simonearles
