Moving to Australia might be a lifelong dream for many. Every year, thousands of people from around the world make the journey to Australia, contributing to the country's economic growth. The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship has made some changes to the immigration policy in 2023. It's essential to understand these changes when applying for an Australian visa.
The General Skilled Migration visa (GSM) Program is a way for people with specific skills to apply for an Australian visa. To be eligible, you need to have expertise in an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupations List. Your application will be assessed based on factors like your age, qualifications, work experience, English language proficiency, and skill levels. You must also score a minimum number of points in the Points-Based Evaluation System, which considers the criteria mentioned earlier. If you have extra qualifications related to your occupation, family connections in Australia, previous education in Australia, or a skilled spouse, you may earn additional points. The GSM Program has been highly successful in attracting skilled workers from around the world, helping Australia's economy grow and diversify.
In 2023, Australian immigration rules have been updated to meet the changing labor needs of the country. The Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) was replaced with a more focused list designed to address the evolving job market. This change has had a significant impact on Australian immigration policy.
One notable change to the Skilled Migration Program was the introduction of the Critical Skills List (CSL). This list prioritizes professionals in fields like Information Technology, engineering, and medicine. In March 2009, the number of visas granted under the GSM Program was reduced to 115,000 per year, and several occupations were removed from the CSL. This change was made to better align immigration with the evolving needs of the Australian economy, and in May 2009, the number of visas was further reduced to 108,000.
The application process for an Australian visa under the GSM Program has also been updated to include new questions about health and character.
Australia's government has made changes to its Immigration Policy in 2023 to better select candidates who will meet the country's labor market needs and reduce the immigration of low-skilled workers. These amendments aim to streamline the immigration process and ensure that the most suitable candidates come to Australia, benefitting the country's job market.
