Clarification on Processing Times in Light of the Changes this Week

[SOMV]

Hello,

Here is some further clarification we have received about the changes this week and their impact on processing times:

Further clarification of GSM Processing Priorities

Following our enquiries to DIAC, we have just received the following advice:

1. Applicants with $100K designated investment

The Minister's office has agreed that applications that were stalled by the closure of the capital investment program can proceed, and will not be subject to the new processing priorities. Applicants who are not in an occupation on the CSL but have been requested to submit a bond with the South Australian Financing Authority can proceed to grant.

2. Applications remitted by Migration Review Tribunal (MRT)

DIAC will continue processing of non-CSL applications remitted by the MRT.

3. Offshore applicants in Australia

DIAC will continue processing offshore applications by non-CSL clients who are onshore and required to depart Australia where a pre-grant letter has already been sent.

4. Pre- 1 September 2007 applications

The Minister's S499 direction on priority processing (including the CSL) applies to all applicants in the applicable visa subclasses including GSM applications lodged prior to 1 September 2007.

5. New information documents

Fact Sheet - Changes to the 2008-09 Skilled Migration Program which can be found on the DIAC website at http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/gener...on-program.pdf

This fact sheet provides the Government's rationale for changes to the skilled migration program and processing priorities

2008-09 Migration Program Changes - March 2009 - Frequently Asked Questions

This can be found on the DIAC website at: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/gener...on/pdf/faq.pdf
This contains information on:
Capping the Skilled Migration Program
New Critical Skills List - 16 March 2009
Priority processing
Employer sponsorship
State nomination
Students
Subclass 457 - Business (Long Stay) visa

Please note: This document states that there will be a capping of the 2008-09 General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program, but it then goes on to say that the only visas to be capped at this time are the business skills visa classes:

•Class EA Business Talent (Migrant)
• Class UR Provisional Business Skills visa
• Class DF Residence Business Skills visa
• Class BH Established Business in Australia

Other categories may be capped later this program year to ensure that the 115 000 ceiling is not breached.

We have sought clarification of these very unclear statements and we have been told that these FAQs will be reviewed. We will keep you updated on this.

[Sono]

Originally Posted by SOMV

Hello,

Here is some further clarification we have received about the changes this week and their impact on processing times:

Further clarification of GSM Processing Priorities

Following our enquiries to DIAC, we have just received the following advice:

1. Applicants with $100K designated investment

The Minister's office has agreed that applications that were stalled by the closure of the capital investment program can proceed, and will not be subject to the new processing priorities. Applicants who are not in an occupation on the CSL but have been requested to submit a bond with the South Australian Financing Authority can proceed to grant.

2. Applications remitted by Migration Review Tribunal (MRT)

DIAC will continue processing of non-CSL applications remitted by the MRT.

3. Offshore applicants in Australia

DIAC will continue processing offshore applications by non-CSL clients who are onshore and required to depart Australia where a pre-grant letter has already been sent.

4. Pre- 1 September 2007 applications

The Minister's S499 direction on priority processing (including the CSL) applies to all applicants in the applicable visa subclasses including GSM applications lodged prior to 1 September 2007.

5. New information documents

Fact Sheet - Changes to the 2008-09 Skilled Migration Program which can be found on the DIAC website at http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/gener...on-program.pdf

This fact sheet provides the Government's rationale for changes to the skilled migration program and processing priorities

2008-09 Migration Program Changes - March 2009 - Frequently Asked Questions

This can be found on the DIAC website at: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/gener...on/pdf/faq.pdf
This contains information on:
Capping the Skilled Migration Program
New Critical Skills List - 16 March 2009
Priority processing
Employer sponsorship
State nomination
Students
Subclass 457 - Business (Long Stay) visa

Please note: This document states that there will be a capping of the 2008-09 General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program, but it then goes on to say that the only visas to be capped at this time are the business skills visa classes:

•Class EA Business Talent (Migrant)
• Class UR Provisional Business Skills visa
• Class DF Residence Business Skills visa
• Class BH Established Business in Australia

Other categories may be capped later this program year to ensure that the 115 000 ceiling is not breached.

We have sought clarification of these very unclear statements and we have been told that these FAQs will be reviewed. We will keep you updated on this.

Veronica, thanks for the info. Don't know if you know the answer.... I was wondering how long do you think a PR visa would take for a sonographer?