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ACS Skills assessment update
Migration Alliance members will be interested to learn about the following ACS updates which were received today:
Dear ,
This email is a notification of up coming changes to ACS skill sassessments.
Temporary Graduate - 485
As of Oct 28, 2013, the Recent Graduate application type will change name to Temporary Graduate - 485.
The assessment criteria will remain the same –
• Bachelor degree or higher with a major in computing that is closely related to the nominated occupation.
All applications lodged on or after Oct 28, 2013, will receive a result letter stating that the result has been issued for the purpose of lodging a visa subclass 485.
Graduate Skills Assessment
As of Oct 28, 2013, the Recent Graduate wanting experience considered application type will change name to Graduate Skills Assessment.
Only applicants that hold a valid Recent Graduate or Temporary Graduate - 485 skills assessment will be eligible to apply for a Graduate Skills Assessment.
The Graduate Skills Assessment is to allow applicants that have previously applied for a Temporary Graduate - 485 to have their work experience assessed for a permanent skills assessment.
The assessment criteria will remain the same and the Skill Level Requirement Met Date will be noted as the completion date of the relevant Bachelor degree or higher on the ACS result letter.
This change will affect all applications lodged on or after Oct 28, 2013.
End of Year Closure 2013
The ACS office will close from Dec 23, 2013 and re-open on Jan 13, 2014.
Phone and email enquiries will be not be available during this time. Please refer to the skills assessment website for information.
All skills assessments not completed before Dec 20, 2013 will be finalized after Jan 13, 2013.
Due to a high number of applications at this time, we cannot guarantee any application time frames.
Kind Regards,
The Skills Assessment Team
Australian Computer Society
Web: www.acs.org.au E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Comments
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Thursday, 24 October 2013wait till friday first lets see the final rule.
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Thursday, 24 October 2013
Department of Immigration and Border Protection is same as Department of Immigration and Citizenship. DIAB = DIAC
And NO, unfortunately it doesn't clear anything, it makes it more complicated because I just called DIAC and I'm told that they are unaware of any changes made or being made by ACS and I need to contact ACS on this.
ACS representative on the other hand says that DIAC has asked them to make these changes.
VERY INTERESTING
Now Sir same is the case with your statement "There have been instances where applicants and agents were using temporary assessments to apply for permanent visas."
An assessment was an assessment, nothing to do with being temporary or permanent. Not until for another 2 days because that is when they will be differentiated. Both ACS and DIAC are giving misleading and false information with their poorly trained staff who doesn't know what they are saying. Put tax payers' money to some good use and at least train these people properly.
Now, I and plenty of students like me have spent a year or so setting a direction for their life by planning and collecting required skills and documents. NO ONE, neither DIAC nor ACS can simply come in and impose something without giving a proper time period for people to alter their plans in life. This matter will be contested and ACS should know that. Unless there is suitable time for people graduating in 2013 to have their skills assessed with exemption from PYP and experience. We are NOT going to let anyone take advantage of us, not anymore. -
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Hi Khurram,
In terms of assessments, there are assessments for temporary visa's (such as the 485) and assessments for permanent visas. DIBP has asked that it be made clear on temporary assessments that they are for temporary visas.
Using a temporary assessment for a permanent visa application could lead to a refusal, which I am certain no-one wants. Our change to the wording of the letter of assessment makes it clear to the applicant and DIBP for what purpose the assessment is issued.
I'll certainly pass on the training feedback to our teams, and would suggest you pass the same feedback on to DIBP.
It should be clear that if you had planned, or been told, to use a temporary assessment to apply for a permanent visa, then you should seek clarification on that from the person who gave you that advice, be that an agent, friend or DIBP.
Kind regards -
Thursday, 24 October 2013
The current ACS policy explicitly states that all the available assessment types are for permanent visas, including the "Recent Graduates of an Australian University". The change happening on 28 Oct is definitely not just a change of wording to make things clear. Please do not try to fool anyone anymore. The fact is that an assessment for permanent visas suddenly becomes one for temporary visas.
As quoted from the current "Skills Assessment Guidelines for Applicants":
"9. APPLICATION TYPES
The following application types are available for migration purposes:
1. Recent Graduates of an Australian University in Australia
2. Recent Graduates with ICT skilled experience considered
3. Skills Assessment
4. Recognition Letter
5. Recognition of Prior Learning – (RPL)
1 - Recent Graduates of an Australian University
The Recent Graduates application is for recent work experience exemption under the Australian study requirement. Please refer to DIAC for detailed information.
If applying for a recent work experience exemption under the Australian study requirement you will need a Bachelor degree or higher with an ICT major in a field of study closely related to the nominated occupation.
The skills assessment result letter will report the suitability of ICT Qualifications to the nominated ANZSCO code for the purpose of migration and points test." -
Friday, 25 October 2013
we will follow same strategy rmit students used for eduacational reforms state library melbourne will be our meeting point and we will make them understand they cant play with our life like this.
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Thursday, 24 October 2013
Spot On Tony.
There has to be a cooling off time for students graduating in 2013.
I'd say let the assessment be just an assessment. ACS should in no way be deciding that what assessment is for what visa, this is purely DIAC's decision and will vary with different types of application.
ACS's job is to assess a degree or qualification and the relevant experience if any, and therefore they should stop poking their nose into stuff that doesn't and shouldn't concern them. Unless they have other motives like stalling the duration for which an eligible ICT professional could start a professional life, imposing experience restrictions etc. But the real question is under what instruction channel are they operating?
Without getting into that long debate, ACS shouldn't make a mockery of themselves by putting the visa type on assessments. Ridiculous will it be and students should force them to revert these decisions.
Keep signing this, this might help.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zW4fXpF9wS5hv9btby35WtBJYLBeiZQDH-p3T8Hhssc/viewform -
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Hi Tony and Khurram,
As I've stated previously, we were asked by DIBP to make it clear when someone was seeking an assessment for a class 485 visa, which I'm sure you're both aware is a temporary residency type of Visa. These assessments specifically look at the qualification, as opposed to the experience and RPL assessments Tony has mentioned.
It's also noted that our page does suggest you refer to DIAC (now DIBP) for detailed information. They are the best source of information, as they are the authority that issues the Visa - we just complete the assessment.
I can confirm we are feeding your concerns back to DIBP and understand that some of the hyperbole around this update has caused a great deal of fear, and we are actively working to ensure people know exactly what is going on.
I will personally ensure updates are posted through this forum, and updates will also be posted on the ACS website. -
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Thomas our concern is what if we do not want to have a 485 visa. What if we want to have 189 or 190 visas. I know 2 seniors who passes out last trimester and had their degrees assessed (they didn't have work experience) and applied for permanent residency and both of them had that granted.
Rest of the batch is either struggling to get a 7 in IELTS or they are going for professional year. Now I don't see a point of imposing that 485 assessment on anyone who has got an Australian qualification, profession in SOL and enough points to apply for a permanent visa. Why is there are change in assessment criteria and that too at a time so crucial that all the graduating students are either taking exams or are waiting for results. What is the purpose of ACS other than assessing international ITC professionals' degrees as far as I am concerned. Why don't they let the word out that students graduating this semester won't be affected with the change that is about to happen.
And last but not the least and very important
"DIBP have denied of providing guidelines to ACS for a change in the letter header and assessment criteria." I called DIBP personally early in the morning today.
What seems believable is that ACS has some sort of an understanding with institutes providing Professional Year Program facilities so that more and more students go for PYP. Also in this way students will have to have their qualifications assessed twice before they file a permanent visa. DIBP will grant the visa twice (permanent followed by a 485). So it is good business for everyone except students which if they do not raise a voice against it will be left to face all this.
The mastermind behind all this think that they are helping Australian economy by injecting so much money though students but unfortunately they are missing the bigger picture here. A worthy professional as soon as given a chance to start their career will bring more money into Australian Economy than the ones who will leave the country as they feel they aren't welcome anymore. And also people falling short of points are going for a PYP anyway and that will be aroung 80% of the students that pass out every year. Then whats the point of forcing that PYP on the rest of them which they will be doing unwillingly. This is going to stress out the people who actually wanted a career in Australia and were capable enough to do that and they will go back.
ACS should not change criteria. If so important to change, there should be ample time for students to re-plan their course of action for studies and life so that transition goes smooth. A food for though and if Thomas, as you are saying that you can provide students' feedback to those where it should matter, here is an opportunity to talk sense to 'wise and worthy' decision makers. -
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Hi Khurram,
Firstly, can you advise with whom you spoke at DIBP? We are in discussions with them at the moment, and I want to make sure that their call centre staff are aware of this.
I can also assure you that we are providing feedback to decision makers, however we do have to work within the requirements of the migration framework.
In terms of wanting a 189/190 Visa Class, as always I'd suggest confirming the best pathway with DIBP. The 485 is specifically for temporary residency, as outlined by DIBP.
Once I have any information from DIBP or our skills teams, I will make sure it is posted and updated on our website.
Also, if you want to send me your petition, I can pass that on as well.
Kind regards -
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Hi Thomas,
I just called the helpline number and this information was given to me. i didn't get the name of that person but if someone has doubts, be my guest call them again and they, I'm dead sure, will answer the same.
Again how does ACS know what 485 means but doesn't know what 189/190 are? This transaction should be atomic - all or nothing. Either ACS should know all the sub-classes or nothing at all. I mean this is funny that ACS is going to mention a sub-class on a specific assessment and not on the others. Unequal, unfair and unethical that is how it is going to be seen.
Petition is simple and straight forward; The students graduating this year (2013) should be exempted from the new rules (if they are the a year of experience of experience or a PYP). The reason of this exemption is that not enough time has been given to students to change their plans. You cannot just jump in and change peoples' planning forever without having to give them enough time to rethink and follow a new course in life. Same happened when DIBP introduced EOI. People were given 6 months (July 2012 - December 2012) to file their application on the rules that didn't have a compulsion to file an EOI. That was considered as fair. What ACS is going to do, as we have the information that the new rules are going to be applied from 28th of October, will totally be unfair and unacceptable to the students who have taken their exams and are waiting for results and are going to take exams in a few weeks. By the way this information of application of new rules was provided by ACS call center representative. We will initiate the petition forwarding procedure if these exceptions aren't made in rules that are going to be uploaded on ACS website tomorrow. Wait & watch will hopefully be over by tomorrow evening. Thanks -
Friday, 25 October 2013
I am hoping to complete my Masters in IT next year July. I have one and a half years of experience in the industry after my bachelor's degree which is also in IT (not in Australia). So would that count as qualified experience to apply for PR? or do I have to obtain work after I complete my masters degree?
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Friday, 25 October 2013
Hi Hashan,
Our assessment teams can assist you with this query. You can contact them on assessment@acs.org.au
Kind regards -
Friday, 25 October 2013
Funny discussion. Everybody stop. Money is all they want. That's it. International Students don't have rights to vote. We are lambs.
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Friday, 25 October 2013
The ACS has released a statement regarding changes to the Graduate Skills Assessment process. The statement is available at http://www.acs.org.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/2013/acs-announces-graduate-skills-assessment-application-process-changes
Copy of the statement is also shown below
The Australian Computer Society has today announced changes to the graduate skills assessment application process to align with changes implemented by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).
The ACS is choosing to implement the changes effective from January 15, 2014, which will provide certainty to those studying courses that are scheduled for completion in the final months of 2013.
The implementation of the ACS graduate application changes will ensure applicants are being assessed in line with the Migration Amendment (Skills Assessment) Regulation 2013 changes announced by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection to take effect on Oct 28, 2013.
The ACS is committed to providing a robust assessment service that accurately identifies an applicant’s ICT skills and their compatibility with the skills that the Australian Government has identified as being in shortage. To aid clarity and enhance consistency, the ACS has reviewed the current suitability criteria for applicants with an Australian study component in their skills assessment.
The following changes will come into effect on Jan 15, 2014:
· The ACS Temporary Graduate – 485 skills assessment will clearly state that it is specifically for the purpose of applying for a subclass 485 visa application. Applicants with an Australian study component that are applying for a subclass 485 visa will be assessed on the Australian qualification only, based on the completion of the relevant Australian Bachelor degree or higher.
· Applicants with an Australian study component that wish to apply for permanent residency will require either 1 year of relevant work experience or completion of an ACS Professional Year Program to receive a suitable skills assessment which can be used for general migration purposes.
· The ACS Post Australian Study skills assessment is intended to support graduates in applying for permanent residency under the General Skilled Migration or Employer Nomination Scheme after completing an Australian study component.
· The Australian study component is taken into consideration because of the value of studying in Australia and the exposure to Australian culture and language, which in turn places applicants in a better position to be employed in their nominated occupation.
· The work experience or professional year program is assessed for suitability of the full skills assessment and the applicant is considered skilled from the completion date of the relevant Australian degree. The Post Australian Study skills assessment can be used for migration purposes in general. -
Friday, 25 October 2013
thanks and i appreciate your active role in ensuring that rush can be stopped.I now understand rules came from immigration as we all expected. we do hope immigration start considering "international students" in definition of "stakeholders" since apparently language of bill says bill was discussed with ALL STAKEHOLDERS just like last government always did and also immigration should update this important change in their whats new? and migration blog as well? wonder why they didn't?
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Friday, 25 October 2013
RELIEVED !!!! Much relieved!!!! Can focus on my life once again now. I believe Thomas has conveyed the message in its fullest and the shaken trust in ACS is reinstated.
Thanks
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Friday, 25 October 2013
told you wait till Friday.Got to still clear exams man. This is one good thing about Australia, when public talks, government and authority listens. thanks to the press who helped us. I do think they should have waited till July. It sounds wrong that Immigration is giving new instruction in middle of year, may be because Kevin is gone, they want to do everything opposite of what they did. I have to appreciate last government did change rules but they did care about us. I miss Kevin Government now . May be Kevin should have given us voting rights and we could have saved them back
.Looks like last government was better for us since they provided transitional arrangement of at least 6 months.Thanks a lot migration alliance, you have done an awesome job and according to us you are best "migration agents" in Australia.God bless you. -
Friday, 25 October 2013
How about those students who are going to graduate next July.....
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Saturday, 26 October 2013
Andy I am afraid you will be caught by the new ACS rules.
We Published our Volume 270 IMMIGRATION NEWS last night and I will paste our Opinion on this matter here;
.........................................................................
Many upset international students have voiced their opinions that the ACS is just conducting a money grab exercise to funnel students into their PYP programs on the pretext of complying with a new regulation.
If such a change in the Migration Regulations is relevant then why aren't any other skill assessment bodies such as Engineers Australia making similar pronouncements.
International students can draw their own conclusions on this matter. It maybe useful to read the comments from the ACS, migration professionals and other students on the Migration Alliance Blog.
We respect the right for skill assessment bodies to decide on their own rules however students must be given a lengthy transitional period, certainly more than less than 3 months.
International students in Australia are an important part of our economy and its sustainability.
Surely we have learned the lessons of the previous governments mismanagement concerning the various provisions applicable to visa applications.
The new DIBP Minister Scott Morrison has recently made comments that he acknowledges these issues and is working proactively on policies to address the failings of the past.
It is disappointing to note that the ACS is not taking a similar line.
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Andy you can read our Volume 270 here;
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs107/1106091886176/archive/1115388430096.html
Kind regards
Karl Konrad
Managing Director
Australian Immigration Law Services
Editor of IMMIGRATION NEWS
Immigration blog
wait till friday first lets see the final rule.