Conference to offer guidance on migration changes

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Created on Thursday, 14 June 2012 14:55

Written by Editorial staff

Migration agents are currently preparing for a number of changes that are due to come into force on July 1.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is hoping that through the reforms, the migration process will be streamlined for both sponsors and those applying for visas.

However, in order to offer the best possible advice, registered migration agents will need to make sure they understand the implications of these reforms.

Migration Alliance and Legal Training Australia have joined forces to make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to the changes, by running a three-day New Australian Landscape Conference later this month.

Taking place from June 28-30 at the Wesley Conference Centre in Sydney, the seminars will provide all the information needed to navigate these modifications.

From the start of the new financial year, skilled migrants will be able to make use of the new online SkillSelect system, which gives them the chance to put themselves forward for positions in certain industries.

The initiative will operate by workers putting forward an Expression of Interest (EOI), meaning they can register their details to be considered for a skilled visa.

If an employer responds to the EOI, then the individual will be given the opportunity to apply for a specific position and related visa, or an employer may get in touch to discuss a job opportunity.

"These new arrangements are designed to better respond to labour market demands and form part of ongoing reform of the skilled migration program," explained a DIAC spokesperson.

"Intending migrants will be found and nominated for skilled visas by Australian employers or state and territory governments, or they could be invited by the Australian government to lodge a visa application."

Although SkillSelect is one of the major areas that migration agents will need to get to grips with, it is far from the only topic of discussion at the New Australian Landscape Conference.

Delegates can also expect to learn more about Schedule 6D, which affects the points-based system used for potential migrants.

Under the changes, ministers are required to give an applicant points for the qualification they have attained that attracts the highest score in a bid to make the system fairer.

Various experts will be on hand throughout the three-day event to offer advice, including the DIAC, political leaders, immigration lawyers and even health insurance companies.