The major changes for international student who wants to apply for Permanent Residence. ******************************************************************************* English Language Ability ******************************* TOEFL and Pearson tests are now accepted for Skilled Migration from 23 November 2014. Some skills assessing authorities are also starting to accept the alternate tests of English - particularly for Accountants and Social Workers. This gives applicants struggling to book in and pass the IELTS another opportunity to meet the English language requirement. We expect Immigration will also accept the Cambridge test by early 2015. Most applicants find it difficult to pass the writing section of the IELTS. We are beginning to see clients have success with one-to-one tutoring to increase their scores to required level. Work Experience Points ***************************** Not being able to substantiate claims for work experience points is the number one reason that applicants applying without a migration agent get refused. International students often seek to count work experience whilst they are studying, not realizing that work experience must be: Post-qualification: i.e. after you completed your entry level degree At least 20 hours per week: often an issue because students are limited to working 40 hours per fortnight In the nominated occupation: for instance accountants seeking to count work experience as a book keeper or accounts receivable will be refused because these occupations are not on the Skilled Occupations List IT professionals and trades persons also have difficult counting all their work experience because the skills assessment generally includes a skilled date before which points cannot be awarded for migration purposes. This may be 6 years or more from the date you commenced employment.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 23:47:32 +0000