It is no news that world economy is experiencing one of its hardest times ever. It is evident that if not for proper actions by the governments, countires are bound to experience worse times than the Great Depression. In such an environment, how would one feel about moving countires, particularly to settle in with families. As the financial crisis has the biggest impact on the west and the developed world, securing work would be a primary concern for potential migrants. As the job market has been affected in many parts of the world, one would imagine that employment will be a barrier to their settlement, which is true to an extent.

Australia is one of the least affected nations in the global financial crisis. However, one cannot rule out the implications are not visible. There is a distinctive loss of demand for certain occupations. Comparatively, loss of skilled work is far less than blue collar jobs.

On January 1, 2009, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) announced a new list by the name of Critical Skills List (CSL). This list further highlights the skills that are in acute shortage and is created with the purpose of prioritizing visas. With the announcement of this list, there were other changes to the procedures made in the month of March. The new change to procedures affects the visas under the skilled migration category. As such now the DIAC gives the priority to applications that are sponsored by the State/ Territory governments.

Occupations in the CSL receive the next level of priority while the Migration Occupation in Demand (MODL) is pushed further down the ladder. If your application is lodged under the independent category or relatively sponsored category and your occupation is not in demand; you will experience delays in the process. These changes have been made skilfully to the Australian Skilled Migration Programme according to the current demand of the Australian economy. It is noteworthy that this prioritising of occupations will better cater to the Australian actual skills shortage. Furthermore, the Australian government has announced 14% reduction of places available for the financial quota of 2008~2009. Applicants who have already lodged their applications will be affected by these changes too. However, if your application is processing with the DIAC, there is no need to be alarmed by the changes. Some applicants are under the perceptions that these changes may result in returning their applications and consequently will not be eligible for processing. This is actually not the case. What you will go through is merely a delay for some cases in processing times, where -as some applications are fast tracked with the changes.

There is a burning question in the given climate, should I proceed with a migration application? What is mention worthy at this point is that applicants receiving visas in a year or so from now, are better off than the applicants receiving visas now. As such, there is light at the end of the tunnel. At the time of writing this article, there are many signs of recovery of the Australian economy. The demand for jobs particularly in the IT, Engineering and Accountancy areas has shown a steady growth. All other occupations in the Skills Occupations List (SOL) stand a great chance too, particularly with a state/ territory nomination. Having higher scores in the IELTS test also, enhances the opportunity. Potential applicants should not give in to the rumours that the migration programme has ceased.

Being proactive is the best remedy. If one believes the criteria are met for an Australian visa, better now than never. Therefore, with proper advice, potential candidates can still apply for migration and keep their hopes up in settling in the land of opportunity. Advice on Australian migration must be obtained through registered migration consultant with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (themara.com.au). The Australian Migration Centre can be contacted on 2818833 or make a visit to see us in person at 5/6 Railway Avenue Nugegoda. www.australianmigrationcentre.com