Peer Review is no longer required by the RCB Immigration SA for the first stage of the RSMS process. This change was introduced from 24 June 2013.

Immigration SA posted the following on their blog:

“A recent review has identified the following changes to the RCB application process:

• Removal of peer review - effective immediately
• Simplified assessment questions
• Extensively reduced evidence requirements
• Quicker application process”

For Immigration SA announcements:

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/news%20and%20events

Peer Review required a letter from an employment agent or industry body or Union about not being able to fill the position.  It was very unpopular with employers, who often chose not to proceed with the RSMS process. 

Immigration SA has announced changes to their off-list sponsorship criteria:

“Changes include: (these apply to applicants living and working in South Australia only)

• - All international graduates of South Australia will be considered; nomination is no longer restricted to students who graduated within the last six months.
• - Applicants who have completed a vocational education and training (VET) or higher education qualification in South Australia with a minimum duration of one academic year (or CRICOSregistered for a minimum of 46 weeks).
• - Students who have completed a PhD or Masters by Research qualification in South Australia, no longer require work experience if they have an IELTS score of 7.5 overall or 7.0 in each band.”

Refer to the off-list section in the following link:

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/node/104

Changes will only apply until 30 June, 2013. 

Due to the short timeframe, the above changes for the off-list  will be most suitable for persons who already have a full skills assessment in a vocational occupation, such as a Nurseryperson.

IELTS Validity extended from two to three years:

Other changes include that Immigration SA will now accept IELTS results which are three-years-old or less on the state nomination decision date

I will post more details on the SA sponsorship changes as they emerge.

If you require further information regarding the SA State Sponsorship criteria or would like to book a consultation with Christopher Johnston, please do not hesitate to contact our offices on (08) 7225 5091.

Immigration SA has announced the deadline for lodging under RSMS subclasses 857 and 119 criteria, with the last day to lodge being 16 April 2012.  Any applications lodged after the 16 April 2012 will be considered for the new RSMS subclass 187.  The new subclass has a number of changes including Higher English requirements and age requirement set at 50 (with some exemptions).

Immigration SA has released the following:

“Nominations and visa applications lodged with DIAC from 1 July, 2012 will need to conform to the new DIAC requirements. Nominations lodged on form 1054 after 29 June, 2012 will not be valid and cannot be processed by DIAC.

Immigration SA is currently taking 10 weeks to certify a nomination. Based on current processing times, Immigration SA should be able to process complete nominations if received by 16 April, 2012, ready for lodgement with DIAC by 29 June, 2012.

From the 17 April, 2012, Immigration SA may not accept new nominations unless prior arrangements have been made with DIAC to lodge a registered but uncertified nomination and visa application.”

Immigration SA has release the following in relation to the new guidelines which correspond to the RSMS to be introduced by DIAC from the 1 July 2012:

“The new RSMS Guide for Employers now clearly outlines the supporting documents required to accompany a nomination. This will assist employers to lodge nominations which are quicker and easier to assess against the relevant criteria.

The new RSMS Guide for Employers comes into effect on 17 April 2012. Nominations lodged on or after this date will need to meet the requirements outlined in the new guide.”

WATCH THIS SPACE – I will provide more details on changes for Permanent Employer Sponsored Visas when they become available.