Visa applicants’ skills assessments to expire after 3 years

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Skills assessments issued by assessing authorities for the purpose of visa applications are only valid for a period of three years, or if a shorter validity period is specified in the assessment, for that shorter period.

What does the change mean? Previously, skills assessments did not expire for the purposes of visa applications. The default three-year validity period is to align with the existing three-year validity period for English language tests.

• Implementation timeframe: 1 July 2014.
• Visas/permits affected: Subclass 186, subclass 187, subclass 189, subclass 190, subclass 485 and subclass 489.
• Who is affected: Those applying for visas which require a skills assessment to be undertaken.
• Impact on processing times:

Background: This change will ensure that applicants provide assessments that meet current standards.

BAL Analysis: The amendments are intended to correct a problem whereby expired or old skills assessments must be accepted by the Minister’s delegate. This is true even if current job requirements for the applicant’s nominated occupation have changed substantially and the applicant may not, if assessed today, satisfy those skills assessments.

This alert has been provided by BAL Australia. For additional information, please contact australia@bal.com.

MARN: 1174572

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