Changes to the General Skilled Migration programme (GSM) were introduced on 27 October 2008 and 1 January 2009. People who have made an application for a skilled visa on or before 27 October 2008 will not be affected by the changes.

Changes will include:

• increasing the English language threshold for GSM visa applicants
• rewarding GSM visa applicants who have very good English language proficiency
• greater emphasis on skilled work experience
• introduction of a new temporary work visa for graduates
• simplifying the GSM visa structure.

The threshold level of English language proficiency will be raised from an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5 (vocational) to 6 (competent) on all four components. However, applicants applying for trade occupations will be required to meet the current threshold of an IELTS score of 5.

Under the points test system, bonus points will be given to applicants who achieve English language scores above the threshold level and additional points will be allocated for skilled work experience in Australia.

Note: Migration Occupation in Demand List (MODL) points will only be awarded to applicants with at least 12 months experience in their nominated occupation or one that is closely related.

| 14.07.2007 | Read more |

The new residence requirements for Australian citizenship in the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 mean that applicants will need:

• four (4) years lawful residence in Australia immediately prior to making an application for Australian citizenship with at least 12 months as a permanent resident, and
• absences from Australia of no more than 12 months in total in the four (4) years prior to application, and no more than three (3) months in the 12 month permanent residency period prior to application.

The new residence requirements will only apply to people who become permanent residents on or after 1 July 2007.

People who became permanent residents before 1 July 2007 need only meet the old residence requirements (presence in Australia as a permanent resident for periods amounting to two (2) years in the last five (5) years including one (1) year in the last two (2) immediately prior to making the application) provided they applied within three (3) years from the day the legislation commences.

The changes to the residence requirements from 1 July 2007 recognise time spent in Australia as temporary residents prior to the acquisition of permanent residence. Up to three (3) years of temporary residence will count towards the four (4) year residence requirement for citizenship.

In other words, people who become permanent residents after 1 July 2007 and have been living in Australia on temporary visas immediately before becoming a permanent resident will be able to have up to three (3) years of the time spent as holders of temporary visas counted towards the four (4) year residence requirement. They will need to have a minimum of one (1) year as a permanent resident.

| 14.07.2007 | Read more |

The Australian citizenship test has commenced on 1 October 2007.

The Australian citizenship test has been designed to assist people who want to become Australian citizens gain an understanding of Australia's values, traditions, history and national symbols.

The test is an important part of ensuring that migrants have the capacity to fully participate in the Australian community as citizens and maximise the opportunities available to them in Australia. It promotes social cohesion and successful integration into the community.

The Australian Government released a discussion paper on 17 September 2006 seeking community views on the merits of introducing a formal citizenship test. More than 1644 responses were received with 60 per cent of respondents supporting the introduction of the citizenship test. 25 per cent of respondents were opposed to the introduction of a formal citizenship test and 15 per cent did not state a clear view either way.

The Government announced on 11 December 2006 its intention to introduce a citizenship test and values statements for permanent and selected temporary visa applicants.

The Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Testing) bill 2007 was introduced into Parliament on 30 May 2007 and was passed by the Parliament on 12 September 2007. The citizenship test was implemented on 1 October 2007.

The objective of the test is to help migrants integrate and maximise the opportunities available to them in Australia, and enable their full participation in the Australian community as citizens. It provides a strong incentive for new arrivals to learn English and to understand the Australian way of life. From a broader perspective, it supports social cohesion and successful integration into the community.

Becoming a citizen involves a commitment to a shared future in Australia and core values. It means understanding the privileges that come with citizenship and also being able to fulfil the responsibilities that citizenship brings.

While migrants are not expected to leave their traditions behind, it is expected that they embrace Australian values and integrate into the Australian society. In becoming an Australian citizen, migrants are required to formally pledge their loyalty to Australia and its people.