1September 2007 Skilled Visa Changes

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has introduced major changes to the General Skilled Migration programme (GSM) from on 1 September 2007. People who have made an application for a skilled visa on or before 31 August 2007 will not be affected by the changes.

Please visit

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/changes/qa.htm

for full details and FAQ's about the changes

New Visa English Requirements

As from 1 September 2007 as part of the overall changes to General Skilled Migration (GSM) Points allocation changes have been made to the English Language requirement.
Please see here for full details

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/gener...nges/index.htm

In short,anyyone who intends to claim 25 points for proficient English  will HAVE to score 7 on each of the 4 bands of IELTS, REGARDLESS of whether they are from an English speaking country,or whether they hold a passport from an English speaking country.

New Values Statement Requirement

As from 15 October all new visa applicants in most of the temporary and permanent visas (those involving potential stays of more than 12 months) - will be required to sign a values statement as a part of their application.

Please refer here:-

http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/values/index.htm

for full details