In preparation for the transition to the new Skilled Occupations List (SOL), the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans has announced a temporary suspension of all new applications for the following skilled visas:

• subclass 175 – skilled independent
• subclass 176 – skilled sponsored
• subclass 475 – skilled regional sponsored.

With a near-record number of applications being lodged, this measure is also intended to ensure the occupational profile of applicants for GSM clearly reflects the needs of the Australian labour market.

This temporary suspension applies to all visa applications lodged after midnight on the 8th of May, 2010 and is expected to be lifted by no later than June 30th 2010. 

Visa applications lodged already are not affected by the suspension and will be processed according to the priority order announced on the 8th February. 

These changes also do not affect international students applying for onshore general skilled migration visas .

The government is expected to announce the new SOL later in May, following the delay announced on April 30th.

The latest federal budget shows a contuing support for skilled migration with an increase of 5750 places announced, bringing the total expected skilled migrant intake of 113850 in 2010-11.

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