As of the 1st July 2011 Australia's new immigration rules will focus on higher qualifications and advanced English language skills as requirements for those wishing to migrate to Australia.

The Australian government announced changes to its independent skilled migration points test, introducing the new immigration point system which will put more emphasis on work experience and high-level educational qualifications and higher English language proficiency.

The new changes as of 1 July, 2011 will apply to the following visa pathways:

• Subclass 885 Skilled Independent

• Subclass 886 Skilled Sponsored

• Subclass 487 Skilled Regional Sponsored

• Subclass 175 Skilled Independent

• Subclass 176 Skilled Sponsored

• Subclass 475 Skilled Regional Sponsored

The changes that are to take effect are:

New points test system

According to the new points system, no points will be allocated for a particular occupation. Any applicant being able to score 65 points in one way or another will meet the pass mark requirement. The Department of Immigration has already released the mechanism of qualifying, in other words, what attributes points can be awarded for.

To see further details please see the link below.

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/points-test.pdf

Please note: The new points test will only affect skilled independent immigration and not employer-sponsored immigration.

Your profession must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). You will find the new SOL list here: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/_pdf/sol-schedule1.pdf

As of 1 July, 2011 the age limits for the above visa pathways have changed from 45 to 50.

For those Greek citizens enquiring or wishing to migrate to Australia should, as a priority, contact the Australian Embassy in Athens.

Level 6, Thon Building, Cnr. Kifisias and Alexandras Ave, Ambelokipi Athens
Telephone +30 210 870 4000

Click here for map

Non-government resources

Hellas Australia Visa Services

Hellenic Australian visa Services are a legal firm that provides migration advice and currently offers this service to Greek residents wishing to migrate to Australia.

http://hellasaustraliavisa.com.gr/