[OJulius]

Hi All,

Has anybody heard of any news or rumors whether current population debate would affect skilled migration officially? I read some news saying Abbot's Coalition is pushing for cutting it, and Green's Brown too. But they are merely intentions, right? Anything official yet from DIAC?

Any of you working in DIAC? If I have all the required documentations completed (met) for a Skilled Migration PR, would I be affected by the current events? How long does it NORMALLY take to get the PR after all docs are completed? I wonder whether my application is being postponed, or is it still "normal" (meaning still within the normal processing time)?

I'm really anxious. I can't wait to get the final verdict on my PR. I have put all my hope and dreams in the land down under. I really don't want to be disappointed.

Thanks,
OJ

[fran]

Hi OJ,

I've not heard anything in the news about this and I would think that migration numbers would be already fixed for this year so any changes would apply to future years. The migration numbers are regularly adjusted slightly up or down so I wouldn't panic about it.

Sorry but I am out of touch with the timeframes now - there have been so many changes recently. Hoping you get some good news soon.:)

[Cliff]

I saw this in the news today:

"AUSTRALIA'S first population minister will explore whether immigration rules can be used to dictate where new migrants live and work.

Tony Burke said it was "not in the national interest" for newcomers to settle in areas where they put extra pressure on infrastructure and jobs when rural and regional employers were crying out for workers.

In the past financial year, Australia's migration program accounted for 171,318 people."

http://www.news.com.au/national/minister-tony-burke-says-migrants-should-go-bush/story-e6frfkvr-1225851126005

[OJulius]

Thanks fran & Cliff for your response.

fran - You could be right. In the past few changes by DIAC, the changes affected those who apply after the date the change came into effect.

Cliff - I don't know what to say about this news. On the one hand, I understand the point completely. On the other hand, I also prefer living in the city. But if they left me with no choice, oh well...

[OJulius]

Got me a resident visa!!! Woohoo!!!

[Martha]

Congratulations OJULIUS!!!

[Cliff]

Well done!! :)

[Gabriella8]

Hi OJulius! First of all congratulations on getting your PR status! How long was your waiting period after you submitted all the requirements?

[OJulius]

Thanks everyone for the congrats :)

Next - find a job... move there first, or apply from here, that's the question... I give it until June applying from here, then I will make the physical move..

Gabriella8 - It was exactly 4 weeks.. well plus 1 day.