The Australian Computer
Society (ACS) will change
their policy on 1 February.
While the scheduled MODL review has yet to be announced, 2010 has still already been an eventful year for Australian immigration changes made by various departments and bodies that are set to have a lasting impact on the Australian immigration process.
On Friday, I covered the recent updates made by VETASSESS, and today, I'll look at changes made by some other major skills assessing bodies, including the Australian Computer Society (ACS), Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) and Teaching Australia (TA).
Changes to Australian Computer Society (ACS) assessment policy from 1 February
We have received notification of an upcoming change to Australian Computer Society (ACS) assessment policy which will be implemented from 1 February, 2010.
The criteria for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process is set to change. At the moment, the requirement is that applicants write three mandatory 'core body of knowledge' essays, with applicants also able to write on other areas of knowledge using their own discretion.
However, from 1 February, 2010, there will be a new set of criteria called 'Key Areas of Knowledge'. There will be very little overlap between this new set of criteria and the criteria currently in place.
Therefore, if you are in a position to lodge to the ACS or are close to this point, it is recommended that you do so immediately.
However, if you are not able to lodge with the ACS before 1 February, it is advisable to cease working on the RPL aspect of the application, as much of the work you will do will be obsolete (although it is still possible to work on the employment references required for the application, as they will still be necessary).
As yet there is no further guidance on the new criteria, but we expect that it will be released before the implementation of the new assessing policy. As soon as we have any further details you will be notified.
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) release new application form
On 1 December, 2009, Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) released an updated version of the General Skilled Migration Skills Assessment application form (Version 1.8).
The new application form has new mandatory fields to collect the applicant's passport and visa information. It's important that all applicants ensure to use this new application form as failure to provide the aforementioned information may result in delays in processing your application.
Teaching Australia (TA) change name to Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL)
The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) came into being on 1 January, 2010, as the new name for Teaching Australia (TA).
While the change seems to be a predominantly superficial change (i.e. one with no updates to assessment criteria), there have already been changes scheduled for 22 March, 2010 relating to demonstrating English language ability and the amount of days of supervised teaching practice required. I'll write more on these changes closer to the time and will continue to monitor the AITSL to see whether any further updates are introduced.
- Lauren Mennie is Casework Department Manager for the Australian Visa Bureau.
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