| A new website launched by immigration law firm Haag | | | | regarding the SOL, directly affect the chances of any |
| Walker Lawyers points out the evolving complexities | | | | prospective migrant to Australia successfully obtaining |
| of Australian immigration law, policy and practice, and | | | | an Australian visa. |
| warns that on the back of the most recent | | | | Haag Walker Lawyers recognise this, and pride |
| government changes to the Australian immigration | | | | themselves on keeping abreast of all changes to |
| system, obtaining the right immigration advice is now | | | | immigration policy implemented by the Australian |
| more important then ever before. | | | | Government. It is important to this firm not only that |
| The Australian government has recently implemented | | | | they themselves understand the effect of these |
| a series of complicated changes to Australian | | | | recent changes to the SOL, but that their valued clients |
| immigration procedures, causing much concern and | | | | are made aware of these also. |
| confusion amongst those awaiting a decision on their | | | | Their new website has been designed with this in mind. |
| Australian visa application and those hoping to begin | | | | It illustrates the role and purpose of new immigration |
| the application process. In view of this, Melbourne | | | | policies in detail, promising clients that under the |
| immigration lawyers Haag Walker advise "…it is vital | | | | direction of their firm, "… valuable time and money will |
| that expert advice is sought from the start of the visa | | | | not be expended on any unwarranted or unattainable |
| application process." | | | | applications." |
| Perhaps the most significant recent change is the | | | | The website explains how a lack of knowledge |
| introduction by the Australian Government of a new | | | | regarding the full implications of these changes can |
| updated Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This is a list of | | | | and often does result in visa applications being refused. |
| occupations relevant to independent skilled migration | | | | Being unaware of the way changes to Australian |
| which are considered to be in demand in Australia. The | | | | immigration policy affect visa application outcomes can |
| new SOL (due to come into effect in July 2010) | | | | therefore be costly, not only in terms of time and |
| includes 181 occupations, a significant shift from the | | | | expense, but also to an individual's dream of |
| original which listed over 400. The Australian | | | | immigration to Australia in the first place. |
| Government cites a higher need for | | | | This highlights the importance of retaining sound |
| employer-sponsored migrants in the Australian labour | | | | professional legal advice before undertaking an |
| force as the reason for reducing the number and type | | | | Australian visa application. With their up-to-date |
| of independent skilled migration occupations which are | | | | immigration experience and knowledge, Haag Walker |
| acceptable. | | | | Lawyers are able to ensure that an Australian visa |
| Changes to immigration policy, such as those instituted | | | | application "has the best possible chance of success. |