(PSS) wrote in message news:<>...
> MEDIA CENTRE
> Australia's Skills and Migrants to Increase
> VPS 059/2004
>
> Today the Government has moved to increase both the skills and numbers
> of migrants coming to Australia and in particular to focus migration
> to regional Australia.
>
> To increase the skills of migrants coming to Australia the passmark
> for the general skilled independent visa categories for permanent
> residence will be raised from 115 to 120. Rising demand for migration
> to Australia allows us to attract migrants with higher levels of
> skill. The passmark was last increased in 2002.
>
> To protect international students currently completing their studies
> in Australia the new passmark will not apply to those who apply before
> April 2005.
> The number of migrants coming to Australia will also increase because
> 5 000 additional places will be allocated to the new two stage Skilled
> independent visa. This special visa was announced in January and is
> available to those people who can't meet the new passmark but do meet
> the 2002 standard, provided they commit to living and working in
> regional Australia.
>
> This increase will help States and territories to match migrants to
> skill shortages and economic needs.
>
> States who want skilled migrants will have the opportunity to sponsor
> them under this visa. States who don't want them will not sponsor
> them.
>
> More doctors will also be brought to Australia. The revised program
> provides for an extra 1 000 places for doctors and their families in
> 2004/05.
>
> Modelling by Access Economics estimates that the migration program
> will contribute over $4 Billion to the Commonwealth Budget over the
> next four years.
>
> The 2004-05 Program continues the Government's strong commitment to
> managed migration in the national interest.
>
> We expect to deliver the largest Skill Stream in Australia's history
> at around 77 000 people. Over 70 000 visas in 2003-04 will be
> delivered.
>
> The new Program also ensures that Australia's working age population
> will continue to grow past the middle of this century, rather than
> decline as it would without immigration.
>
> A likely outcome for the 2004/05 Migration (non-Humanitarian) Program
> will be around 120 000 places.
>
> 01 April 2004
> http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/medi...a04/v04059.htm
>
> PSS
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------What happen to those who are already put in pool ?
they can apply for new Regional Visa?