DIAC lauds ‘faster’ visa process

According to Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), processing times have never been faster, thanks to the new ‘streamlined’ SkillSelect system, which launched in July last year. DIAC cites the fact that in five months alone, 2,717 skilled visas were approved. ‘If you receive an invitation through SkillSelect to apply for a skilled visa, you have all the details for your visa application ready in a complete EOI (Expression of Interest)’, said a DIAC spokesman. A second positive aspect to the SkillSelect system is that it is now widely used by state and territory governments in finding overseas workers. Potential migrants are being urged to prepare their EOI carefully before submitting.