On 31 March 2003, the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Idigenous Affairs, Philip Ruddock, announced changes to take effect on 1 July 2003 within the general skiled migration category.
These changes are subject to amendments to the Migration Regulations.
The changes in summary are:
- Overseas students will be required to have completed at least 2 years study while physically in Australia before they qualify for additional points or the work experience exemption (overseas students studying towards a degree, diploma or trade qualification in Australia on 31 March 2003 who apply for general skilled migration before 1 April 2004 will be required to meet the current provision that requires 1 year of full time study in Australia);
- The award of 5 additional points for wverseas students who study and reside in regional Australia or a low population growth metropolitan area for at least 2 years;
- An increase in the points from 5 to 10 awarded for a skilled occupation on the Migration Occupation in Demand List(MODL) and from 10 to 15 for having a job offer in relation to an occupation on the MODL;
- An increase in the points from 5 to 10 awarded for completion of an Australian upper second class Honours (or higher degree) or Masters qualification following completion of an Australian bachelor degree, both obtained while studying in Australian;
- An increase in the points awarded from 10 to 15 for completion of an Australian Doctorate with a minimum of 2 consecutive years of full time study while physically in Australia.
Source by : Department of Immigration and Indegeous Affairs
Copy of passport 
