apply for another SIR visa. They may choose to do this in circumstances where they are unable to satisfy the criteria for the grant of a permanent visa. Generally, only one additional SIR visa can be granted to an applicant and if granted will be valid for a further 12 month stay.

Certain applicants who meet additional requirements at the time of application will be eligible to remain in Australia after making the application for the SIR visa until that application is finalised. Other applicants must be outside Australia in order to be granted a SIR visa.

Additional information: A critical criterion that must be satisfied by SIR visa applicants is sponsorship from an authorised State or Territory government or their appointed Regional Certifying Body.

Applicants are also required to meet the basic criteria for General Skilled migration; that is, be under 45 years of age, have vocational standard English, have the skills to be recognised in an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List, and have the required recent work experience or are eligible for a waiver of this criterion.

Transitional arrangements: The SIR visa will commence on 1 July 2004.

Forms: Applicants for the SIR (Provisional) visa will use the existing form for General Skilled migration; that is, form 47SK. "Pooled" applicants who have been invited to apply for the visa will not be required to complete a new application form. They must, however, lodge the letter of invitation and acceptance advice with the department within 6 months of receiving the invitation.

Instructions: Policy guidelines on the new visa (both Schedule 1 and Schedule 2) have been drafted and will be included in PAM3.

Effect on delegations: Nil.

Effect on systems: Applications will be processed at the Adelaide Skills Processing Centre in Adelaide. ICSE has been updated to process these applications