Every 6 months the Skilled Occupations Lists for Australia are checked for possible removals and additions from and to the different lists. The below changes are proposed by the Department of Jobs and Small Businesses and summarise the flagged occupations and the proposed changes.
A “Traffic Light” System is used with those occupations that are flagged to be taken off the skilled occupation lists and others to be moved between the Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), Medium to Long Term Strategic Skilled List (MLTSSL) and the Regional Occupations List (ROL).
What Visa Applications might be affected?
It seems the proposed changes will affect mostly employer sponsored visa applications as well as the General Skilled Migration.
What Visa Applications might be affected?
It seems the proposed changes will affect mostly employer sponsored visa applications as well as the General Skilled Migration.
Which Occupations are flagged to be removed?
The below occupations are currently on the STSOL and are flagged to possibly be entirely removed:
- 133411 Manufacturer
- 211499 Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals nec
- 212312 Director (Film, Television, Radio or Stage)
- 212314 Film and Video Editor
- 212315 Program Director (Television or Radio)
- 212316 Stage Manager
- 212317 Technical Director
- 212318 Video Producer
- 241311 Middle School Teacher
- 323215 Textile, Clothing and Footwear Mechanic
- 323316 Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer
- 342411 Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)
- 342413 Telecommunications Linesworker
- 399211 Chemical Plant Operator
- 399312 Library Technician
- 411715 Residential Care Officer
- 599612 Insurance Loss Adjuster
Which Occupations might be moved between the lists?
The bellow occupations are currently on the MLTSSL and might be moved to the STSOL:
- 221112 Management Accountant
- 234111 Agricultural Consultant
- 312212 Civil Engineering Technician
The bellow occupations are currently on the STSOL and may be moved to the MLTSSL:
- 452411 Footballer
The bellow occupations are currently on the STSOL and may be moved to the ROL, which means the position needs to be based in a regional area of Australia:
- 252312 Dentist
- 253211 Anaesthetist
What does that mean for ENS Direct Entry Applications?
If you wish to apply for an ENS Direct Entry application but your occupation is no longer on the MLTSSL, you will no longer be eligible to apply for this visa type.
If you do submit your application before the proposed changes come into effect, your application is most likely being processed under the “old conditions” even if your occupation is removed while you are waiting for an outcome on your visa application.
What happens to the 482 Visa Applications?
You might be affected negatively if your occupation is removed completely from the STSOL prior to getting your 482 TSS Visa granted. If you submit your visa application for a TSS Visa AFTER the changes take effect in mid of 2018 you might not be eligible for this visa type any longer. The same goes if you have lodged your TSS Visa application but are still waiting for a decision.
If your occupation is moved from the STSOL to the ROL before you have lodged your TSS Visa application and your position is NOT in a regional area of Australia, you are not likely to be eligible for a TSS Visa.
If your occupation is moved between the ROL and the MLTSSL, the length of your TSS Visa might be affected as well as your permanent residency pathway options.
What do the changes mean for General Skilled Migration Applications?
Based on previous cases and decisions by the Department of Home Affairs, it is expected that applicants who are affected by these changes in moving from one list to the other, will be impacted in regards to their permanent residency options. This might mean limitations to some occupations but more options for other occupations.
We expect, however, that applications who have received invitations to apply for subclass 489, 189 or 190 and haven’t lodged their applications yet, will remain eligible for the visa they have been invited to apply for.
What to do now?
If your occupation is affected by any changes, we advise you look at lodging your visa application as soon as possible before the changes come into effect.
If you need us to guide you on the best options for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us or if you need an in-depth consultation, simply book it now online.
References:
https://docs.jobs.gov.au/documents/skilled-migration-occupation-list-submission-guidelines
https://docs.jobs.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/180530_-_tlb_brief_mid_year_update.pdf
