On 11 March 2019, the Department of Home Affairs introduced a number of new occupations to the Skilled Occupation Lists, affecting both Employer-sponsored and General Skilled Migration.
The occupation allocation has been decided upon according to the labour market recommendations given by the Department of Jobs and Small Business.
These changes have been implemented to ensure that the entry of foreign workers into Australia aligns with the Australia’s skilled workforce needs.
Currently, there are three types of lists including:
- Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- Regional Occupation List (ROL)
Potential skilled migrants are required to nominate an occupation from one of these lists, depending upon the type of visa a prospective migrant may seek.
A total of 36 occupations have been added to the Medium and Long-term Strategic List, including:
- arts administrator or manager
- environmental manager
- dancer or choreographer
- music director
- musician (instrumental)
- artistic director
- statistician
- economist
- mining engineer (excluding petroleum)
- petroleum engineer
- engineering professionals (nec)
- chemist
- food technologist
- environmental consultant
- environmental research scientist
- environmental scientist (nec)
- geophysicist
- hydrogeologist
- life scientist (general)
- biochemist
- biotechnologist
- botanist
- marine biologist
- microbiologist
- zoologist
- life scientists (nec)
- conservator
- metallurgist
- meteorologist
- natural and physical science professionals (nec)
- university lecturer
- multimedia specialist
- software and applications programmers (nec)
- horse trainer
- tennis coach
- footballer
In total, 27 occupations were removed from the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List.
- aquaculture farmer
- cotton grower
- fruit or nut grower
- grain, oilseed or pasture grower (Aus) / field crop grower (NZ)
- mixed crop farmer
- sugar cane grower
- crop farmers (nec)
- beef cattle farmer
- dairy cattle farmer
- mixed livestock farmer
- pig farmer
- sheep farmer
- livestock farmers (nec)
- mixed crop and livestock farmer
- visual arts and crafts professionals (nec)
- dentist
- anaesthetist
- textile, clothing and footwear mechanic
- watch and clock maker and repairer
- chemical plant operator
- library technician
- arts administrator or manager
- dancer or choreographer
- music director
- artistic director
- tennis coach
- footballer
Of the 27 occupations removed from the STSOL, 6 of those were added to the MLTSSL. These include arts administrator/manager, dancer/choreographer, music director, artistic director, tennis coach and footballer.
Lastly, 18 occupations were added to the Regional Occupation List, including.
- aquaculture farmer
- cotton grower
- fruit or nut grower
- grain, oilseed or pasture grower (Aus)/field crop grower (NZ)
- mixed crop farmer
- sugar cane grower
- crop farmers (nec)
- beef cattle farmer
- dairy cattle farmer
- deer farmer
- goat farmer
- mixed livestock farmer
- pig farmer
- sheep farmer
- livestock farmers (nec)
- mixed crop and livestock farmer
- dentist
- anaesthetist
You can see more information about the Skilled Occupation List changes here.
If your chosen occupation has been affected by these changes and you would like to know your visa options, Results Migration are a experienced team of immigration lawyers and migration agents that can answer any questions you may have. Call Results Migration on 1800 808 717 or email us on [email protected] to book your free consultation today!