Flagged Changes to Australia’s Eligible Occupations for Skilled Migration in 2020
Is your occupation listed as eligible for a skilled visa to work in Australia? To migrate to Australia on a skilled visa, a person needs to be skilled and experienced in an occupation that appears on a relevant Skilled Occupation Lists, in addition to meeting other eligibility criteria.
There are three Skilled Occupation Lists in Australia. These are:
The Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) – for a short stay visa
The Medium to Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) – for a medium stay visa and a pathway to permanent residence
The Regional Occupation List (ROL) – for a medium stay visa in a regional area and a pathway to Permanent Residence (PR)
Perth is now included as a regional areas for visa purposes.
The above lists apply to employer-sponsored, points-tested, state-nominated and training visa programs and are reviewed regularly by the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business to ensure Australia’s skilled migration programs continue to match skills needed in the local community.
It’s important to stay up to date on flagged changes to Skilled Occupation Lists because changes could impact your continued eligibility for a temporary skilled visa and PR, how long you can work in Australia and where you can work in Australia.
Which occupations have been flagged for changes in 2020?
The Department has flagged several changes to Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists for 2020 and is consulting with industry groups before finalising their decisions.
It’s important to note that while the below occupations have been flagged for changes, formal decisions are yet to be made on whether changes will proceed. We expect to receive confirmation from the Government from March 2020.
Here’s which occupations have been flagged and how the changes could impact skilled migrants.
Occupations that may be removed from the STSOL
4 occupations that are currently listed on the STSOL may be removed in 2020 and become ineligible for skilled migration to Australia.
Occupations that may be moved to the STSOL
The below occupations are currently either listed on the MLTSSL or the ROL for a medium stay visa and pathway to PR, however in 2020 they have been flagged to be moved to the STSOL for a short stay visa.
Occupations that may be moved to the MLTSSL
6 occupations are currently either listed on the STSOL for a short stay visa or the ROL for a long-term regional visa, however in 2020 they may be moved to the MLTSSL for a long-term visa for work in any area of Australia.
Occupations that may be added to the STSOL
The below occupations are currently not listed as eligible for skilled migration, but may become eligible for a short stay skilled visa in 2020.
1 Occupation may be moved to the ROL
Geologists are currently listed on the STSOL for a short stay visa, however in 2020 this occupation may be moved to the ROL for a regional and long-term visa.O
Occupations that may have caveats for skilled migration
The below occupations are already listed on either the STSOL or MLTSSL and may stay on their current list, however salary caveats may be introduced. If so, minimum salary requirements may need to be met to apply for a skilled visa under these occupations.
Migration Connections Made Simple
We encourage businesses and individuals that may be impacted by the proposed changes to contact Immigracious’ Registered Migration Agents to discuss how we may be able to assist you.
The flagged changes may present new opportunities to migrate to Australia under certain occupations. However, should changes proceed, they may also render some people ineligible for skilled migration or a long-term visa – this is particularly the case for:
Occupations that may be removed from the STSOL
Occupations that may be moved to the STSOL
Businesses and individuals that may be impacted by the above may wish to consider applying for their skilled visa arrangements without delay.
The Government expects to finalise their review of occupation list changes in March 2020 and following this we can expect their final decisions to be announced.
We will certainly keep you updated. If you would like to understand your visa and sponsorship options, simply contact Immigracious on 08 6263 4406 or at hello@immigracious.com.au
Source:
Immigracious
Migration Institute of Australia
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