Will changes to the Skilled Occupation List affect your visa options?
What is the Skilled Occupation List?
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is a list of skilled occupations that are in high demand by the Australian economy. The SOL only applies to Independent Migration, (non-employer sponsored or State/Territory government nominated skilled migration) This list aims to meet the long term shortages of occupations, rather than immediate (short term) shortages. If you are thinking of applying for one of the following visa subclasses, your occupation must be on the SOL:
- points based skilled migration independently Subclass 189 (not nominated by a State or Territory government);
- Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate visa in the graduate work stream); or
- family sponsored stream of the Subclass 489 Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa.
The SOL is a very important resource for providing migrants with a clear idea of what skilled occupations are in short supply in Australia, over the coming three years. You can check if your skills are needed in Australia by referring to the current list on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website
What is the Consolidated Occupation List?
The Consolidated Sponsored Occupation list (CSOL) is a list of skilled occupations eligible for sponsored migration in Australia. If you don’t have an occupation on the SOL, you may be eligible for State and Territory nomination or employer sponsorship.
Employers, as well as States and Territory governments, are able to sponsor a much larger variety of occupations on the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL). If you want to apply or a skilled visa and have an occupation on the CSOL, you must apply for a sponsored visa.
NEW Changes to the Occupation Lists
Every year, the SOL and CSOL are reviewed and re-examined by the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency (AWPA) and as a result of this review, they are updated on 1 July of every year. When AWPA reviews these lists, they obtain statists from many different unions, industry associations and government bodies, in order to determine a balance between the supply and demand of available jobs in Australia.
Some noticeable changes to the SOL effective July 1, 2016 is the removal of occupations such as:
Dental Hygienist
Dental Prosthetist
Dental Technician
Dental Therapist
OH & S Advisor
Mining Engineer
Some noticeable changes to the CSOL effective July 1, 2016 is the removal of occupations such as;
Motor Mechanic(general)
Diesel Mechanic
Small Engine Mechanic
Welder (first class)
Metal Fabricator
Panel beater
For further information on how these changes may affect your migration options or to get a quote for your transition to permanent residency, please contact one of our friendly staff to make an appointment.
