Message in from the DIBP today:

Dear Registered Migration Agent

I am writing to you in my capacity of Director Program Delivery, Temporary Business Entry. In this role I have responsibility for the subclass 457 processing network.

The AFR report which sent shock waves amongst overseas accounting students in particular has forced DIBP to come out and categorically declare that Accounting will remain on the skills list. If it wasn’t for the AFR article which declared that DIBP had dropped accounting from the list, the question of the tenability of the occupation as a migration pathway would have remained fodder for the rumour mill.

The Australian Financial Review is perhaps one of Australia's most prestigious and respected newspapers with incisive reports grounded on credible sources - most of the time, at least. It remains unclear what went wrong in its story earlier this week that Accounting has been dropped from the skills list. The paper has now removed the story, and replaced it with an article entitled, ‘Accounting to remain on skilled migration list”. No explanation was provided for the earlier article, the reason for its publication and subsequent removal.

The articled however has forced the government, which has been reticent on the issue despite constant talk in the industry of the tenability of the occupation remaining on the list to finally deliver a strong statement as follows:

“Some of our blog readers may have seen today’s Australian Financial Review, which has incorrectly reported that the department has dropped accounting from its list of skilled occupations in demand for 2015.

“There are no plans to remove this occupation from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for the 2015 programme year. The Office of the Chief Economist in the Department of Industry conducts analysis each year on the composition of the SOL. The next advice is expected in March 2015 after the completion of extensive labour market analysis and a public consultation process.

“This year, the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency (whose functions have been incorporated into the Department of Industry) released a detailed analysis of accountants and concluded that they should continue to be included on the SOL.”

Migration Alliance members are invited to attend the Gala Dinner of the first Australia-Korea Politics and Business Forum.  I have been invited by the Chairman, Sang Ok and I would like to extend invitations to all RMAs who would like a seat at my table for this event.  If you would like to attend please write 'LIANA ALLAN'S TABLE' on your RSVP below.    It is $150 per head and $270 per couple.  This will be a brilliant networking opportunity for migration agents and the opportunity for agents to meet Scott Morrison MP and other influential government MPs as per the details below.  A truly unique opportunity.  I am glad to be able to include my fellow RMAs at my table.  To obtain a copy of the RSVP form via email please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .   Everyone is welcome!

The Department of Immigration has dropped accounting from its list of skilled occupations in demand for 2015, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review.

The report states that while it is unclear if other professions have been taken off or added to the government’s 2015 skilled occu‎pation list, the decision to drop accounting has stunned the major accounting bodies.

"Chartered Accountants and CPA have lobbied the government hard to keep it on the list, maintaining there is a shortage of accountants.The pair planned to present a joint submission to this affect to officials at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on Friday." states the report

The Australian Financial Review has written a series of articles on the diminishing job outcomes for accounting graduates over the last eight months.

Deakin University published a study last month shedding light on the plight of international students - a crucial cash cow for universities - ‎when it came to securing professional work.

Of all the professions on DIBP’s list of skilled occupations in demand, accounting is one of those used most frequently by foreigners seeking a 485 temporary visa, granting them work rights in Australia for up to 18 months.

From 23 November 2014, employers can expect to be allowed to hire foreign workers on Temporary Work (Short Stay) Subclass 400 visas for up to six months at a time. This is double the current limit of three months. However the catch that remains to be explained is under what circumstances will the DIBP actually grant the full term permitted by the new rules.

The changes aim to offer employers greater flexibility in employing temporary foreign workers who have to come Australia to perform specific skilled tasks including fulfilling contractual obligations. In addition to lengthening the duration of subclass 400 visas, the legislation also increases the period of time that the visa is valid before entry. Under the new rules it is expected that a subclass 400 visa holder may enter Australia six months from the date the visa is granted, as opposed to three months under current rules.

However, what remains unclear is under what circumstances foreigners will become eligible for the full 6 months. Currently the employers need to demonstrate ‘exceptional circumstance’ in order to be granted the full term, otherwise the default grant is only about 6 weeks. In addition the ‘adjudication’ standards may vary from country to country given that these visas are generally considered by overseas consuls.

The SC400 visa is for employers requiring foreign workers to travel to Australia to do short-term, highly specialised, non-ongoing work; participate in non-ongoing cultural or social activities at the invitation of an Australian organisation; or in limited circumstances, participate in an activity or work relating to Australia’s interests.

Generally, to be eligible, these worker need to have specialised skills, knowledge or experience that can assist Australian business; or have been invited to participate in an event by an organisation in Australia; or are required in Australia for exceptional circumstances of national importance, such as to assist following a natural disaster.