Skilled Occupation List to be updated

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Created on Thursday, 20 June 2013 07:04

Written by Editorial staff

On July 1, the Skilled Occupation List will be updated. This update will be of some interest to migration agents and their clients alike, and indicates that those areas suffering from skill shortages may be changing.

The Skilled Occupation List describes in which areas of employment independent and family sponsored skilled migration visas can be used. It is designed to fill gaps in the workforce by attracting professionals to live and work in Australia.

The current Skilled Occupation List applies to all points-based skilled migration applications, and can also be used by 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa applicants.

It is different to the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List, which applies to visas that fall under the Employer Nomination Scheme (whose applicants must be nominated and sponsored by an Australian employer).

Those wishing to apply for 457 (Temporary Business - Long Stay) or 442 (Occupational Trainee) visas must also consult this list, as these visas can only be used for employing skilled migrant workers in the fields named therein.

A total of five occupations will be removed from the Skilled Occupation List on July 1. These are Hospital Pharmacist, Retail Pharmacist, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics), Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical), and Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures). Nothing else has changed.

Brendan O'Connor, minister for immigration and citizenship, announced earlier this month that the Skilled Occupation List had been reviewed and alterations would be made.

These alterations, he revealed, would make sure the Skilled Occupation List reflected which areas are currently suffering from skill shortages.

"The Skilled Occupation List is an important tool to meet demand for skills and includes a number of highly valued and skilled occupations across a range of industries including medical, engineering and mechanical services," Mr O'Connor explained in a June 4 statement.

He went on to say that regular reviews and updates of the List are necessary to ensure that only occupations with a "genuine need in the medium to long term" of skilled migrant workers can apply for immigration visas.

Which occupations are on or taken off of the list is a decision made with the help of the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency (AWPA).

Mr O'Connor said these changes "reflect the government's targeted approach to skilled migration" and will help ensure employers are not "misusing" the system by not making an effort to find local labour when it is available.