Changes proposed for Australia Skilled Occupation Lists

The changes proposed for the Australia Skilled Occupation Lists have been revealed in the Traffic Light Bulletin released by the Australian Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business. These include removal/down-grading of certain trades occupations and adding some occupations related to personal care and elderly care to the lists. The proposed changes, if accepted, will come into effect in March 2020.

The Bulletin classifies those occupations which are likely to be removed from all Australia Skilled Occupations Lists as red occupations. These occupations once used to be popular among migrants and were in demand in Australia. Some red occupations are hairdresser, massage therapist and community worker.

Australia Skilled Occupation Lists are of three types: Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL). The occupations that are likely to be moved among these lists as part of the changes have been classified as orange. The orange occupations that are likely to be downgraded from MLTSSL to STSOL include Automotive Electricians and Motorcycle Mechanics, Painting Trades Workers, and Wall and Floor Tilers. Similarly, some other occupations that will probably be moved from ROL to STSOL include Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson and Real Estate Representative.

Occupations including Sales and Marketing Manager, ICT Project Manager, and Information and Organization Professionals are likely to be moved from STSOL to MLTSSL. This proposed change would enable 482 visa applicants to apply for permanent residency and give them a chance to apply for a Skilled Independent 189 visa.

Further, as per the proposed changes, the occupation of Geologist is likely to be moved from the STSOL to ROL. Similarly, occupations including Procurement Manager and Ship’s Master are likely to be moved from ROL to MLTSSL. This will enable the employers to sponsor employees outside of regional Australia.

Green occupations are those which are proposed to be added to the STSOL and these include Aged or Disabled Carer, Nursing Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant etc.

Further, the Department has recommended implementing a minimum salary caveat of AU $65000 per annum for bakers, pastry cooks, and fitter and turners.

The Department has also identified some new occupations which do not currently fit into the ANZSCO system and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has decided to bring these occupations under the following definitions:

Are you a skilled professional planning to migrate to Australia? Connect with CanApprove, the best Australia immigration consultants, for the right guidance and the best support. Contact us now!