Migration Changes: New Skilled Occupations List

DIAC has today announced a new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for General Skilled Migration (GSM) applications. The new SOL does not apply for non-GSM visas, such as ENS, RSMS or Subclass 457.  

The new SOL is proposed to commence 1 July 2010.  It comprises 181 occupations, compared to the old SOL, which had 408 occupations.  Some notable occupations which are no longer included on the SOL include: Cook, Chef, Hairdresser, Pharmacist and Graphic Designer.  Key occupations that have been retained on the SOL include: Accountant, Architect, Engineers, Medical Professionals, Motor Mechanic, and many building trades.

The new SOL is based on the Australian & New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZCO), rather than the Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO), so care needs to be taken when assessing eligibility. 

The new SOL does not apply to GSM applicants who, on 8 February 2010, held a Subclass 485 visa or had a pending subclass 485 visa application, and who apply for a permanent or provisional onshore GSM visa by 31 December 2012; or at the date of the announcement had a pending GSM visa application.

Transitional arrangements will apply to international students who, on 8 February 2010, held a subclass 572, subclass 573, or subclass 574 student visa.  These students can apply for a subclass 485 visa using the current SOL as long as they lodge their application by 31 December 2012.
 

For further information, please email us at enquiry@interstaff.com