The Department of Jobs and Small Business has published a draft bulletin for public comment on proposed changes to the skilled occupations lists to take effect in mid-2018.
The “Traffic Light” system continues to be used with some occupations flagged to be removed from the skilled occupations lists, and others to be moved between the Short Term Skilled Occupations List (ROL), Medium to Long Term Strategic Skilled List (MLTSSL) and the Regional Occupations List (ROL).
This article explains which occupations are being considered for removal from, or transition between, the lists, and what the likely impacts will be.
Which Application Types Will be Affected?
It appears that the proposed changes will affect employer-sponsored applications as well as General Skilled Migration.
Which Occupations May be Removed?
The following occupations which are on the STSOL have been flagged for possible removal from the list entirely:
- 133411 Manufacturer
- 211499 Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals
- 212312 Director (Film, Television, Radio or Stage)
- 212314 Film and Video Editor
- 212315 Program Director (Television or Radio)
- 212316 Stage Manager
- 212317 Technical Director
- 212318 Video Producer
- 241311 Middle School Teacher
- 323215 Textile, Clothing, and Footwear Mechanic
- 323316 Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer
- 342411 Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)
- 342413 Telecommunications Lineworker
- 399211 Chemical Plant Operator
- 399312 Library Technician
- 411715 Residential Care Officer
- 599612 Insurance Loss Adjuster
Which Occupations May be Moved?
The following occupations are currently on the MLTSSL and may be moved to the STSOL:
- 221112 Management Accountant
- 234111 Agricultural Consultant
- 312212 Civil Engineering Technician
The following occupations are currently on the STSOL and may be moved to the MLTSSL:
- 452411 Footballer
The following occupations are currently on the STSOL and may be moved to the ROL which will require the position to be based in a regional area of Australia:
- 252312 Dentist
- 253211 Anaesthetist
Impact on ENS Direct Entry Applicants
If you are looking at an ENS Direct Entry application, and your occupation is flagged for removal from the MLTSSL, you would no longer be eligible if you lodge the application after the changes to the lists take effect.
However, if you have applied prior to the changes taking effect, your application is still likely to be processed even if your occupation is removed whilst your application is pending.
Impact on 482 (TSS) Applicants
If your occupation is removed entirely from the skilled occupation lists prior to a grant of your TSS application, you may be affected. If you lodge after the changes take effect in mid-2018, or if your TSS application is still pending when the list changes, you may not be eligible for grant of the TSS.
Similarly, if your occupation is moved to the ROL, prior to the lodgement of your TSS application and your position isn’t based in a regional area of Australia, you may not be eligible for grant of the TSS.
If your occupation is moved between the MLTSSL and the ROL, the TSS validity period will be affected, as will your options for employer-sponsored permanent residence.
Impact on General Skilled Migration Applicants
Since April 2017, applicants who had occupations removed entirely from the skilled occupation lists prior to receiving an invitation to apply for a 489, 189, or 190, were no longer eligible to lodge an application for either of those visas. We expect this trend will continue in the next round of changes.
Similarly, applicants who had occupations that were moved between MLTSSL and STSOL were also affected in that their options may have become limited or broadened depending on the new list. We expect this trend will continue in the next round also.
It is also likely that applicants who received invitations to apply for a 489, 189, or 190 prior to the next round of changes but, haven’t yet lodged their visa applications, will continue to remain eligible for the visa they have been invited to make an application for.
Conclusion
If your occupation is on the list for possible removal, you should look at making your application for your visa as soon as possible.
If your occupation is likely to be moved, you should keep up to date with the proposed changes as it may give you an opportunity to apply for either a TSS visa, ENS Direct Entry, 489, 189, or 190.
You can make a submission to the review by visiting the Department of Jobs and Small Business – the deadline for these are 20 June 2018.