After much anticipation, the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for the general skilled migration program has finally been released by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). The new list contains 181 occupations, which has significantly reduced the number previously listed which included more than 400 occupations.

Click here to access the new Skilled Occupation List.

The new list contains many occupations in the health and medical field, accountants, architects and mechanics as well as various types of engineers and trade occupations.

Notably, the list does not include the occupations previously listed of cook, chef, hairdresser or occupations in the business arena, such as marketing.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has put in place transitional arrangements regarding the new Skilled Occupation List.  It is noted that the former pre-July 2010 Skilled Occupation List (SOL) will still apply in the following situations:

• Those who held a subclass 485 (Skilled Graduate) visa or had a pending visa application on or before 8 February 2010 who apply for a permanent visa before 31 December 2012.
• Applicants who already applied for skilled migration before the new SOL came into effect before 17 May 2010.
• International students who held a Subclass 572 (Vocational Education and Training sector), Subclass 573 (Higher Education Sector) or Subclass 574 (Postgraduate Research Sector) visa can apply for a subclass 485 (Skilled Graduate) visa using the former SOL as long as they apply prior to 31 December 2012. However, the new SOL will apply to international students holding a subclass 572, 573 and 574 visa applying for skilled migration.

We will see a significant reduction in independent skilled migrant places in Australia. However the number of visas granted to employer sponsored applicants is set to increase making Employer sponsored visas a better option for those migrating to Australia.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.