Australia’s Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Evans, has today announced the new Skilled Occupations List (SOL). This list applies to people who wish to apply for independent skilled migration, and will take effect from 1^st July 2010. The current SOL will remain in place until that time.

The new SOL can be found online at http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/new-list-of-occupations.pdf.

Please note that you will NOT be affected by the announcement and introduction of the new SOL if you have already lodged an application for independent skilled migration with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), as you will be assessed against the occupations listed on the current SOL. Applicants under the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) and applicants for temporary employer sponsored visas will also be unaffected, as these categories have separate lists of occupations.

We are in the process of identifying and contacting our clients who will be affected by the changes to the SOL. If you believe that you will be affected and have not yet been contacted, please feel free to get in touch with us. You can reach us by email at admin@my-oe.com or by telephone on 0131 625 6900.