Australia’s immigration program is updated annually by the government in order to keep up with the labour and economic demands on the country.
Since March 2018, the Australian skilled visa has gone through several changes. The list of skilled occupations that are eligible for the visa program has been increased, resulting in changes to many of the skilled visas. This is with the exception of the Regional Occupation List, where work experience provisos have also been removed.
With the new changes in place, there has never been a better time to review the list and see if the skills you have are now eligible for nomination. The increase in eligible skilled occupations offers a new opportunity for those who did not previously qualify for any of the skilled visas.
List of Visas Affected by the Change
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186)
To qualify for this visa, you need to be nominated in one of the 208 eligible occupations included on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The only exception is when separate arrangements are made under a labour agreement of Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
The same 673 skilled occupations remain applicable to this visa program but are now included on both MLTSSL and ROL. Whether Direct Entry Streams or Temporary Residency, the eligible skilled occupations will apply.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 190)
This visa still relies on the 176 eligible occupations on the MLTSSL list. The change comes with the introduction of new instrument for visa access.
Training Visa (Subclass 407)
416 eligible skilled occupations are available under this visa program. A new instrument published allow applicants to use both the MLTSSL and STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List).
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
Eligible skilled occupations for this visa have seen an increase to 509 in total but are available in separate instruments. STSOL occupations are for the short-term stream, while the MLTSSL and ROL occupations are for the medium-term stream.
If you are a 482 visa applicant, you must be nominated for one of these skilled occupations unless separate arrangements are made.
Other Temporary Visa Programs
Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485)
A total of 176 eligible skilled occupations are now available for nomination from MLTSSL. A new instrument has also been published.
Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 489)
Eligible skilled occupations can be nominated from MLTSSL and ROL at 176 and 475 jobs, respectively. When nominated by a state or territory government, your skilled occupation must be on the ROL (Regional Occupation List) to qualify you to live and work in that specific regional area of Australia.
If you have been a 457 or 482 visa holder since April 2017, the list of skilled occupations will not apply to you.
Refer to visa specialists for more information and to get a more comprehensive explanation of the changes made.
If the above is of relevance to you it is advisable that you seek out support and advice from a registered MARA approved Migration Agent. The team at Overseas Emigration will be more than happy to discuss your options.
