NEW Skilled Occupation List and how it impacts you!

Dear Client

 

On 17 May 2010, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship announced a list of occupations that would form a new Skilled Occupations List (SOL) which is to reflect the Australian Government’s commitment to a labour market demand-driven skilled migration program.

 

The new list is specific to the general skilled migration (GSM) program and does not apply to employer-sponsored permanent or temporary visas. The new list is proposed to take effect from 1 July 2010 can be found here http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/new-list-of-occupations.pdf. It is intended that this list will be reviewed annually to ensure it continues to be targeted at those skills Australia needs in the medium to longer term.

 

It is anticipated the new list would apply to all new GSM applications lodged on or after implementation of the new SOL, with the exception of applicants who fall within the proposed transitional arrangements which essentially relate to you if you held a student visa on 8 February 2010.

 

What does this mean for me?

If your occupation IS ON THE NEW SOL you will need to meet all the criteria to lodge GSM. You will however not be able to lodge an application for an offshore GSM visa until the temporary suspension which was introduced on the 8 May 2010 is lifted - this is expected to be from 1 July 2010. We also anticipate the introduction of a NEW POINTS test to come into effect in the second half of 2010.

 

If your occupation is NOT ON THE NEW SOL and you do not meet the proposed new requirements for independent skilled migration you may wish to consider your eligibility for alternative migration pathways, such as through employer or state/territory sponsorship.

 

·         State/territory nomination - You may wish to consider your eligibility for state/territory nomination. It is intended that individual state/territory migration plans will be agreed to by the Minister for implementation in the second half of 2010. These plans may include occupations outside those specified on a new SOL.

·         Employer nomination scheme (ENS) - You may wish to consider applying for a temporary or permanent visa under the employer nomination scheme (ENS). The list of occupations that is available to employer sponsored applicants is broader than the SOL. You will, however, be required to have an employer willing to sponsor you.

·         Regional sponsored migration scheme (RSMS) - You may be eligible to apply for skilled migration under the regional sponsored migration scheme (RSMS). This scheme allows employers in regional or low population growth areas of Australia to sponsor employees who are foreign nationals for a permanent visa to work in regional Australia.

·         Business Skills - You may be eligible to apply for business skilled migration under the Business Skills program. This scheme aims to attract people with proven experience and skill in business, senior business management and investment. The aims are state development and wider economic benefit to Australia.

·         Student visa - You may wish to apply for a student visa to pursue further qualifications in Australia. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship does not recommend this option, as the SOL may change in line with the requirements of the Australian labour market.

 

We anticipate that these announcements will have a significant impact on many of your migration plans and strategies whether already commenced or yet still to commence.

 

We therefore urge you to contact us specifically with reference to your personal circumstances.

 

Yours faithfully

 

Andrew Heathcote  CA  MMIA

Registered Migration Agent 

MARN 0850840