Every six months, the Government reviews its lists of eligible occupations for a skilled visa to ensure the migration program continues to reflect Australia’s changing labour needs. The latest revisions came into effect on 11 March 2019. No occupations were removed from the Medium to Long Term Skilled Lists, however, 5 occupations were removed from the Short Term Skilled Occupation List for an employer-sponsored 482 visa.
In addition, 16 occupations (all agricultural positions with the exception of Dentists and Anaesthetists) were moved from the Short Term Skilled Lists to the Regional List and have become eligible for an employer-sponsored 482 visa in a regional area only. In this round of review, conditions were also added to a few medical, oil and gas and recruitment occupations, requiring either higher salaries, or additional certification and other requirements. Read on to find out how the changes impact which occupations are eligible for a skilled visa and how long an applicant can stay in Australia.
Occupations now on the Medium to Long Term List for a 482 visa
8 further occupations are now eligible for a 4-year 482 visa, having either been moved to or added to the Medium to Long Term Strategic Skilled Lists. 6 of the occupations listed below were previously eligible for a two-year 482 visa and were moved from the Short Term Skilled List.
Occupations removed from the Short Term List for a 482 visa
5 occupations were removed the Short Term Skilled Lists and are no longer eligible for a 482 visa.
Occupations now on the Regional Skilled List
The below 16 occupations were moved from the Short Term Skilled List fora 482 visa to the Regional List and are now only eligible for a 482 visa in a regional area.
2 new occupations were added to the Regional Occupation Lists (ROL) and are also eligible for a 482 visa in a regional area.
Added conditions to the Skilled Occupation List
The below occupations had new conditions added to their eligibility for a 482 visa.
To be eligible for a 482 visa, recruitment consultants must now earn $80,000 to be nominated (a reduction from $90,000), Ship’s Masters and Gas or Petroleum Operators must earn $120,000 to be nominated (an increase from $90,000), while Footballers must meet new salary conditions and earn $120,000.
Occupations now on the Medium to Long Term Skilled List for GSM
31 occupations have been added to the Medium to Long Term Skilled List for General Skilled Migration, otherwise known as Independent skilled (non employer-sponsored) migration and are now eligible for a 189 visa. This is a points-tested visa that offers permanent residence to eligible applicants in Australia or overseas.
How the changes may impact you
The above serves as a summary only, and it’s important to note that an occupation’s eligibility for skilled migration is only one piece of the puzzle. An applicant’s level of skills and qualifications, English language ability, age, health and character (among other requirements) also significantly impact the ability to be sponsored or to migrate on a skilled visa.
We encourage you to contact our team of Registered Migration Agents to understand how the changes impact your business’ labour requirements or your eligibility for a skilled visa. Simply contact [email protected] or +61 8 9221 3388 (or National Free Call 1800 449 858).
