Flagged Changes to Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists in 2020

expat network

Flagged Changes to Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists in 2020

Australia’s upcoming Skilled Occupation List changes will determine which occupations are eligible for skilled visas in 2020, so it’s important to understand how the lists may change. Australian Migration Agents, Interstaff, set out the expected changes to the lists in 2020.

Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 19 December, 2019

What is a Skilled Occupation List? | Skilled Occupation List Changes

To work or migrate to Australia on a skilled visa, a person needs to be skilled and experienced in an occupation that appears on Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists, in addition to meeting other eligibility criteria.

There are three Skilled Occupation Lists in Australia, which are known as:

The Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)– for a short stay visa
The Medium to Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)– for a medium stay visa and a pathway to permanent residence
The Regional Occupation List (ROL) – for a medium stay visa in a regional area and a pathway to Permanent Residence (PR)

These lists apply to employer-sponsored, points-tested, state-nominated and training visa programs and are reviewed regularly by the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business to ensure skilled migration programs continue to reflect Australia’s genuine skills needs.

It’s important for businesses and skilled visa applicants to stay up to date on flagged changes to Skilled Occupation Lists because amendments may impact:

A person’s continued eligibility for a temporary skilled visa and PR
The duration a person can work and stay in Australia
Where a person can work in Australia

Flagged Skilled Occupation List Changes

The Department has flagged several changes to Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists for 2020 and is currently consulting with industry groups before finalising their decisions.

It’s important to note that while the below occupations have been flagged for changes, formal decisions are yet to be made on whether changes will proceed. We expect to receive confirmation from the Government from March 2020.

Here’s which occupations may be added, removed or changed on Australia’s occupation lists in 2020 according to the Department’s review, and how the flagged changes could impact skilled visa applicants.

Proposed changes to Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists in 2020:

✓ 4 occupations may become eligible for skilled migration
✓ 6 occupations may become eligible for a long term skilled visa
✓ 1 occupation may become eligible for a long term regional visa
✓ 6 occupations may have salary requirements
x 11 occupations may no longer be eligible for skilled migration
x 10 occupations may no longer be eligible for a long term skilled visa

Occupations that may be removed from the STSOL

The following occupations are currently listed on the STSOL, but may be removed in 2020 and become ineligible for skilled migration to Australia.

11 Occupations that may no longer be eligible for Australian Skilled Migration in 2020:

Careers Counsellor
Vehicle Trimmer
Business Machine Mechanic
Animal Attendants and Trainers nec
Gardener (General)
Hairdresser
Wood Machinist
Massage Therapist
Community Worker
Driving Instructor (Open Water)
Gymnastics Coach or Instructor

Occupations that may be moved to the STSOL

The below occupations are currently either listed on the MLTSSL or the ROL for a medium stay visa and pathway to PR, however in 2020 they have been flagged to be moved to the STSOL for a short stay visa.

10 occupations that may no longer be eligible for a long-term skilled visa in 2020:

Automotive Electrician
Motorcycle Mechanic
Locksmith
Painting Trades Worker
Glazier
Wall and Floor Tiler
Cabinetmaker
Post Office Manager
Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson
Real Estate Representative

Occupations that may be moved to the MLTSSL

6 occupations are currently either listed on the STSOL for a short stay visa or the ROL for a long-term regional visa, however in 2020 they may be moved to the MLTSSL for a long-term visa for work in any area of Australia.

6 occupations that may become eligible for a longer-term skilled visa in 2020:

Sales and Marketing Manager
ICT Project Manager
Information and Organisation Professionals nec
Insurance Loss Adjuster
Procurement Manager
Ship’s Master

Occupations that may be added to the STSOL

The below occupations are currently not listed as eligible for skilled migration, but may become eligible for a short stay skilled visa in 2020.

4 occupations that may become eligible for Australian skilled migration in 2020:

Corporate Treasurer
Aged or Disabled Carer
Nursing Support Worker
Personal Care Assistant

1 Occupation may be moved to the ROL

Geologists are currently listed on the STSOL for a short stay visa, however in 2020 this occupation may be moved to the ROL for a regional and long-term visa.

1 occupation that may become eligible for a regional and long-term visa in 2020:

Geologist

Occupations that may have caveats for skilled migration

The below occupations are already listed on either the STSOL or MLTSSL and may stay on their current list, however salary caveats may be introduced. If so, minimum salary requirements may need to be met to apply for a skilled visa under these occupations.

6 occupations that may be subject to salary requirements for skilled migration in 2020:

Poultry Farmer
Baker
Pastry Cook
Horse Trainer
Fitter and Turner
Sportspersons nec

Skilled Occupation List Changes 2020

We encourage businesses and individuals that may be impacted by the proposed changes to contact our team of Registered Migration Agents to discuss how we may be able to assist you.

The flagged changes may present new opportunities to migrate to Australia under certain occupations. However, should changes proceed, they may also render some people ineligible for skilled migration or a long-term visa – this is particularly the case for:

Occupations that may be removed from the STSOL
Occupations that may be moved to the STSOL

Businesses and individuals that may be impacted by the above may wish to consider applying for their skilled visa arrangements without delay.

The Government expects to finalise their review of occupation list changes in March 2020 and following this we can expect their final decisions to be announced.

Established in 1988, Interstaff has over 35 years of Australian visa and migration experience and provides strategic immigration advice to businesses and individuals Australia-wide and internationally. MARN: 0533879.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.