The visa application process often changes, especially when it comes to skilled migrant programs. It’s important to stay on top of these updates to ensure that you can complete your plans for travel or relocation to Australia.
1 July 2017 Eligible Skilled Occupation List Changes
Australia’s eligible skilled occupations list changed as of 1 July 2017. Some professions were added, others were removed, and some shifted from one list to the other. Occupations that were completely removed include:
- Fleet manager
- Picture framer
- Property manager
- Psychotherapist
- Real estate agent
- Ship’s engineer
- Ship’s officer
- Ship’s master
- University tutor
- Equipment hire manager
Professions that were added to the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) include:
- Biochemist
- Biotechnologist
- Food Technologist
- Horse trainer
- Geophysicist
- Hydrogeologist
- Life scientist
- Metallurgist
- Microbiologist
- Natural and physical science professional
- Petroleum engineer
Professions that were added to the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) include:
- Aeroplane pilot
- Aircraft maintenance engineer
- Artistic director
- Butcher
- Smallgoods maker
- Dressmaker
- Tailor
- Flying instructor
- Helicopter pilot
- ICT support technician
- ICT test engineer
- Music director
- Music professional
- Nurse researcher
- Production manager for manufacturing
- Research and development manager
- Retail buyer
- Web developer
Anaesthetist and production manager for mining moved from the MLTSSL to the STSOL. The following occupations moved from the STSOL to the MLTSSL:
- Botanist
- Chemist
- Chief executive
- Managing director
- Chief information officer
- Conservator
- Corporate general manager
- Economist
- Engineering professional
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental manager
- Environmental research scientist
- Environmental scientist
- Faculty head
- ICT security specialist
- Marine biologist
- Meteorologist
- Mining engineer
- Multimedia Specialist
- Musician
- Software and appliance programmer
- Statistician
- University lecturer
- Zoologist
Is My Occupation in Demand in Australia?
If you plan on moving to Australia from another country, finding work is probably high on your priority list. Some professionals will have an easier time getting hired than others based on demand. The University of NSW reported that the demand for engineers in Australia far outweighs the number of graduates entering the workforce. Other in-demand occupations include:
- Construction Managers – Australia’s recent property boom has put pressure on the industry to produce infrastructure, commercial buildings, high-rise residential buildings, and more.
- IT Professionals – While the number of ICT graduates has declined since 2000, Department of Immigration skills assessors have determined the demand for workers will continue to grow by 100,000 over the next six years.
- Tradespeople – Tradespeople are essential, especially as infrastructure expands. Electricians are particularly in demand in Australia followed by metal fitters, machinists, motor mechanics, plumbers, and carpenters.
To learn more about applying for a skilled visa in Australia, contact the registered migration agents at Emergico. We’re ready to answer questions and help you find the best route to residency! Reach out today or take our free online visa eligibility assessment.
