So, we often get asked, what is the Skilled Occupation List?
The Skilled Occupation List is created by the Department of Immigration which provides a list of acceptable occupations which are eligible immigration to Australia. There are actually two different lists, the ‘Skilled Occupation List’ (SOL) and the ‘Consolidated Skilled Occupation List’ (CSOL).
The Skilled Occupations List (SOL) is used for Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa, the Skilled Regional Provisional Subclass 489 Visa (Family Sponsored) and the Graduate Temporary Subclass 485 visa.
The Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List (CSOL) is used for the Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 Visa, the Skilled Regional Provisional Subclass 489 Visa (State Sponsored) and employer sponsored 457 and Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visas.
All of the occupations on the list are broken down into separate categories such as professionals, managers, tradespeople, et cetera, and are determined by the level of qualifications which are required to perform that job.
The immigration department regularly updates the Skilled Occupation List in response to the demands of the Australian Labour Market and shortages in suitable personnel for specific occupations in the country.
All migrants who want to apply for an Australian visa under the Skilled Migration program, or Employer Sponsored Visa program must nominate an occupation from the Skilled Occupation List or Consolidated Skilled Occupation List before they will be given a visa. At the same time the visa applicant must have their own skills and qualifications assessed by an authorised assessing authority to show that they are suitable for their nominated occupation.
The latest Skilled Occupation List and Consolidated Skilled Occupation List was released on 30 June 2015 by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. This list applies to all relevant visa applications which are made after 1 July 2015.
It is important to note that whenever a new list is released are number of changes are made, such as certain occupations are removed and some are added. On this latest list a number of changes were made to both the Skilled Occupations List and the Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List.
The following occupations have been removed from the SOL:
Urban and Regional Planner (ANZSCO Code 232611)
Dental Specialist (ANZSCO Code 252311)
Dentist (ANZSCO Code 252312)
Although these occupations have been removed from the Skilled Occupation List, applicants may still be eligible for other state/territory or employer sponsored visas because these occupations are still included on the CSOL.
The following occupations have been added to the SOL:
Panelbeater (ANZSCO Code 324111)
Cabinetmaker (ANZSCO Code 394111)
Changes to the Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List
Only one occupation was removed from the latest CSOL, that being Primary School Teacher (ANZSCO Code 241213). Consequently, Primary School teachers are no longer able to apply under the state/territory sponsored or employer sponsored visas. However, Early Childhood (ANZSCO Code 241111), Secondary School teachers (ANZSCO Code 241411) and other teachers are included on the Skilled Occupation List.
Need more information?
The Australian visa system can be extremely complicated and choosing the right visa pathway can be difficult. The consequences of applying for an unsuitable visa, or simply misunderstanding visa criteria can have disastrous effects on any future visa application that are made.
Our team of Registered Migration Agents in Sydney offer expert advice and assistance so that our clients can achieve their dreams to live and work in Australia.
Whether you’re in Australia or you want to apply for a visa from outside Australia, we are happy to help. So please contact us to make an appointment to speak to an Australian Registered Migration Agent today.
You can read the full Skilled Occupation List and the Consolidated Skilled Occupation List at Comlaw.gov.au or by following this link. IMMI 15/092 – Specification of Occupations, a Person or Body, a Country or Countries