New Skilled Occupation List from 1 July 2016

On 1 July 2016, a new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) will commence with a small number of changes to the occupations compared to the previous list. The SOL identifies occupations that would benefit from skilled migration in order to meet the medium to long-term skill needs of the Australian economy.

The SOL review

The SOL is reviewed annually to ensure it remains responsive to the needs of the Australian labour market. This year the Department of Education and Training was responsible for the review, considering Australia’s current, emerging and future workforce skills and development needs. For more information see Review of the Skilled Occupations List (SOL).

Flagged occupations

As part of the annual SOL review, there are a number of occupations which are ‘flagged’ for possible removal in the future. Generally, occupations are flagged when there is emerging evidence of excess supply in the labour market. For the 2016–17 SOL, 51 occupations have been flagged. For more information see Flagged Occupations on the SOL for 2016–17.

If your occupation has been removed from the 2016–17 SOL

Requirements for permanent skilled migration will change from time to time and there is no particular course of study that will guarantee a permanent visa. If you are a student in Australia, you are encouraged not to make educational choices solely on the basis of hoping to achieve a particular migration outcome because the skilled migration programme will continue to change and adapt to Australia’s economic needs.

Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List (CSOL)

The review of the SOL has not impacted the composition of the Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List (CSOL). Occupations currently listed on the CSOL will continue to be listed from 1 July 2016. For more information see Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) .

Interested in applying for a visa?

If you are interested in applying for an Independent Skilled visa (subclass 189), a Family Sponsored Points Tested visa (subclass 489) or a Temporary Graduate (Graduate Work stream) visa (subclass 485) on or after 1 July, then you need to make sure your occupation is listed on the new SOL. For more information on the occupations being added or removed for 2016–17, see SOL.

There may also be other visa options available to you. You can find more information on visa options by visiting Visa Finder .

Originally Published here: New Skilled Occupation List from 1 July 2016