The Department of Employment is responsible for undertaking a regular review of the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). They have recently published a draft bulletin for public comment on proposed changes to the skilled occupations lists from January 2018.

A “Traffic Light” system is being used, which is under consideration for a proposed changed in their status on STSOL and MLTSSL.

This article explains which occupations are being considered for addition and removal from the lists, and what the likely impacts will be.

Which Application Will be Affected?

It looks like the changes would only affect employer sponsored 457 and 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) applications as the medium and long-term strategic skill list is likely to remain the same.

At this stage, it appears that the lists for Skilled Migration Visas will not be affected.

However, the skilled occupations list for Skilled Migration Visas are due to be updated in July 2018.

Which Occupations May Be Removed?

The following occupations which are currently on the Short Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL) have been flagged for possible removal from the list entirely:

  1. 141999 Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec
  2. 142114 Hair or Beauty Salon Manager
  3. 223112 Recruitment Consultant
  4. 312112 Building Associate

Which Occupations May be Added?

The following occupations are not currently on the skilled list for 457 and ENS visas. Immigration proposes to add these to the STSOL.

  1. 242112 University Tutor
  2. 272314 Psychotherapist
  3. 612112 Property Manager
  4. 612114 Real Estate Agent
  5. 612115 Real Estate Representative

Impact on 186 Direct Entry Applicants

If you are thinking to apply an ENS Direct Entry application, and your occupation is flagged for removal, you would no longer be eligible if you lodge your application after the changes to the lists in January 2018.

If you have applied before January 2018, your application can still be processed even if your occupation is removed whilst your application is pending.

Impact on 457 Applicants

If you lodge after January 2018 or even if you applied before and your 457 application is still pending when the list changes, you may not be eligible for grant of the 457.

Tips

If your occupation is on the list for possible removal, we strongly suggest you to make your application for your employer-sponsored visa as soon as possible. However, if you are looking at a 457 visa, it may already be too late to avoid the effect of the changes. We will find out for sure in early 2018.

If your occupation is likely to be added, you should keep up to date with the proposed changes as it may give you an opportunity to apply for either a 457 visa or ENS Direct Entry.

Connect with our migration agent in Melbourne for more information.