Australia unveils revised occupations lists and ends exemptions for high-earning Subclass 186 and 187 applicants
Effective July 1st, the Australian Government has released further changes to the skilled occupation lists affecting Temporary Work (Skilled) Subclass 457 visas, the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa, and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Subclass 187 visas.
Exemptions for high-income earners (with an annual salary of at least $180,001) have been revoked. The removal of the high-salary exemption subjects these applicants to the same English-language requirements and skills assessment evaluations as any other applicant. This will affect Subclass 186 and Subclass 187 visas and nominations that have been filed under the Direct Entry Stream on or after 1 July, and all applications that had not yet had an outcome by that date.
Any Subclass 457 visa applicants whose occupation has been removed from the lists will have the opportunity to withdraw the now ineligible applications and request a refund.
Both the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), with its two year validity, and Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), with its four year validity, have also been impacted by the changes. Applicants granted a valid MLTSSL visa will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency in Australia through the Employer Sponsored visa options coming into effect in March 2018.
The changes are outlined below:
LIST TYPES AND DESCRIPTIONS |
OCCUPATIONS |
Removed from Occupations Lists | Equipment Hire ManagerFleet Manager Picture Framer Property Manager Psychotherapist Real Estate Agent Principal Real Estate Agent Real Estate Agent Representative Ship’s Engineer Ship’s Master Ship’s Officer University Tutor |
MLTSSL occupations that have been added | BiochemistBiotechnologist Butcher or Small Goods Maker Civil Engineer Technician Electronics Engineer Food Technologist Geophysicist Horse Trainer Hydrogeologist Industrial Engineer Life Scientist (General) Life Scientist (NEC) Metallurgist Microbiologist Natural and Physical Science Professionals (NEC) Petroleum Engineer Production Manager (Mining) Production or Plant Engineer Stone Mason |
STSOL occupations that have been added | Aeroplane PilotAircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) Artistic Director Dressmaker or Tailor Flying Instructor Helicopter Pilot ICT Support and Test Engineers NEC ICT Support Technicians NEC Music Director |
Moved from MTSSL to STSOL | Anaesthetist |
Moved from STSOL to MLTSSL | BotanistChemist Chief Executive or Managing Director Chief Information Officer Conservator Corporate General Manager Economist Engineering Professional (NEC) Environmental Consultant Environmental Manager Environmental Research Scientist Environmental Scientist (NEC) Faculty Head ICT Security Specialist Marine Biologist Meteorologist Mining Engineer Multimedia Specialist Musician (Instrumental) Software and Applications Programmers (NEC) Statistician University Lecturer Zoologist |
The STSOL and MLTSSL lists are expected to be reviewed and revised every six months, with the next scheduled review and update expected on 1 January 2018.
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