News Flash

IMPORTANT: Changes to Occupation Lists effective from 17 January 2018

27-Jan-2018

As part of a review conducted every six months, changes were made to the occupation lists for temporary and permanent skilled visas. They impact the types of occupations people can nominate for their work visas, as well as how long their visa validity periods are.

The changes only impact applications lodged on or after 17 January 2018. Applications lodged before this date and still awaiting decision will not be impacted.

In sum, certain occupations were:

  • added to the lists of eligible skilled occupations;
  • moved between the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) for particular visa programs; or
  • removed from the lists of eligible skilled occupations.

Other occupations had specific Caveats attached to them. Caveats exclude the use of the occupation in certain circumstances. A summary of Caveats on occupations is available here.

The updated lists of eligible skilled occupations are available on the Department’s website.


Which occupations are impacted?

Occupations added to the STSOL 

Impact: Applicants can now nominate these occupations for a Subclass 457 visa (soon to be replaced with the Temporary Skill shortage visa) with a 2-year validity period, or a Subclass 186 in the Direct Entry stream. However, Subclass 186 applicants should note that from March 2018, they will only be able to apply for occupations on the MLTSSL. (See below, ‘What to look for next’.)

ANZSCO

Occupation

Caveats

612112

Property manager

 Yes

272314

Psychotherapist

 Nil

612115

Real estate representative

 Yes


Occupations moved from STSOL to MLTSSL

Impact: Applicants can now nominate these occupations for a Subclass 457 visa with a 4-year validity period.

ANZSCO

Occupation

Caveats

121316

Horse breeder

Yes

224711

Management consultant

Yes

 

**No occupations moved from MLTSSL to STSOL

 

Occupations removed from the lists

Impact:  Applicants can no longer nominate these occupations for a visa lodged after 17 January 2018.

ANZSCO

Occupation

312112

Building associate

142114

Hair or beauty salon manager

 

Occupations with Caveat only changes

Impact: Applicants can no longer apply for a Subclass 457 or Subclass 186 if their nominated position does not meet the ‘Caveat’ requirements as specified. A list of specific caveats can be found here.

ANZSCO

Occupation

Caveat change

141999

Accommodation and hospitality managers

New caveat

221112

Management accountant

New caveat

411611

Massage therapist

Wording amendment

223112

Recruitment consultant

Amended caveat

133611

Supply and distribution manager

Amended caveat

221113

Taxation accountant

Amended caveat


What to look for next

Major changes to the skilled visa programs will take place in March 2018, with the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa replacing the 457, and the MLTSSL applying to the Subclass 186 visa and the Regional Skilled Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (Subclass 187), amongst other changes.

To quickly recap what those changes will be, check out our past Newsflashes:

  • UPDATED 1 July 2017: How changes to the 457 visa and the new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa impact you
  • UPDATED 1 July 2017: Reforms to (186/187) Permanent Employer Sponsored Visas
  • Abacus Visa Newsletter – Post Budget Alert

New Occupation Lists will be published in March 2018 for the TSS, 186 and 187 visas.

Source: DIBP