On 18 April 2017, the Government announced reforms to Australia’s temporary and permanent skilled visa programs. As part of these reforms, the skilled occupation lists that underpin these visa programs will be updated every six months to ensure that they are responsive to genuine skill needs across Australia.
The Department of Employment is responsible for reviewing and recommending eligible occupations for the new Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). These lists underpin employer sponsored and points-tested visa programs. The review will identify occupations required to meet demonstrated short and medium to long-term skilled workforce needs of the Australian economy.
More information on the current skilled occupations lists can be found on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.
Updates to skilled occupations lists
The next update to the STSOL and MLTSSL is scheduled for January 2018 and will occur every six months thereafter. The Department of Employment is now responsible for reviewing the lists to ensure that they reflect the broad needs of the Australian labour market.
Consultation process
The Department will undertake public consultation in two stages.
Consultation on methodology
The Department has published its draft methodology for providing advice on the composition of the STSOL and MLTSSL. The submission period for stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft methodology has now closed.
Consultation on specific occupations under consideration
Once the methodology has been finalised, taking into account stakeholder feedback, the Department will publish a list of occupations and identify whether they are under consideration for a proposed change in their status.
The Department will then invite stakeholders to provide evidence in relation to the specific occupations identified for possible change. Any stakeholders who make a submission as part of the first stage of the consultation process will be notified when the second stage opens for submissions.
More details on this second consultation process will be provided in November 2017.
Review completion
The Minister for Employment will provide recommendations from the review to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, who has the authority to implement the lists under the Migration Act 1958. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection will also provide advice in relation to visa risk and integrity matters.
If you have any questions, please contact SkilledMigrationList@employment.gov.au.
Source: https://www.employment.gov.au/SkilledMigrationList