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Skilled Occupation Lists

Details on the lists of occupations in demand in Australia, which influence visa eligibility and work opportunities.

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Comprehensive Guide to Skilled Occupation Lists in Australia

Australiaโ€™s Skilled Occupation Lists (SOLs) are a critical component of the countryโ€™s skilled migration program. These lists identify occupations that are in demand across the nation and are used to determine eligibility for various skilled visa programs. Below is a detailed explanation of how these lists work, their role in work rights and immigration, and the associated procedures, costs, and regulations.


1. Overview of Skilled Occupation Lists

The Skilled Occupation Lists are designed to address skill shortages in Australia by attracting skilled workers from overseas. These lists are regularly updated by the Australian Government to reflect the changing needs of the labor market.

Key Skilled Occupation Lists

There are three primary lists:

  1. Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL):

    • For occupations in long-term demand across Australia.
    • Relevant for visas that offer pathways to permanent residency.
  2. Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL):

    • For occupations in short-term demand.
    • Typically used for temporary visas with limited pathways to permanent residency.
  3. Regional Occupation List (ROL):

    • For occupations in demand in regional areas of Australia.
    • Encourages skilled workers to live and work in regional locations.

Who Uses These Lists?

The lists are used to assess eligibility for various skilled visa programs, including:

  • Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
  • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
  • Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

2. National Regulations Governing Skilled Occupation Lists

The Skilled Occupation Lists are governed by the Migration Act 1958 and the Migration Regulations 1994. These laws empower the Department of Home Affairs to manage Australiaโ€™s skilled migration program.

Key Regulatory Features

  • Annual Updates: The lists are reviewed and updated annually based on labor market analysis conducted by the National Skills Commission (NSC).
  • Skill Assessment Requirements: Applicants must have their skills assessed by a relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation.
  • English Language Proficiency: Most skilled visas require applicants to demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores).
  • Points Test: For points-tested visas (e.g., Subclass 189 and 190), applicants must meet the minimum points threshold, which is currently 65 points.

3. Standard Procedures for Using the Skilled Occupation Lists

The process of applying for a skilled visa based on the SOLs involves several steps:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

  • Identify an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
  • Ensure you meet the qualifications, experience, and skill assessment requirements for that occupation.

Step 2: Obtain a Skills Assessment

  • Apply to the designated assessing authority for your occupation (e.g., Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, or Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council).
  • Provide evidence of qualifications, work experience, and other required documents.
  • Processing times and fees vary by assessing authority.

Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

  • Create an EOI through the SkillSelect system.
  • Provide details about your skills, qualifications, and work experience.
  • Indicate the visa type(s) you are interested in.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply

  • If your EOI is selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for a visa.
  • Invitations are issued based on points ranking, occupation demand, and visa quotas.

Step 5: Lodge a Visa Application

  • Submit your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
  • Provide all required documents, including your skills assessment, English test results, and health and character checks.

Step 6: Wait for Visa Decision

  • Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass and individual circumstances.

4. Associated Costs

The costs of applying for a skilled visa in Australia include several components:

Visa Application Fees

  • Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): AUD 4,640 for the main applicant.
  • Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): AUD 4,640 for the main applicant.
  • Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): AUD 4,640 for the main applicant.
  • Additional fees apply for dependents.

Skills Assessment Fees

  • Fees vary by assessing authority and range from AUD 300 to AUD 1,500 or more.

English Language Tests

  • IELTS: AUD 410
  • PTE Academic: AUD 385
  • TOEFL iBT: AUD 300

Other Costs

  • Health Examinations: AUD 300โ€“500 per person.
  • Police Clearance Certificates: AUD 50โ€“100 per certificate (varies by country).

5. Country-Specific Considerations

Applicants from different countries may face unique requirements or challenges when applying for skilled visas in Australia. Here are some key considerations:

Recognition of Qualifications

  • Australian authorities may not automatically recognize qualifications obtained overseas. A skills assessment is mandatory to verify that your qualifications meet Australian standards.

English Language Proficiency

  • Applicants from non-English-speaking countries must demonstrate English proficiency through approved tests.
  • Citizens of certain English-speaking countries (e.g., the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland) may be exempt from English testing.

Health and Character Requirements

  • Applicants from countries with high health risks may face additional medical checks.
  • Police clearance certificates are required from every country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

Regional Opportunities

  • Some regional areas offer additional incentives, such as priority processing or extra points for regional nomination, to attract skilled workers.

6. Role of Skilled Occupation Lists in Work Rights and Immigration

The Skilled Occupation Lists play a central role in determining eligibility for skilled migration and work rights in Australia. Hereโ€™s how they impact the process:

Pathways to Permanent Residency

  • Occupations on the MLTSSL are eligible for visas that lead to permanent residency, such as the Subclass 189 and 190 visas.
  • Regional visas (e.g., Subclass 491) can also lead to permanent residency after meeting specific requirements.

Employer-Sponsored Visas

  • Employers can sponsor workers for occupations on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL, depending on the visa type and location of the job.

Labor Market Testing (LMT)

  • For employer-sponsored visas, employers must demonstrate that they have been unable to find a suitable Australian worker for the position.

Points-Tested Visas

  • The points test rewards applicants for factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience, and education. Occupations on the SOLs are a prerequisite for these visas.

7. Additional Resources


Conclusion

The Skilled Occupation Lists are a vital tool for managing Australiaโ€™s skilled migration program. By identifying occupations in demand, these lists help address labor shortages and support economic growth. Understanding the lists, associated regulations, and application procedures is essential for anyone seeking to work or migrate to Australia under a skilled visa. For personalized advice, consider consulting a registered migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs.