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As you may have heard, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has just issued a so-called “Traffic Light Bulletin”.
The Traffic Light Bulletin flags potential changes to the Skilled Migration Occupation Lists.
Most importantly, the bulletin flags occupations for removal from the occupation lists, as well as flagging occupations that may change status e.g. those that may move from the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) to the Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), or vice versa from the STSOL to the MLTSSL.
The following occupations are flagged to be removed from the STSOL and from the skilled occupation list completely:
- Careers Counsellor
- Vehicle Trimmer
- Business Machine Mechanic
- Animal Attendants and Trainers, not elsewhere classified (includes, Animal Trainer, Animal Welfare Officer, Crouching Contractor and Muleser)
- Gardener (General)
- Hairdresser
- Wood Machinist
- Community Worker
- Diving Instructor (Open Water)
- Gymnastics Coach or Instructor
The following occupations, which are currently not on any of the lists, are being included into the STSOL:
- Corporate Treasurer
- Aged or Disabled Carer (will need a skills assessment)
- Nursing Support Worker (will need a skills assessment)
- Personal Care Assistant (will need a skills assessment)
The following occupations are flagged to be moved to the STSOL:
- Automotive Electrician
- Motorcycle Mechanic
- Locksmith
- Painting Trades Worker
- Glazier
- Wall and floor tiler
- Cabinetmaker
- Post Office Manager
- Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson
- Real Estate Representative
The following occupations are flagged to change from the STSOL to the MLTSSL:
- Sales and Marketing Manager (salary must be at least $120,000)
- ICT Project Manager (includes Blockchain planner/Manager) (salary at least $120,000)
- Information and Organisation Professionals not elsewhere classified (includes Data Scientist) (salary at least $90,000)
- Procurement Manager
- Ship’s Master
The following occupations have been flagged for a salary caveat (i.e. a nomination will not succeed unless the salary requirement is met):
- Poultry Farmer (on the STSOL – salary caveat $65,000)
- Baker (on the STSOL – salary caveat $65,000)
- Pastry cook (on the STSOL – salary caveat $65,000)
- Horse Trainer (on the MLTSSL – salary caveat $65,000)
- Fitter and Turner (on the MLTSSL – salary caveat $65,000)
- Sports persons, not elsewhere classified (on the STSOL, salary caveat $120,000)
Why is this information important?
Keep in mind that this release is not confirmation that occupations will change, but it is a strong indication of change.
These changes have been flagged for the new occupation list due to be released in March 2020.
It is best to take these proposed changes seriously, and plan for the worst case scenario (i.e. if your occupation is being taken off the lists completely, or is mooted to be moving from the medium term list to the short term list).
Is your occupation mooted to be coming off the lists completely?
If your occupation is being removed from the occupation lists, you will be unable to apply for a Subclass 482 visa, and will be precluded from applying for any other skilled visa, unless your occupation is on the Subclass 494, Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa list. Currently, all of the occupations are flagged to be removed from the lists, are on the Subclass 494 occupation list.
If you have your heart set on progressing to Permanent Residence, please contact us immediately for Migration Advice, or book a consultation here.
Is your occupation flagged to be moving from the MLTSSL to the STSOL?
If this occurs, you will not be able to transition from a Subclass 482 visa to a Subclass 186 Employer Nominated Visa via the TRT Stream, or even via the Direct Entry Stream (even if you currently hold a Medium Stream Subclass 482).
As above, you will need to have a look at the Subclass 494, Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa to find out whether or not your occupation is on that list. Currently, all of the occupations flagged to be moved to the short term list, are currently on the Subclass 494 occupation list.
What Can I Do Now? – I want to become a Permanent Resident!
We suggest that you immediately seek Migration Advice if you had intended to progress to Permanent Residence.
Please contact us immediately, or book a consultation here.
Is your occupation flagged to be moving from the STSOL to the MLTSSL?
You’re in the lucky group!
This move (if it occurs) opens up the possibility for you to transition to a Subclass 186 Employer Nominated Visa , which means you now have a pathway to Permanent Residence after three years of being on your Subclass 482 visa. (You will have to get a new Medium Stream Subclass 482 Visa).
What does a proposed salary caveat mean?
If your occupation is now flagged to have a salary caveat, it means that the nomination for your occupation will not be approved unless your Employment Contract provides a salary at least in line with the salary caveat.
You will find the complete DHA release here.
