The Australian Government has announced the new 2019 Skilled Occupation Lists for migration to Australia together with a number of other changes to Australia’s migration programs.
New Skilled Occupation Lists
New Skilled Occupation Lists have come into effect immediately for the following visas subclasses including those under the SkillSelect program:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187)
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) – Points-tested stream
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
- Training visa (subclass 407)
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482)
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – Graduate Work
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489)
What has changed?
A new occupation list known as the Regional Occupation List (ROL) has been introduced, applying to the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Subclass 187 Visa.
Furthermore, a number of occupations have been added and removed from the respective lists. You can search the latest list on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Aged Care Providers Labour Agreement
The Minister for Home Affairs, David Coleman, has also announced special arrangements for Aged Care and Religious Assistants.
Special arrangements will now apply for aged care providers who have identified a need that cannot be fulfilled through the standard visa programs.
“Australia has a long and proud history of migration. Aged care providers have identified a need for bilingual carers, as elderly people or those with dementia may revert to their native language or lose the ability to speak a second language,” Mr Coleman said.
“This visa arrangement demonstrates the Government’s commitment to migrant communities and those organisations who care for Australia’s elderly. It will greatly assist them in finding the right staff to deliver vital aged care services.”
A labour agreement is a special agreement between a business and the Minister for Home Affairs. It is negotiated on a case by case basis. However, once approved, businesses can sponsor workers where previously they are not able to under the standard visa programs.
For more information, please get in touch with our experienced migration consultants.