Australia Revamped Skilled Occupation Lists for Work Visas

In a significant development for individuals seeking temporary residence transition through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187), occupation requirements have transformed effective November 25, 2023.

The alterations eliminate the need for occupations to be specified in a skilled occupation list, streamlining the process for skilled workers.

What’s New?

Occupation Lists Gone: Previously, eligible occupations were specified in dedicated skilled occupation lists. With the update, those lists are scrapped for ENS and RSMS Temporary Residence Transition streams.

ANZSCO Takes Center Stage: Instead of relying on occupation lists, nominated occupations now need to be listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). This broader framework categorizes occupations based on skill level, qualifications, and experience required.

Continuity Matters: Applicants must continue working in the same ANZSCO 4-digit occupation unit group code they held for their Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa.

What Does This Mean for You?

• More Flexibility: The ANZSCO-based approach offers greater flexibility and potentially expands the range of eligible occupations.
• Streamlined Process: Eliminating separate lists simplifies the application process for both applicants and sponsors.
• Continuity Ensured: The requirement to remain in the same occupation category promotes career progression and aligns with skills demonstrated on the TSS visa.

Must Read: Australia Revamps Skilled Migration with ‘Skills in Demand’ Visa

Eligible Skilled Occupations

The following visas remain available for individuals who are qualified to work or train in an eligible skilled occupation in Australia, meeting all other requirements:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186)
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187) – Temporary Residence Transition Stream
• 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)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494)

Impact on Other Visas and Existing Applications

No Change for Other Skilled Visas: The changes only affect ENS and RSMS Temporary Residence Transition streams. Other skilled visa programs like Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) still rely on dedicated occupation lists.

Protection for Pending Applications: Existing nominations and visa applications won’t be affected by future removals of occupations from the now-obsolete skilled occupation lists.

Consider Carefully Before Changing Jobs: Existing visa holders won’t be impacted by removed occupations unless they change their employer or occupation and the new one is no longer on the ANZSCO list.

Staying Informed

For an updated list of eligible skilled occupations, refer to the relevant legislative instrument for your specific visa program. Remember, seeking expert immigration advice can help you navigate these changes and ensure a smooth path to your Australian dream.