New SOL List is Released – Should You Be Concerned?

As migration agents, we were often asked about which occupations will go under the knife when the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is released. There was a sense of doubt & concern, especially among students & Skilled Graduate Visa holders. Heaps of rumours were floating around and various speculations were made on social media and forums, particularly in the regards to occupations like Accounting, IT & Engineering.

The moment of truth unfolded on 1st of July 2015 when we saw some changes in both Skilled Occupations list (SOL) and Consolidated Sponsored Occupation list (CSOL)

Changes in Skilled Occupations list (SOL):

The Skilled Occupations List (or SOL) is considered for

  • Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa
  • Skilled Regional Provisional Subclass 489 Visa (Family Sponsored), and
  • Graduate Temporary Subclass 485 visa.

The following occupations have been removed from SOL:

  • Urban and Regional Planner 232611
  • Dental Specialist 252311
  • Dentist 252312

The above occupations have been on SOL for a long time and sadly will affect anyone specialising in these occupations.

Good News

To anyone who was hit by this change is that they are still eligible for State or Employer Sponsored Visa option as these occupations still remain on the CSOL. Also, to all International Students & Temporary Skilled Visa holders who were stressing about accounting, IT & Engineering related occupations can now breathe a sigh of relief as these professions were not removed from the SOL.

Changes in Consolidated sponsored Occupation list (CSOL):

The Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List (or CSOL) is considered for

  • Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 Visa
  • Skilled Regional Provisional Subclass 489 Visa (State Sponsored), and
  • Employer sponsored 457 and Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visas.

The following occupations have been removed from CSOL:

  • Primary School Teacher 241213

Primary School Teachers are unfortunately not eligible for State Sponsored or Employer Sponsored Visa. A few people were scratching their heads when this happened as to everyone’s surprise Pre- Primary & Secondary School teachers are still on the SOL which shows high demand of teachers in this profession.

Article is written by Pawan Kahlon from Universal Migration (If you like to get expert advice on what VISA is right for you depending on your situation then get our Free Consultation Book online here)

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