Occupations added and removed from the SOL

Changes to Australia's Skilled Occupation List, June 2011

Changes have been announced by DIAC, the australian Department of Immigration, following recommendations by the allegedly independent body, Skills Australia.

The changes are:

• Medical physicist;
• Environmental health officer;
• Occupational health and safety adviser;
• Hospital pharmacists;
• Retail pharmacists;
• Barrister;
• Solicitor;
• Fitter (General);
• Fitter and turner;
• Fitter-Welder;
• Metal machinist (First class);
• Boat builder and repairer; AND
• Shipwright.

The 4 occupations that have been removed are:

• Optometrist;
• Orthoptist;
• Panel beater; AND
• Vehicle painter.

These changes will affect prospective Australia visa applicants.

The new system for visas to Australia means that occupations are not alloted points in the new Australian visa points test. This means that the schedule 3 skilled list is more important for those Australia visa applicants looking for independent skilled migration opportunities.

For the occupations that have dropped off this list, there may still be opportunities for full Australian visa Permanent Residence, via a state-sponsored route.

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