The long awaited new Skilled Occupations List has finally been announced by the Australian Minister of Immigration.

The full list can be downloaded by following this link:
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/new-list-of-occupations.pdf

This list will apply from 1 July 2010.

The new list excludes a number of occupations, including some trades (cooks, hairdressers and fitters), general business occupations, science occupations, primary school teachers, some associate professional occupations.

HOWEVER, please be aware that even if your occupation is no longer included on the new list, it may well be included on the shortly to be released new State Sponsorship Lists. This means that even if you have not yet lodged your visa application, and your occupation is no longer listed on the new SOL, you may still be able to apply for the Skilled State Sponsored Permanent Visa.

Similarly, if your occupation is no longer on the new Skilled Occupations List, you will still be able to apply for:

• A Graduate Skilled Subclass 485 – providing you held a qualifying student visa on 8 February 2010.
• Employer Sponsored Visas (the Employer Nomination Scheme visas, RSMS and Business Long Stay Subclass 457 visas.
• State Sponsored Visas.

The new listed occupations are defined in accordance with the ANZSCO Code and not the ASCO Code and therefore carry new skilled occupation numbers. However, a transition period will apply whereby assessments containing the old definitions will continue to be valid for visa application purposes.

Last but not least, if you have already applied for your visa you are not affected by this change.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any more information about the above changes.

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Sort Out My Visa is a Australian and NZ visa specialist, providing visa and migration services to individuals and families wanting to travel to, conduct business, work or live in Australia or New Zealand. Visit Sort Out My Visa for more information.