Is my visa application affected?
In effect, there are two new lists for practical purposes:
- Medium and Long-term Strategic skills List (MLTSSL);
- Combined list including the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
Please refer to the following summary table for visa subclass specific information concerning:
- affected visa subclasses;
- the corresponding occupations which have been removed from the relevant occupation list for that subclass; and
- the new list which applies to the relevant visa subclass.
Please also note it is likely that the lists will be further amended in the coming months. We recommend seeking advice if you are amongst the affected visa subclasses.
Australian Visa Subclasses and Relevant Changes
Visa |
Relevant Changes |
189 Skilled – Independent Visa |
There are in effect practically no changes for the purposes of this visa subclass other than a change in the name of the relevant list. The changes apply to invitations issued after 19 April 2017. |
489 Skilled – Regional (Provisional) Visa - with family sponsorship – no State or Territory nomination |
There are in effect practically no changes for the purposes of this visa subclass other than a change in the name of the relevant list. The changes apply to invitations issued after 19 April 2017 if the applicant is not nominated by a State or Territory government agency. |
485 Temporary Graduate Visa |
There are in effect practically no changes for the purposes of this visa subclass other than a change in the name of the relevant list. The changes apply to applications made on or after 19 April 2017. |
190 Skilled – Nominated Visa |
Numerous occupations have been affected by the changes. Relevantly: 1. Various occupations have been removed entirely from the list for all of these visa subclasses and are no longer available. 2. Certain occupations are no longer available under subclass 190 and are now only available under 189, 485, 489 visas. 3. Certain specific occupations are now only available in relation to certain visa subclasses. The changes apply in relation to a person who is nominated by a State or Territory government agency, or the spouse or de facto partner of a person who is nominated by a State or Territory government agency, and who is issued an invitation on or after 19 April 2017. |
489 Skilled – Regional (Provisional) Visa with State/Territory nomination |
Numerous occupations have been affected by the changes. Relevantly: 1. Various occupations have been removed entirely from the list for all of these visa subclasses and are no longer available. 2. Certain occupations are no longer available and are now only available under 189, 485, 489 (no state/territory nomination) visas. 3. Certain specific occupations are now only available in relation to certain visa subclasses. The changes apply in relation to a person who is nominated by a State or Territory government agency, or the spouse or de facto partner of a person who is nominated by a State or Territory government agency, if they are issued an invitation on or after 19 April 2017. |
457 Temporary work (Skilled) Visa |
Numerous occupations have been affected by the changes. Relevantly: 1. Various occupations have been removed entirely from the list for all of these visa subclasses and are no longer available. 2. Certain occupations are no longer available under subclass 457 (and are now only available under 189, 485, 489 visas) 3. Conditions have been imposed on 59 occupations for the 457 visa subclass which limit the breadth of the occupation that can be nominated. They can still be nominated for 457 purposes as long as they fit within the amended scope of the occupation. Please check in with us if you fall within one of these occupations. 4. Certain specific occupations are now only available in relation to certain visa subclasses. The changes apply effective on 19 April 2017. No nomination or visa applications can be approved unless the occupation is on the new list and the occupation complies with any conditions. |
186 Employer nomination scheme |
Numerous occupations have been affected by the changes. Relevantly: 1. Various occupations have been removed entirely from the list for all of these visa subclasses and are no longer available. 2. Certain occupations are no longer available under subclass 186 (and are now only available under 189, 485, 489 visas) 3. Certain specific occupations are now only available in relation to certain visa subclasses. The changes apply for applications made after 19 April 2017. |
407 Training Visa |
Numerous occupations have been affected by the changes. Relevantly: 1. Various occupations have been removed entirely from the list for all of these visa subclasses and are no longer available. 2. Certain occupations are no longer available under subclass 407 (and are now only available under 189, 485, 489 visas) 3. Certain specific occupations are now only available in relation to certain visa subclasses. The changes apply for applications made after 19 April 2017. |
Contact our Migration Agents if you think your application is affected: |
The 457 Visa - Changes to the current skilled visa regime
Published: 19 April 2017
The facts - 457 visas and skilled visas in Australia
On 18 April 2017, the Government announced that it will be abolishing the current 457 visa scheme by March 2018 and replacing it with a new Temporary Skill Shortage visa scheme.
With almost immediate effect after the announcement on 18 April 2017, the occupation lists which are used to determine which occupations are eligible for certain skilled visa subclasses (including 457 visas) have been significantly condensed. These changes took effect on 19 April 2017.
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