The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has put in place transitional arrangements regarding the new Skilled Occupation List.  It is noted that the former pre-July 2010 Skilled Occupation List (SOL) will still apply in the following situations:

• Those who held a subclass 485 (Skilled Graduate) visa or had a pending visa application on or before 8 February 2010 who apply for a permanent visa before 31 December 2012.
• Applicants who already applied for skilled migration before the new SOL came into effect before 17 May 2010.
• International students who held a Subclass 572 (Vocational Education and Training sector), Subclass 573 (Higher Education Sector) or Subclass 574 (Postgraduate Research Sector) visa can apply for a subclass 485 (Skilled Graduate) visa using the former SOL as long as they apply prior to 31 December 2012. However, the new SOL will apply to international students holding a subclass 572, 573 and 574 visa applying for skilled migration.

We will see a significant reduction in independent skilled migrant places in Australia. However the number of visas granted to employer sponsored applicants is set to increase making Employer sponsored visas a better option for those migrating to Australia.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.