Australian businesses looking to sponsor employees, either for a temporary visa or Australian permanent residence, are able to sponsor individuals for eligible skilled occupations listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
Effective 18 March 2018, there are now several different Skilled Occupation Lists prescribed under Australian immigration law for each visa type.
Different Skilled Occupation Lists are in effect for each of the following employer-sponsored visas:
- 482 Visa Skilled Occupation List (Temporary Sponsorships for 2 to 4 years)
- 186 Visa Skilled Occupation List (Permanent Residence Sponsorships)
- 187 Visa Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme 187 Skilled Occupation List (Permanent Residence Regional Sponsorships)
Which occupations can I sponsor for a temporary Employer-Sponsored 482 visa?
The Skilled Occupation List for the 482 Visa is known as Migration (LIN 19/048: Specification of Occupations-Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2019 and is comprised of the following sub-lists:
- 482 Short Term Occupation List (STSOL) (sponsorships for up to 2 years)
- 482 Medium Long Term Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL)(sponsorships for up to 4 years)
- 482 Regional Occupation List (ROL) (sponsorships for positions in Regional Australia)
The 482 Skilled Occupation List includes the list of occupations you can sponsor for as well as caveats that apply to some occupations. Caveats limit the circumstances where an employer can sponsor for the occupation.
Occupations which are included on the 482 Medium Long Term Skilled Occupation List may be eligible to be nominated for Australian Permanent Residence only if the occupation is still included on the 186 Skilled Occupation List after they have worked 3 years in the nominated occupation and the employer wants to nominate for permanent residence.
Which occupations can I sponsor for Permanent Residence?
The Skilled Occupation List for the 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme, Metropolitan Area Sponsor) is known as Migration (LIN 19/049: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities—Subclass 186 Visa) Instrument 2019.
The 186 Skilled Occupation List includes occupations that can be nominated for Australian Permanent Residence for both the Temporary Residence Transition Stream and the Direct Entry Stream.
Under the Direct Entry Stream, the relevant Skills Assessing Authority for each occupation is specified where applicants must complete a skills assessments before applying.
Changes introduced to the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme from 18 March 2018 now require that the occupation is included on the 186 Skilled Occupation List at the time of the sponsorship for Australian Permanent Residence. This means that any changes to the 186 Skilled Occupation List after you have sponsored a temporary worker on a 482 visa will apply.
Please note there are transitional arrangements in force for some persons applying from a 457 visa to permanent residence.
Which occupations can I sponsor for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme – 187 Skilled Occupation List
The Skilled Occupation List for the 187 Visa (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, Regional Area Sponsor) is known as Migration (LIN 19/047: Specification of Occupations—Subclass 187 Visa) Instrument 2019.
What is the definition of the occupation for migration purposes on the Skilled Occupation Lists?
The Skilled Occupation Lists include the Occupation Title and associated code.
The occupation code is known as the ANZSCO code which is the code used in the Australia New Zealand Skilled Classification Occupations dictionary published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. You can view the definition of each occupation and relevant duties in the ANZSCO Dictionary by searching the relevant occupation code.
When determining which occupation code to use, select the occupation code which best describes the primary duties of the position it is intended that the overseas worker will fill.
The ANZSCO dictionary also details the relevant skills required for the position such as a Bachelor Degree, Diploma or Trade Level qualification.
Employer Sponsor Skilled Occupation Checklist
For employers considering whether to sponsor, it is vital to check the following:
- Occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List for the visa you wish to sponsor
- Occupation duties are a suitable match for the ANZSCO code you have selected
- What, if any, caveats apply to the occupation
