DIAC has announced the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) - link here: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/new-list-of-occupations.pdf

As expected, the number of occupations in the list has been reduced by over half, to ensure people with the most critical skills are able to migrate.

WHAT OCCUPATIONS HAVE STAYED ON THE LIST? 

The jobs that remain in highest demand, and therefore on the SOL, are accountants, auditors, IT professionals, construction professionals, nurses, engineers, childcare managers, secondary school teachers, urban planners, medical professionals and social workers. The trades that remain on the list are telecommunications,mechanics, welders, fabricators, aircraft trades, bricklayers, stonemasons, carpenters, joiners, glaziers, painters, gas fitters, plumbers, plasterers, sheet metal workers, panel beaters, electricians, tilers, instrument trades and more - please check the link above. 

If you work in one of the above occupations and qualify to migrate, this is the ideal time to start your migration application as the list will be updated annually and will remain steady.

WHAT NEW JOBS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE SOL?

Special needs teachers are now on the SOL.

WHAT IF MY OCCUPATION IS NO LONGER ON THE SOL?

If your job was on the existing SOL but is not on the new SOL, there may still be a skilled pathway for you, once each state announces the occupations on its shortage list. 

Some of the jobs removed from the SOL are chefs, cooks, hairdressers, primary school teachers, marketers, HR, general managers and pharmacists. Please check the full list for specific information.