Australian Government announces Priority Occupations List

A new priority skills list and strengthened labour market testing will allow small numbers of sponsored skilled workers to return to Australia to fill urgent skills needs in critical sectors, helping to create Australian jobs and rebuild Australia’s economy.

The 17 occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) were based on advice from the National Skills Commission and consultation with relevant Commonwealth agencies and will be reviewed regularly.

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said the changes would strike the right balance for Australia’s economic recovery.

The occupations identified are in the health care, construction and IT sectors and the Australian Government expects that it will bolster support for the health and economic response to COVID-19.

Visa holders, who have been sponsored by an Australia business in a PMSOL occupation can request an exemption from Australia’s travel restrictions but will be subject to a strict 14 days quarantine on arrival at their own expense.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said the PMSOL would be complemented by strengthened labour market testing requirements.

In addition to the current requirements of two national advertisements, employers must also advertise their vacancy on the Government’s jobactive wesbite,” Minister Cash said.

The occupations were chosen after careful analysis of recent changes to the internet vacancy index, changes in employment, and longer-term stability in the labour market for individual occupations.

As COVID-19 continues to play out both in Australia and abroad, the Australian Government will closely monitor labour market trends and respond to any changes in our skills needs.

Existing skilled migration occupation lists will remain active and visas will still be processed, but priority will be given to those in occupations on the PMSOL.

The 17 occupations (ANZSCO code) are:

•Chief Executive or Managing Director (111111)

•Construction Project Manager (133111)

•Mechanical Engineer (233512)

•General Practitioner (253111)

•Resident Medical Officer (253112)

•Psychiatrist (253411)

•Medical Practitioner nec (253999)

•Midwife (254111)

•Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (254412)

•Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) (254415)

•Registered Nurse (Medical) (254418)

•Registered Nurse (Mental Health) (254422)

•Registered Nurse (Perioperative) (254423)

•Registered Nurses nec (254499)

•Developer Programmer (261312)

•Software Engineer (261313)

•Maintenance Planner (312911)