ACT Small Business and Skills has provided updates on the ACT skilled occupation lists and other relevant information. Aapplications submitted by 10/02/15 will be assessed against the October 2014 Occupation List.
While the number of open occupations has decreased, there is a slight variation in the skill type and industry sector of the occupations that are currently in demand. By way of example:
The status of the following occupations changed to closed:
- All medical specialists (except general practitioners)surveyors
- engineers
- complimentary health therapists
- optometrists
The status of the following occupations changed to open:
- mechanics
- welfare workers
- building associates
- plumbers
The open status of the following occupations remains unchanged:
- child care centre managers
- general practitioners
- retail pharmacist
- early childhood teachers
- architects
- medical imaging
- registered nurses
- panel beaters
- psychologists
A comparison of occupations identified as ‘in demand’ in October 2014 compared to February 2015 can be found by click:
http://www.mia.org.au/documents/item/588
The ACT 190 nomination guidelines have also been updated, effective 10/02/15, with formatting changes only.
In summary, the ACT Skilled Migration Program will give preference to Canberra residents, or their immediate family living overseas who can demonstrate good employment prospects. For example:
Canberra residents / graduates may apply for ACT nomination if they are employed in a skilled occupation regardless of whether the occupation is open or closed.
Interstate graduates are required to be working in Canberra in their nominated occupation for at least 6 months before they can apply.
Overseas applicants may only apply for ACT nomination if their occupation is open and they can demonstrate employability. If their occupation is closed, they must either have a job offer or have immediate family members living in Canberra and demonstrated employability.
The guidelines and occupation list are available by click the following link:
http://www.canberrayourfuture.com.au/portal/migrating/article/skilled-migration-visas/