The Australian Workforce and Production Agency (the AWPA) has flagged a number of occupations which were borderline in terms of their inclusion on the SOL.
The AWPA reports that these occupations might be removed from the SOL in future years, subject to monitoring of the labour market, education and migration data, and evidence from stakeholders in relation to future oversupply issues, migration outcomes, and areas of specific need.
The following accounting occupations are included on the list:
> Accountant (General), ANZSCO Code 221111
> Management Accountant, ANZSCO Code 221112
> Taxation Accountant, ANZSCO Code 221113
An occupation must be included on the SOL if an applicant is to be able to apply for a Skilled Independent visa under subclass 189.
An occupation must be included on the Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List (the CSOL) to be able to apply for a Skilled Sponsored visa under subclasses 190 or 489, or employer sponsored visas under subclasses 457, 186, or 187.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (the ICAA) and CPA Australia have sent a joint submission to the Immigration Minister contending that the AWPA’s approach to assessing Australia’s future skills needs is flawed, and that the SkillSelect model provides the necessary flexibility for the Department of Immigration to allow the migration of skilled accountants to Australia.
The SOL and CSOL are reviewed each year, with changes usually taking effect on the 1st of July.
Our advice to accountants – as is usually the case with all migration to Australia – is to progress your visa strategy at the earliest opportunity while a visa strategy is available. Visa pathways have been known to change quickly and without notice, so what is possible today could easily not be possible in 6 months from now.
If you are an accountant and are considering moving to Australia contact your local GM Skilled office or complete the form on this webpage for a free no obligation discussion about your situation and your Australian visa options.
