Reinforcing Skilled Migration against the pandemic

The Morrison Government continually supports Australian businesses through skilled migration as the engine room of our nation’s economy.

The government persists in boosting our economy’s strength against the pandemic. One strategy is enforcing the aspect of skilled migration by instituting the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL). It was developed and first announced in September 2020 in conjunction with the National Skills Commission in ensuring that critical occupations are filled to continue to create Australian jobs and aid in the ongoing recovery efforts of the government from the impact of COVID-19.

This recent announcement about the implemented changes on PMSOL and the assurance of firm support across business sectors and other concerned bodies will provide more job opportunities.

On the other hand, the government maintains that the existing list of skilled migration occupations remains functional. It’s just that the occupations in PMSOL are highly prioritised as its immediate response to the COVID pandemic crisis towards its recovery.

Through PMSOL, the government is affirmative about job creation’s sustainability.

The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke MP has on 27 July 2021 announced the inclusion of pharmacists* on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL). There are now a total of 44 occupations on the list. 

Updated PMSOL occupations (ANZSCO code)

(Note: Occupations with * were added on 27 July 2021)

• Chief Executive or Managing Director (111111)
• Construction Project Manager (133111)
• Accountant (General) (221111)
• Management Accountant (221112)
• Taxation Accountant (221113)
• External Auditor (221213)
• Internal Auditor (221214)
• Surveyor (232212)
• Cartographer (232213)
• Other Spatial Scientist (232214)
• Civil Engineer (233211)
• Geotechnical Engineer (233212)
• Structural Engineer (233214)
• Transport Engineer (233215)
• Electrical Engineer (233311)
• Mechanical Engineer (233512)
• Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) (233611)
• Petroleum Engineer (233612)
• Medical Laboratory Scientist (234611)
• Veterinarian (234711)
• Hospital Pharmacist (251511)*
• Industrial Pharmacist (251512)*
• Retail Pharmacist (251513)*
• Orthotist or Prosthetist (251912)
• General Practitioner (253111)
• Resident Medical Officer (253112)
• Psychiatrist (253411)
• Medical Practitioners 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)
• Multimedia Specialist (261211)
• Analyst Programmer (261311)
• Developer Programmer (261312)
• Software Engineer (261313)
• Software and Applications Programmers nec (261399)
• ICT Security Specialist (262112)
• Social Worker (272511)
• Maintenance Planner (312911)
• Chef (351311)

To my kababayans, this is the best time to start your migration journey to Australia. Know that this is another pathway if you don’t have immediate relatives or a potential spouse that can sponsor you or if you do not meet business visa requirements.

Skilled Migration program categories

The Skilled Migration program consists of four main categories.

General skilled migration

This applies to those who want to migrate independently or be sponsored by the state where the selection process is based on their nominated occupation, age, skills, qualifications, English language ability and employability.

Employer Sponsored migration

This applies to those with an employer to sponsor them for temporary and or permanent migration.

Business skills migration

This applies to business people who can develop business opportunities in Australia.

Distinguished talent

This category is for internationally acknowledged individuals who have special or unique talents of benefit to Australia. They can be sports people, musicians, artists and designers.

Basic eligibility requirements

In order to gain access to the skilled migration program, be aware of the basic eligibility requirements as shown below.

1. Age – must not be over 45 years old.
2. English Proficiency – depending on your occupation, an IELTS score of 6.0 / PTE score of 50 in all bands, or passport from English-speaking countries. Occupations that need registration / licensing, such as health care, might require a higher score.
3. Skill – extensive work experience in your nominated occupation and assessed by the required assessing body.

Be mindful that Australia is attracting skilled workers to contribute to its economic growth. This implies that extensive work experience in or outside Australia is a top priority. Educational qualifications cannot outweigh the importance of skilled work experience in your nominated occupation. However, obtaining a qualification in Australia can boost your migration options exponentially by gaining local work experience, which is very important while completing an Australian qualification. 

(Felix Carao is a Registered Migration Consultant (MARN 1069354), a Qualified Education Counselor (QEAC G028), and an Accredited Recruitment Professional (MRCSA 51889). For enquiries, call 0412 321 187 or email felix@allskills.com.au or visit www.allskills.com.au)

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