The picture of Australia’s immigration policies became a little clearer this week, with the announcement of the provisional SOL (Skilled Occupations List) by Senator Chris Evans of DIAC.

The nature of the new SOL – in that it comprises less than half the number of occupations as on the previous list – combined with the accompanying news of a proposed increase in employer-sponsored visas places - shows the Australian Government’s clear intention for its immigration policies.

The new Australian set-up appears to be heading towards that currently operated by Canada, with greater emphasis on employer-sponsored and region-sponsored immigration.

Those without a SOL-listed occupation will have to obtain a job offer relevant to the broader ENSOL or RSMS lists. The ENSOL (Employer Nominated SOL) remains unchanged so there are nearly 500 occupations for employer-sponsored candidates. Details of the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme lists will be published later in 2010 and individual States/Territories should soon publish their own new occupation lists.

One main consequence of this new “tightly-focused” visa system is that the services of an experienced, officially-registered Migration Agent will become increasingly indispensible for navigating the competitive Australian immigration environment. Matching the right skills to the right visa classes, and lodging an accurate, relevant application is fundamental to successfully settling in Australia.

Contact the Migration Bureau for information and assistance with your Australian visa application, or take a FREE "Quick Check of your eligibility to emigrate to Australia under these new conditions.