Covid-19 Update: Priority Occupation List Expanded

On 22 June 2021, the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke MP announced the expansion of the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) to include a further 22 occupations bringing the list to a total of 41 occupations. The list is identified based on the support Australia need for its economic recovery from COVID-19. This is significant news for those who are work in those sectors and are looking at travelling to Australia during the Covid-19 borders closure.

What is the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)

This occupation list allow for priority processing of nomination and visa applications for sponsored work visas including the following:

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186)
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187)

If you obtain one of the above visas especially temporary visas and whilst travel restrictions are imposed, you will still to get an exemption to travel to Australia and cross the Australian borders. However, the The Commissioner of the Australian Border Force may grant an individual exemption if you are a non-citizen and sponsored by your employer to work in Australia in an occupation on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL).

What new occupations were added to the current list?

The 22 new occupations are (including ANZSCO codes): 

• Accountant (General) (221111)
• Accountant (Taxation) (221113)
• Accountant (Management) (221112)
• External Auditor (221213)
• Internal Auditor (221214)
• Electrical Engineer (233311)
• Civil Engineer (233211)
• Structural Engineer (233214)
• Geotechnical Engineer (233212)
• Transport Engineer (233215)
• Mining Engineer (233611)
• Petroleum Engineer (233612)
• Surveyor (232212)
• Cartographer (232213)
• Other Spatial Scientist (232214)
• Medical Laboratory Scientist (234611)
• Orthotist / Prosthetist (251912)
• Multimedia Specialist (261211)
• Analyst Programmer (261311)
• Software and Applications Programmers (261399)
• ICT Security Specialist (262112)
• Chef (351311) 

Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) full list as of 22 June 2021

The 41 occupations (ANZSCO code) are:

• 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)
• 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)*

* Indicates occupation added in June 2021

Need Help?

If you require assistance with coming to Australia, feel free to contact our office on contact@crossoverlaw.com.au or book a 15 minutes obligation free consultation.

DISCLAIMER: Immigration law is complex and is subject to constant regulatory and policy change by the Australian government.  The information provided above is a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal advice please get in touch with our office.