Occupation Ceilings for 2017-2018 Migration Programme Released

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has released the occupation ceilings for the Australian 2017-2018 programme year for General Skilled Migration applications.

Due to an ongoing demand, Accountants, Mechanical Engineers and Software Engineers have had a significant increase in the occupation ceilings for these occupations.

Pro Rata Occupations

The occupation ceiling increases for the above mentioned occupations have been inreased and as such it is anticipated that the required point score will reduce when comparing the required points in the 2016-2017 programme year.

• Accountants have increased by 2285 places to 4785
• Software and Applications Programmers have increased by 639 places to 2178
• Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers have increased by 639 places to 2178
• ICT Business and Systems Analysts have increased by 92 places to 1574

As part of the information release, we have noticed that the following occupations have had a reduce in the occupation ceiling:

• Computer Network Professionals have decreased by 108 places to 1318
• Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers have decreased by 86 places to 1327

The flow-on effect of the decreases in the occupation ceilings for the above occupations means it is anticipated the required points and waiting times may now be longer.

Non Pro-Rata Occupations

The below occupation’s have received a decrease in the occupation ceilings:

• Bricklayers and Stonemasons have decreased by 480 places to 1271
• Other Medical Practitioners have decreased by 315 places to 1000
• Metal Fitters and Machinists have decreased by 1347 places to 5330
• Solicitors have decreased by 993 places to 1461
• Engineering Managers have decreased by 252 places to 1155
• Airconditioning and Refridgeration Mechanics have decreased by 274 places to 1427
• Social Workers have decreased by 221 places to 1562
• Special Education Teachers have decreased by 126 places to 1000
• Carpeneters and Joiners have decreased by 750 places to 6968
• Medical Laboratory Scientists have decreased by 115 places to 1487
• Chefs have decreased by 179 places to 2675
• Electronics Trades Workers have decreased bt 115 places to 1878

For more information on the new occupation ceilings and how these changes may affect your circumstances please contact us on 1300 083 843 or via email at info@ethosmigration.com.au