There has not been a significant drop in the occupational ceiling, as was foreshadowed by many experts.
Highlights:
- Department of Home Affairs has announced the occupation ceiling announced for 2020-2021.
- Occupations critical in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic have been prioritised.
- Popular occupations like accountants have taken a hit.
An 'occupation ceiling' may be applied to invitations issued under the independent, skilled regional visas. This means there will be a limit on how many EOIs can be invited for skilled migration from an occupation group.
There has been a significant increase in some occupations such Construction Managers (43 per cent), Engineering Managers (47 per cent), Industrial, Mechanical and Production (67 per cent), Early Childhood workers (44 per cent), Special School Teachers (54 per cent) and University Lecturers (47 per cent)
The occupations which have seen a significant decrease include Sports Coaches, Instructors and Officers (69 per cent), Architects (34 per cent) and Plasterers (31 per cent).
Tax Refund, FY 2019-202, COVID-19 Source: Getty Images/Carol Yepes
Melbourne-based migration agent Tanvi Dutt of GNT Migration says the setback for accountants is huge.
"If we compare the numbers to 2018-19, and 2019-20, the accountants have taken a hit this year. In 2018-19 they were allocated around 4,800 places which were reduced to around 2,800 last year. This year only 1,000 places have been allocated for this occupation," says Ms Dutt.
The number of seats for Chefs have been reduced from 2,738 to 2,256. Places for the psychologists have also gone down to 1,545 from 1,832. Whereas, places for General Practitioners have gone up to 4,257 from 3,550.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
An occupation ceiling is based on a percentage of stock employment figures for each occupation. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides these employment figures.
Brisbane-based migration agent of Sirus Migrations Suman Dua says this ensures that a small number of occupations does not dominate the skilled migration program.
Picha: AAP Source: AAP
"Once this limit is reached, no further invitations for that particular occupation group will be issued for that program year. Invitations will then be allocated to intending migrants in other occupation groups even if they are lower ranking. See 'occupation ceilings' tab on this page," says Ms Dua.
'Not surprising'
Melbourne-based migration agent, Chaman Preet of Migration and Education Expert, says the occupation ceiling doesn't come as a big surprise.
"The drop in overall seats is very marginal; however we can see the net percentage change which includes increase as well as a decrease in the allocated seats for each occupation, is very much aligned to the Government's approach towards current challenges faced by Australia," says Ms Preet.
The recent trends have indicated that Australia's migration program will be based on the need to fight the coronavirus pandemic and post-COVID economic recovery.
A small group of children play at the Robertson Street Kindy Childcare Centre in Helensburgh south of Sydney, Friday, April 3, 2020. Source: AAP
The Department advised the immigration professionals of Home Affairs that applicants with critical skills would be prioritised.
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Chaman Preet says the occupation ceiling also reflects that stance.
"The Government had clarified its stance on migration to be aligned towards fighting the pandemic, and this is well and truly reflected in the occupation ceilings announced today," said Ms Preet.
Disclaimer: We’d like to point out that the information contained in this segment is general and is not specific advice. If you would like accurate information relevant to your situation, you should ask a registered migration agent.
