Since July 2015, Department of Immigration and Border Protection has announced a series of policy update, herewith the summary of the major changes:

1.  Changes to the SOL & CSOL

Skilled Occupations List (SOL) is for you to apply for a Skilled Independent Permanent Visa Subclass 189, Skilled Regional Provisional Visa Subclass 489 (Family Sponsored Points Tested) or Graduate Visa Subclass 485 – Graduate Work Stream.

From 1st July 2015, some of the occupations have been removed from the SOL:
·  Urban and Regional Planner 232611
·  Dental Specialist 252311
·  Dentist 252312

Although these three occupations are no longer on the SOL, applicants may still be eligible to acquire a state or employer sponsorship under these occupations.

Two occupations added to the list are:
·   Panelbeater 324111
·  Cabinetmaker 394111

Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List (CSOL) is used when an applicant is nominated by an employer for a 457, a 186 or ENS (Employer Nominated Scheme) by either Direct Entry Stream or Temporary Residence Transition Scheme (2 years with same employers).

One occupation was removed on CSOL list:
·  Primary School Teacher 241212