Statistics released by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) indicate that quotas (Occupation Ceiling) for Engineers and IT Professionals are being filled up despite Australia’s new fiscal year having just began on 1st July.

DIAC has therefore announced that remaining places will be allocated on a ‘pro-rata basis” for the rest of the program year meaning that only a few places will be allocated each month in the highest demand occupations to make them last for the rest of the year.

Below are six occupations presently affected:

• ICT Business and Systems Analysts (67% filled)
• Chemical and Materials Engineers (50% filled)
• Electronics Engineers (39% filled)
• Telecommunications Engineering Professionals (38% filled)
• Other Engineering Professionals (36% filled)
• Software and Applications Programmers (28% filled)

What is an Occupation Ceiling?

The Occupational Ceiling is a quota set by the Australian government each program year (which runs from 1 July to 30 June) for General Skilled Migration program. Once an occupation reached its ceiling, no further invitation to apply will be issued in that occupation until the beginning of the next program year. An invitation to apply (ITA) is a requirement obtained from the SkillSelect system to qualify for skilled migration.

Engineers

After just 3 invitation rounds started 1st July 2013, 11% of engineering places are filled:

IT Professionals

On the other hand, 23% of IT professional places have been filled (As of 15 August 2013):

Affected Visas

All visas under the General Skilled Migration program are subject to occupational ceilings, including:

• Skilled-Independent (subclass 189): a permanent visa which does not require sponsorship by a State/Territory Government or Relative
• Skilled-Sponsored (subclass 190):a permanent visa which requires sponsorship by a State/Territory Government
• Skilled-Regional Provisional (subclass 489):a four year provisional visa which requires sponsorship by either a State/Territory Government or Relative living in a Designated Area

If the occupational ceiling has been reached for your nominated occupation, you may apply for employer sponsored visas such as:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS):a permanent visa sponsored by an employer
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS):a permanent visa requiring a job offer in a regional area
• Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457):a four year temporary visa sponsored by an employer

Immigration Advice

If you are concerned that your nominated occupation is affected, you may contact us at +65 6299 0245 to discuss your concerns on your migration to Australia plans. NTRUST has substantial experience in handling permanent residence and work visa applications for Engineers and IT professionals.