Occupation Ceilings for 2017-18 Program year has been released, carrying a good news for Accountants, Software Engineer and Mechanical Engineers. For this fiscal year, significant higher ceilings are given for the abovementioned occupations.

Prior to the beginning of the 2017-18 fiscal year, the government announced that the Australia’s permanent migration programme for this program year will remain stable at a ceiling of 190,000 intakes despite the abolition of the 457 visa and removal of some occupations on the list.

The following are the pro rata occupations that ceilings have been increased:

• Accountants: Increased by 2285 places to 4785
• Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers: Increased by 639 places to 2178
• Software and Applications Programmers: Increased by 540 places to 6202
• ICT Business and Systems Analysts: Increased by 92 places to 1574

The following are the pro rate occupations that ceilings are unchanged to 1000 places:

• Electronics Engineers
• Other Engineering Professionals

Occupation ceilings that have been reduced:

• Computer Network Professionals: Decreased by 108 places to 1318
• Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers: Decreased by 86 places to 132

Occupations with significantly decreased ceilings:

• Bricklayers and Stonemasons: Decreased by 480 places to 1271
• Other Medical Practitioners: Decreased by 315 places to 1000
• Metal Fitters and Machinists: Decreased by 1347 places to 5330
• Solicitors: Decreased by 993 places to 4161
• Engineering Managers: Decreased by 252 places to 1155
• Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics: Decreased by 274 places to 1427
• Social Workers: Decreased by 221 places to 1562
• Special Education Teachers: Decreased by 126 places to 1000
• Carpenters and Joiners: Decreased by 750 places to 6968
• Medical Laboratory Scientists: Decreased by 115 places to 1487
• Chefs: Decreased by 179 places to 2675
• Electronics Trades Workers: Decreased by 115 places to 1878

This goes to show that immigration process is extremely dynamic, thus, changes in the rules and regulations may occur anytime. Like what we are always saying, everyone should strike the iron while it is still hot. It is best to better understand your eligibility and apply for what you qualify for when you really qualify. Let NTRUST assess your criteria and take your migration plans forward. Call 6299 0245 for more information.

Below is a table of the occupation ceilings set for 2017-18: