p182

Yes and no really. Governments, employers and employees have used it as a de facto PR pathway, even if did say otherwise on the tin. Some of the more recent changes have been to address this. So while you technically, as everybody has been acting otherwise for a long time you can see why some people are disappointed when such changes are made.

This is good advice from Raul. The two lists I've found 457 and 186 list - http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Work/Skills-assessment-and-assessing-authorities/skilled-occupations-lists/combined-stsol-mltssl 190 (and I think 189) list - https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017L00850

I guess the other option is to explore employer sponsored routes, but of course that won't work for everybody

I think it has dropped off. I think this is the list occupations for the state sponsored visa you were referring to. If you can put the subclass number of the visa it would be easier to confirm: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017L00850

I moved to Canberra from the UK and lived there the last 8 years and had the best time of my life. The city has changed beyond imagination since I first arrived. in contrast to the Australian stereotypes of it being a quiet county town, there's a lot happening now. Great new bars and restaurants seem to be popping up everyone. Very high quality of life, I could recommend it more. Sadly though work has just taken me away to Melbourne, which I hope is at least half as good as Canberra. Good luck with the move.

Which list are you talking about? Statistician is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, and was upgraded to this list from the Short-term Skilled Occupation List on 1 July 2017. http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Work/Skills-assessment-and-assessing-authorities/skilled-occupations-lists/combined-stsol-mltssl