Has anybody read these articles: https://www.acacia-au.com/changes-to...st-Flagged.php & http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-2...grants/8040548
I wonder if that explains why some nominations take so much time to be approved...
Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List
The ABC and SBS have reported on removal of occupations from the CSOL. What do we Know So Far?
The articles include comments from the Minister for Immigration, Peter Dutton. These comments relate specifically to 457 visa applications, and are as follows:
The Government is considering cutting the list for 457 visas
This is as a result of pressure from the opposition Labour party calling for restrictions on the 457 program
Work is underway to "condense" the list already, and the Government will look at this very soon
The occupations mentioned as the most frequently used for the 457 program are Cooks, Cafe or Restaurant Managers, Marketing Specialists, Chefs and Developer Programmers. At this stage, it is not clear which occupations may be removed.What would be the Impact of the Change?
The above comments suggest the 457 list could be reduced in the near future. Unlike the SOL, changes to the CSOL can come into effect any time during the year.As the 457 list is the same for the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 Visa and Occupational Trainee Stream of the Training Subclass 407 visa, if the 457 list were reduced, this may also affect these types of visas.
For 457 visas, the requirement that the occupation be on the approved list is a "time of decision" requirement. In other words, even if you have lodged your application prior to the change, you could be caught out if the occupations list changes before a decision is made on your application.
For ENS visas, the effect will depend on which stream you apply for. If you have worked for your sponsor on a 457 visa for 2 years and are applying for the Temporary Residence Transition Stream, the impact should be minimal.
If you apply for the Direct Entry Stream, this would require a skills assessment in a CSOL occupation and 3 years of work experience in your occupation. If your occupation is removed before your nomination is approved, you could have difficulty meeting the requirements for the Direct Entry Stream.
What can I Do to Minimise the Impact?
If you are considering applying for a 457 visa, you should apply as soon as possible to avoid being affected by the changes.If you are considering the Direct Entry Stream of the ENS visa, you should also look at applying soon to avoid disappointment.
If you are on a 457 visa already and looking at the Temporary Residence Transition Stream, you should not be affected by any changes to the CSOL.
