Going out on a 457 when your occupation may come off the SOL

[NorthernLights]

We're a fair way down the process of emigrating from the UK. My husband and I are both doctors (specialists) so we can't apply for PR through 189 or any other visa until we have full specialist recognition, and we can't get that until we've completed the Colleges skills assessment, which will always include a 12 month full time equivalent assessment within the country. So we have to come out on a 457 (I believe). We both have job offers, but mine is part time, so will need 2 years assessment, and my husband is part non clinical so may need up to 3 years assessment.

 

There's been a fair bit in the press about Anaesthetists (my occupation) being taken off the SOL, and I've checked and it is on the list of occupations under review. My husband is a physician and that's not on the review list, but there has been a call to remove all doctors from the list (according to the press).

 

So my question - if we're in Australia on a 457 and in jobs, does that provide a different route to PR or are we still at the mercy of the SOL? How quickly can the SOL change if the occupation isn't on the review list, could it still be removed the following year?

 

This has put extra worry on as we're migrating with young children and it would be hard to have to turn round and come back after 4 years on a 457. We will almost certainly still take the risk, but it would be very useful to know if there is another way.

 

Many thanks.

[Mark Northam]

Hi NorthernLights -

 

PR still comes down to either a skilled visa (189 - SOL list, 190 - CSOL list subject to state sponsorship) or an employer sponsored PR visa (186 - ENS, 187 - RSMS). Many find that the employer sponsored route is easier, but that requires an employer who will agree to sponsor. SOL changes generally once per year, and changes are not necessarily limited to the review list although in reality most changes occur after an occupation is on the review list for one or more years.

[NorthernLights]

Thanks for your reply. I thought you still needed to have an occupation on the csol for a 186 conversion from 457? I don't think it will be a problem to get employer sponsorship but I'll be keeping get a close eye on the lists. Thanks for replying.