The occupational ceilings for the 2016-17 programme year have now been announced. Occupational ceilings apply to Skilled Independent Subclass 189 and family sponsored Skilled Regional (Provisional) subclass 489 visas and will come into effect on 1 July 2016.

The following occupations have seen an increase in places:

  • Software and Applications Programmers – 6% increase
  • Engineering Managers – 39% increase
  • Electrical Engineers – 2% increase
  • Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics: 64% increase
  • Registered Nurses – 18% increase
  • Chefs – 15% increase
  • Plasterers – 15% increase
  • Wall and Floor Tilers – 15% increase
  • Physiotherapists – 22% increase
  • Psychologists – 26% increase
  • Medical Laboratory Scientists – 18% increase
  • Solicitors – 58% increase
  • Other Medical Practitioners – 32% increase

While the below have seen a decrease in places:

  • Computer Network Professionals – 28% decrease
  • ICT Business and Systems Analysts – 4% decrease
  • Civil Engineering Professionals – 27% decrease
  • Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers – 14% decrease
  • Panelbeaters: 12% decrease
  • Metal Fitters and Machinists – 17% decrease
  • Health and Welfare Services Managers – 17% decrease
  • Social Workers – 18% decrease
  • Architects and Landscape Architects – 16% decrease

The change in the occupational ceilings for the new programme year is good news for accounting professionals, but may have some ramifications for IT professionals who will likely face higher minimum points scores if applying in the 2016-17 programme year.

FCB Smart Visa will continue to provide updates on the occupational ceilings for the 2016-17 programme year as they become available. If you have any migration matters that you would like to discuss, please call one of our migration agents on 02 9922 5188.