From 1 July 2016, a number of changes will be made to the SOL and CSOL.

The following occupations will be removed from the Skilled Occupation List and added to the Consolidated Skilled Occupation List:

• 233611  Mining Engineers (excluding Petroleum)
• 233612  Petroleum Engineers
• 234912  Metallurgists
• 251311  Environmental Health Officers
• 251312  Occupational Health & Safety Advisers
• 411211  Dental Hygienists
• 411212  Dental Prosthetists
• 411213  Dental Technicians
• 411213  Dental Therapists

The following occupations will be added to the Skilled Occupation List:

• 251912  Orthotist or Prosthetist
• 25 2711  Audiologists

These changes will be applicable to the following visa subclasses as well as invitations issued on or after 1 July 2016:

• Subclass 186
• Subclass 189
• Subclass 190
• Subclass 402
• Subclass 457
• Subclass 485
• Subclass 489

The Government has announced a reciprocal Work and Holiday visa arrangement with Singapore. The visa will allow residents aged 18 to 30 years of age to travel, live, work and study in each other’s country. The agreement will enable up to 500 young adults in each country per year to enjoy a holiday in each other’s country, during which they may engage in short-term work and study.

The Government also plans to introduce a long validity, multiple-entry visitor visa for Singaporean nationals to visit Australia.  The new visitor visa initiative will “further boost tourism and business links between Australia and Singapore and allowing for a longer validity period will encourage repeat visits …”

A start date will be announced at a later date.