We have today been advised of the following:

"Minister Evans has today announced cuts to the 2008-09 permanent skilled migration program by 14 per cent "to protect local jobs while ensuring employers can access skilled professionals in industries still experiencing skills shortages".

The changes are a 14 per cent cut in the 2008-09 permanent skilled migration program intake [from 133 500 to 115 000], and changes to the Critical Skills List (CSL).

The Minister's announcement said that occupations removed from the Critical Skills List include Bricklayers, Carpenters, Plumbers, Welders, and Metal Fitters, and that the list will now comprise mainly health and medical, engineering and IT professions.

The new Critical Skills List is now being used by DIAC, but has not yet been made public. Apparently all trades occupations have been removed except Gas Fitters, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Gasfitters.

We can therefore expect the Critical Skills List to be under continual review and changes can be expected at any time, depending on current economic circumstances.

The Minister's media release can be found at: Government cuts migration program"

Here is a link to the new list:
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/gener...kills-list.pdf

__________________
Veronika Hurbis
MARA Registered Migration Agent: 0301155
e:veronika@sortoutmyvisa.com