The SkillSelect program continues to be in high demand in 2016. The Department of Home Affairs
ion has again tinkered with the Skilled Occupation List by removing a number of occupations which are no longer deemed to be in high demand. Only two new occupations were added, likely reflecting the slow economic situation across the country.
State and Territory governments have become more stringent with sponsorship requirements and many states have adopted additional requirements that candidates must be a local graduate, have an offer of employment, or have close family ties to the area. These additional criteria mean that there are frequent roadblocks for applicants who would not qualify under the 189 to find a regional pathway to permanent residence.
Changes to SOL from 1 July 2016
A number of occupations were removed from the Skilled Occupation List from 1 July 2016. These include:
- 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
Only two occupations were added to the SOL:
- 251912 Orthotist or Prosthetist
- 252711 Audiologists
Occupational ceilings
A number of highly popular occupations have been subject to higher point requirements due to high levels of demand. As at 7 December 2016 include occupations in the following groups:
| Occupation Identification | Description | Points score | Date of Expression of Interest |
| 2211 | Accountants | 70 | 12/09/2016 7.16 pm |
| 2212 | Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers | 70 | 26/10/2016 1.40 pm |
| 2334 | Electronics Engineer | 60 | 07/07/2016 6.26 pm |
| 2335 | Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers | 65 | 1/11/2016 1.35 am |
| 2339 | Other Engineering Professionals | 65 | 17/11/2016 2.53 am |
| 2611 | ICT Business and System Analysts | 65 | 5/07/2016 12.26 am |
| 2613 | Software and Applications Programmers | 65 | 1/12/2016 2.49 pm |
| 2631 | Computer Network Professionals | 65 | 20/11/2016 5.31 pm |
These occupations are in significant demand and the Department of Home Affairs has taken steps to reduce the number of candidates who qualify to limit the number of offers per round. For many candidates who will not score 60 points or above, it may be necessary to consider alternative pathways to the SkillSelect program such as such as through employer sponsorship.