Migration (LIN 19/212: Specification of Exempt Occupations) Instrument 2019

Administered by Department of Home Affairs

Legislation au F2019L01399 In force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

 

Migration (LIN 19/212: Specification of Exempt Occupations) Instrument 2019

made under subregulations 2.72(13) and 2.72C(14) of the

Migration Regulations 1994

Compilation No. 1 

Compilation date: 7 December 2024

Includes amendments up to: Migration Amendment (Skills in Demand Visa and Related Matters) Instrument 2024
(F2024L01621)

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Migration (LIN 19/212: Specification of Exempt Occupations) Instrument 2019 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 7 December 2024 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law.

Selfrepealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

 

 

 

 

Contents

 

Part 1—Preliminary

1  Name

3  Authority

4  Definitions

Part 2—Exempt occupations

6  Specified occupations

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

 

Part 1—Preliminary

1  Name

 (1) This instrument is the Migration (LIN 19/212: Specification of Exempt Occupations) Instrument 2019.

 (2) This instrument may be cited as LIN 19/212.

3  Authority

This instrument is made under subregulations 2.72(13) and 2.72C(14) of the Regulations.

4  Definitions

In this instrument:

ANZSCO means:

 (a) for paragraphs 6(1)(a), (b), (c) and (f) and a corresponding reference in subsection 6(3)—the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as in force on 23 November 2022;

 (b) for paragraphs 6(1)(d), (g) and (h) and a corresponding reference in subsection 6(3):

 (i) the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as in force on 27 June 2013, for an application for a Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa associated with a nomination lodged before 7 December 2024;

 (ii) the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as in force on 23 November 2022, for all other applications;

 (c) for paragraph 6(1)(e) and a corresponding reference in subsection 6(3):

 (i) the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as in force on 27 June 2013, for a nomination relating to the Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) visa in the Temporary Residence Transition stream;

 (ii) the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as in force on 23 November 2022, for a nomination relating to the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visa in the Temporary Residence Transition stream;

 (d) for paragraph 6(1)(i) and a corresponding reference in subsection 6(3)—the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as in force on 27 June 2013;

 (e) for subsection 6(2) and a corresponding reference in subsection 6(3)—the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as in force on 27 June 2013.

nec is short for ‘not elsewhere classified’.

Regulations means the Migration Regulations 1994.


Part 2—Exempt occupations

6  Specified occupations

 (1) For the purposes of subregulation 2.72(13) of the Regulations, an occupation listed in column 1 of an item of the table in subsection (3) (for which an ANZSCO code is listed in column 2 of the item) is specified for the purposes of the following provisions of the Regulations:

 (a) paragraphs 2.72(11)(c) and 2.72(12)(c);

 (b) subregulation 2.73(13);

 (c) paragraphs 2.73(14)(c) and 2.73(14A)(c);

 (d) paragraph 2.86(2A)(b) and subregulation 2.86(2AA);

 (e) subregulation 5.19(7);

 (f) subclause 186.227(2) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations;

 (g) clauses 482.223 and 482.233 of Schedule 2 to the Regulations;

 (h) paragraph 8607(3)(a) of Schedule 8 to the Regulations;

 (i) paragraph 5.19(5A)(f).

 (2) For the purposes of subregulation 2.72C(14) of the Regulations, an occupation listed in column 1 of an item of the table in subsection (3) (for which an ANZSCO code is listed in column 2 of the item) is specified for the purposes of the following provisions of the Regulations:

 (a) paragraph 2.72C(13)(b);

 (b) subregulation 2.73B(11);

 (c) paragraphs 2.73B(12)(c), 2.86(2B)(b) and 2.86(2BA)(b);

 (d) clause 494.222 of Schedule 2;

 (e) paragraph 8608(3)(a) of Schedule 8.

 (3) For the purposes of subsections (1) and (2), the following is the table:

 

Specified occupations

 

Item

Column 1

Occupation

Column 2

ANZSCO Code

1

chief executive or managing director

111111

2

corporate general manager

111211

3

general practitioner

253111

4

resident medical officer

253112

5

anaesthetist

253211

6

specialist physician (general medicine)

253311

7

cardiologist

253312

8

clinical haematologist

253313

9

medical oncologist

253314

10

endocrinologist

253315

11

gastroenterologist

253316

12

intensive care specialist

253317

13

neurologist

253318

14

paediatrician

253321

15

renal medicine specialist

253322

16

rheumatologist

253323

17

thoracic medicine specialist

253324

18

specialist physician (nec)

253399

19

psychiatrist

253411

20

surgeon (general)

253511

21

cardiothoracic surgeon

253512

22

neurosurgeon

253513

23

orthopaedic surgeon

253514

24

otorhinolaryngologist

253515

25

paediatric surgeon

253516

26

plastic and reconstructive surgeon

253517

27

urologist

253518

28

vascular surgeon

253521

29

dermatologist

253911

30

emergency medicine specialist

253912

31

obstetrician and gynaecologist

253913

32

ophthalmologist

253914

33

pathologist

253915

34

diagnostic and interventional radiologist

253917

35

radiation oncologist

253918

36

medical practitioners (nec)

253999

 

 

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.

 

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

 

ad = added or inserted

orig = original

am = amended

par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)

amdt = amendment

/subsubparagraph(s)

c = clause(s)

pres = present

C[x] = Compilation No. x

prev = previous

Ch = Chapter(s)

(prev…) = previously

def = definition(s)

Pt = Part(s)

Dict = Dictionary

r = regulation(s)/rule(s)

disallowed = disallowed by Parliament

reloc = relocated

Div = Division(s)

renum = renumbered

exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have

rep = repealed

effect

rs = repealed and substituted

F = Federal Register of Legislation

s = section(s)/subsection(s)

gaz = gazette

Sch = Schedule(s)

LA = Legislation Act 2003

Sdiv = Subdivision(s)

LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003

SLI = Select Legislative Instrument

(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment

SR = Statutory Rules

cannot be given effect

SubCh = SubChapter(s)

mod = modified/modification

SubPt = Subpart(s)

No. = Number(s)

underlining = whole or part not

o = order(s)

commenced or to be commenced

Ord = Ordinance

 

 

Endnote 3—Legislation history

 

Name

Registration

Commencement

Application, saving and transitional provisions

Migration Amendment (Skills in Demand Visa and Related Matters) Instrument 2024

6 December 2024
F2024L01621

7 December 2024 (s 2)

-

 

 

 

 

 

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

Provision affected

How affected

s 2

rep LA s 48D

s 4

am F2024L01621

s 5

rep LA s 48C

s 6(1)

rs F2024L01621

s 6(3) (cell at table item 3, column 1)

am F2024L01621

 

Sch 1

rep LA s 48C

 

 

 

Overview

The Migration (LIN 19/212: Specification of Exempt Occupations) Instrument 2019, made under subregulations 2.72(13) and 2.72C(14) of the Migration Regulations 1994, was introduced to address the need for updating and specifying exempt occupations for visa purposes. This legislative instrument was enacted to ensure that the list of occupations eligible for specific visa exemptions remains current and reflective of the changing labour market. The enacting body was the Parliament of Australia, with the policy objective being to provide clarity and specificity in the application of the Migration Regulations 1994 to certain occupations, thereby facilitating the visa process for skilled migrants who fill critical roles in the Australian economy. This instrument ensures that particular occupations, especially those in high demand and critical sectors such as healthcare, are clearly identified and exempt from certain visa restrictions, aiding in the efficient allocation of skilled workforce to meet national needs.

Scope and Application

The Migration (LIN 19/212: Specification of Exempt Occupations) Instrument 2019 applies to specific occupations listed under the instrument, identifying them for the purposes of certain provisions within the Migration Regulations 1994. These occupations, specified in the instrument, include various medical roles such as general practitioners, specialists, and surgeons, each identified by their Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code. The instrument is made under subregulations 2.72(13) and 2.72C(14) of the Migration Regulations, and it identifies the occupations that are exempt from certain requirements, impacting the eligibility and processing of visa applications for these professions. The instrument has a national jurisdictional reach, applying across Australia, and its application can be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as necessary. The instrument does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond those outlined in the detailed table of specified occupations. The legislative instrument operates as a critical component in managing skilled migration by specifying which occupations are exempt from certain provisions, thereby influencing the assessment and approval processes for skilled visas.

Key Provisions

The Migration (LIN 19/212: Specification of Exempt Occupations) Instrument 2019, under subregulations 2.72(13) and 2.72C(14) of the Migration Regulations 1994, specifies certain occupations that are exempt from certain visa requirements (section 6). These occupations are listed in the table in subsection 6(3), which includes medical professionals such as general practitioners, specialists in various fields, and surgeons, among others, each identified by their Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code. These occupations are specified for various purposes under the Regulations, including but not limited to, the eligibility for temporary skilled visas and the exemption from certain character requirements (subsections 6(1) and 6(2)). The Act imposes obligations on various entities, including visa applicants, employers, and possibly migration agents, to ensure that the occupations listed are correctly identified and that any visa applications related to these occupations comply with the specified exemptions. For instance, visa applicants with occupations listed in the instrument must demonstrate their eligibility under the specified provisions, and employers nominating such professionals must ensure that their nomination aligns with the exempted categories as outlined in the Regulations. Breaches of the provisions outlined in the instrument could result in serious consequences. While the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance are not detailed in the text provided, under the Migration Regulations 1994, non-compliance with visa requirements can lead to visa cancellations, exclusion from Australia, and potential bans on future visa applications. The penalties can vary significantly depending on the nature and severity of the breach, but they may include substantial fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. It is important for all parties involved to fully understand and comply with the requirements to avoid these severe repercussions.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Immigration & Refugee Law
Instrument
Legislative Instrument
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Licensing & Registration
Regulatory Standards

Interactions

Authorises

All Versions

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.