SYDNEY, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Evans on Monday announced a new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) designed to deliver highly skilled migrants and crackdown on people seeking permanent residency through low- value education courses.

Evans said the list, developed by the independent body Skills Australia and containing 181 highly valued occupations, would ensure Australia's skilled migration program is demand-driven rather than supply-driven.

The new SOL is a critical reform in the government's overhaul of the skilled migration program and closes the door to those seeking to manipulate the migration system.

Only people with relevant qualifications in occupations listed on the SOL will be eligible for independent general skilled migration.

"Australia's migration program cannot be determined by the courses studied by international students," Evans said.

"This SOL represents a new direction which aims to ensure we choose migrants who have the skills to meet our nation's economic needs."

Foreign cooks and hairdressers are just two of the 217 occupations to be struck off the list of valued vocations under Australia's skill migration program.

The changes received a mixed response from some international students and professionals in the Australian community.

Siwei Sun, a postgraduate student who is currently studying film and digital media production in the University of Sydney said she believes the changes will restrict the number of intake to the skilled migration program.

"I wish to stay here after graduation as I enjoy the Australian lifestyle and culture. If the changes make it difficult for my migration to Australia, I'll consider to study a doctoral degree in an Australian university," she told Xinhua.

Zhang Bo, who is studying chemical engineering, said the changes have not greatly affected him as there is demand in this specialized field in Australia.

"I spent more than 26,000 Australian dollars (22,797 U.S. dollars) for my tuition cost plus 16,000 Australian dollars (14, 039 U.S. dollars) living expenses each year. Although the aim of my study is not for migration only, I want to stay in Australia for a better future."

Vivi Ky, an accounting student, said her study has provided her with the skills and capabilities to take advantage of the employment opportunities in Australia.

"If I can't stay in Australia because of the changes to the skilled migration program, I'll consider other migration options."

Daniel Shen, a lawyer with Austin Haworth & Lexon Legal, does not agree to the changes in the skilled migration program and advised students to carefully consider their options.

"Australia is a migration country and we need migrants from time to time as the education export industry gives this country huge benefits so why are they cutting the number.

"This kind of change to policy will have a significant impact on the education industry as well as migration as it does not give any benefits to the country," he told Xinhua.

Shen said the Australian government should not just make the change for political reasons.

"The law needs to address the lack of regulation in the industry and the consequence of such changes need to be considered, " he said.

Shen advised students not to be alarmed and to seek advice from experts.

"I would advise them not to be panic. Think about it carefully as staying in Australia is not the only option. China is a developing country and they have many opportunities there if they decide to return.

"If they decide to stay in Australia, they should seek advice from an expert on the best option. They have a number of choices so do not worry too much," he said.