Job and career opportunities in Australia

DID YOU KNOW? If you have skills and experience in any of the professions or trades listed below you will gain extra points for any visa in the Skilled Migration Program that is points tested. The Migration Occupations in Demand list is also used to assess demand for Temporary working visas.

Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL)

What is the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL)?

The Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) lists those occupations and specialisations identified by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) as being in ongoing national shortage.

What occupations are currently MODL?

The following is the current list of occupations in demand for migration purposes.

* Important: If you nominate one of the above specialist computing occupations, you will only be awarded MODL points if your skills assessment from the relevant the Australian Computer Society (ACS) states you have met the criteria to be recognised in one of the above specialisations.

The ACS has advised that assessments provided to successful applicants will state the ASCO Code for Computer Professional nec with the specialisation in brackets -- for example, 2231-79 (SAP). In addition, the assessment will have the following statement: "Based on the provided certified documentation, it is my opinion that the applicant has 12 months experience in (name of specialisation, for example, SAP)".

If you have a skills assessment which only states the ASCO Code for "Computer Professional nec 2231-79", you are not eligible to be awarded MODL points. A new assessment will be required if you wish to claim points for having an occupation on the MODL.

How often does the MODL change?

The MODL is reviewed twice a year to take into consideration existing and emerging skills shortages. This does not mean the list is changed twice a year. Changes only occur if there has been a significant change in labour market trends.

As the MODL may change from time to time, you are advised to check the current MODL at the time you are lodging your visa application.

How are occupation points awarded on the points test?

If your nominated occupation is on the MODL either at the time of lodgement or when your your application is assessed, you will be eligible for 'occupation in demand' points on the points test.

There are two important points in time - lodgement and final assessment. Your skill must be on the MODL at either time.

You will receive extra points if, in addition to your nominated occupation being on the MODL, you have a job offer from a suitable Australian employer.

What is a 'suitable Australian employer'?

A 'suitable Australian employer' is an employer that has employed at least 10 people on a full-time basis for the previous two financial years.

If you intend to claim points for 'occupation in demand/job offer' you are required to submit documentary evidence that your proposed employer meets these requirements. This evidence should include:

• a letter of offer from your prospective employer on official letterhead of the company which states the full address of the company and any telephone, fax numbers, e-mail and website addresses
• the name and position of the person authorised to sign the employment reference typed or stamped below that person's signature – a reference with an illegible signature will not be accepted
• details of the position you are being offered, the main five duties to be undertaken, and the salary level
• details of the organisation making the job offer, including the number of people it has employed on a full-time basis for the previous two years

The department will make any necessary checks to ensure that the information provided is correct.

Priority processing

The Migration Act 1958 contains powers by which the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs can consider and finalise migration visa applications in an order of priority he/she considers appropriate.

Under this power, the Minister has identified a number of General Skilled Migration visas that are both a priority for employers generally across Australia and, more specifically, for regional and low population growth metropolitan areas. The Minister has issued a directive to give priority processing to these applications. As part of these arrangements, if your nominated occupation is on the MODL, your General Skilled Migration visa application will receive priority processing.

Reviewed on February, 2008 - (02/07 List).