Occupations in demand
The Migration Occupations and Demand List (MODL) is published by the Australian Immigration Department. The list outlines occupations and areas of specialisation that have been identified as being in short supply in the Australian labour market. If your occupation is included in the MODL you will be eligible for 15 additional points on the General Skilled Migration points list. Your application will also receive priority processing.
Occupations are categorised as Managers and Administrators, Professionals, Associate Professionals and Trades Persons.
Job offers for occupations listed on MODL
Additional immigration points are available for visa applicants who have a job offer from a suitable Australian employer. This means that the employer needs to have employed a minimum of 10 full-time workers for the previous two years.
You will need to provide documents from your potential employer outlining the nature of the position you have been offered, along with details of your five main duties and your proposed salary. This information needs to be written on an official company letterhead with a clearly legible signature from the employer. The accuracy of the documents will be verified by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
How often is the MODL updated?
The MODL is reviewed twice a year, based on information from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. There are seldom major changes unless there have been significant shifts in labour market trends.
It is worth checking the most recent MODL at the time that you submit your visa application to see whether any changes relevant to your profession have been made. Remember that your occupation needs to be listed on the MODL at the time that your application is assessed rather than merely when it is submitted.