The Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL)
Immediate discontinuation of the MODL
On 8 February 2010, the Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, announced the revocation of the MODL, with immediate effect.
The announcement came after a review of the list was conducted due to concerns that it was not supporting the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program to meet the country’s medium to long-term future skill needs.
This change applies to all GSM applicants except those who, at the date of announcement:
- Hold a Skilled – Graduate (subclass 485) visa, or had a pending subclass 485 visa application and had not yet lodged an application for a provisional visa, or
- Hold a permanent GSM visa and who make an application by 31 December 2012, or
- Have a pending GSM visa application
Applicants sponsored by an Australian employer are not affected by the revocation of the MODL.
Will the MODL return?
There will not be a new MODL. Also, please note that any applications lodged after 8 February 2010, will not be able to claim MODL points. The only people still eligible to claim MODL points are:
- Holders of a subclass 485 visa granted before 8 February 2010, or
- Applicants for a subclass 485 visa lodged before 8 February 2010, or
- Applicants for a GSM visa lodged before 8 February 2010
Will students qualify for a visa upon completion of their studies?
International students wishing to study in Australia may be granted a student visa for a temporary period to undertake study at an Australian educational institution. There is, however, no guarantee that, on the basis of having held a student visa, a person will meet the requirements to be granted permanent residence.
Evans also announced that more changes to the GSM might occur, in order to adapt to Australia’s economic needs.
