Australia - Skilled Migration Q+A

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

A. The MODL lists all occupations and specialisations identified by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) as being in short supply.

Q. What occupations are currently MODL?

A. Below is a list of occupations which have been identified as being in demand in Australia. This list was updated on 17 May 2008.
People seeking to migrate to Australia on the basis of their work skills receive points if their nominated occupation is on the MODL list which is current at the time their application is lodged or assessed. They receive extra points if they have a job offer in their nominated occupation from an organisation that has employed at least 10 people on a full-time basis for the previous two financial years.

MIGRATION OCCUPATIONS IN DEMAND (MODL)
Managers and Administrators	ASCO code
Child Care Coordinator	1295-11
Engineering Manager	1221-11
Professionals	ASCO code
Accountant	2211-11
Anaesthetist	2312-11
Architect	2121-11
Chemical Engineer	2129-17
Civil Engineer	2124-11
Computing Professional - specialising in CISSP	2231-79
Computing Professional - specialising in C++/C#/C	2231-79
Computing Professional - specialising in Data Warehousing	2231-79
Computing Professional - specialising in Java	2231-79
Computing Professional - specialising in J2EE	2231-79
Computing Professional - Linux	2231-79
Computing Professional - .Net technologies	2231-79
Computing Professional - specialising in Network Security/Firewall/Internet Security	2231-79
Computing Professional - specialising in Oracle	2231-79
Computing Professional - specialising in PeopleSoft	2231-79
Computing Professional - specialising in SAP	2231-79
Computing Professional - specialising in SIEBEL (especially Siebel Analytic)	2231-79
Computing Professional - Solaris	2231-79
Computing Professional - Unix	2231-79
Dental Specialist	2381-13
Dentist	2381-11
Dermatologist	2312-13
Electrical Engineer	2125-11
Electronics Engineer	2125-13
Emergency Medicine Specialist	2312-15
External Auditor	2212-11
General Medical Practitioner	2311-11
Hospital Pharmacist	2382-11
Mechanical Engineer	2126-11
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer	2391-11
Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)	2127-11
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist	2312-17
Occupational Therapist	2383-11
Ophthalmologist	2312-19
Optometrist	2384-11
Paediatrician	2312-21
Pathologist	2312-23
Petroleum Engineer	2127-13
Physiotherapist	2385-11
Podiatrist	2388-11
Psychiatrist	2312-27
Quantity Surveyor	2122-11
Radiologist	2312-29
Registered Mental Health Nurse	2325-11
Registered Midwife	2324-11
Registered Nurse	2323-11
Retail Pharmacist	2382-15
Specialist Medical Practitioners (not elsewhere classified)	2312-79
Specialist Physician	2312-25
Speech Pathologist	2386-11
Sonographer	2391-17
Surgeon	2312-31
Surveyor	2123-13

Associate Professionals	ASCO Code
Chef (excluding Commis Chef)	3322-11 (part)
Dental Technician	3492-15

Trades Persons	ASCO codes
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics)	4114-15
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical)	4114-11
Automotive Electrician	4212-11
Baker	4512-11
Binder and Finisher	4913-11
Boat Builder and Repairer	4981-13
Bricklayer	4414-11
Cabinetmaker	4922-11
Carpenter	4411-13
Carpenter and Joiner	4411-11
Cook	4513-11
Drainer	4431-15
Electrical Powerline Tradesperson	4313-11
Electrician (Special Class)	4311-13
Electronic Equipment Tradesperson	4315-11
Fibrous Plasterer	4412-11
Fitter	4112-11
Floor Finisher	4423-11
Furniture Finisher	4929-13
Furniture Upholsterer	4942-11
Gasfitter	4431-13
General Electrician	4311-11
General Plumber	4431-11
Hairdresser	4931-11
Joiner	4411-15
Landscape Gardener	4623-13
Lift Mechanic	4311-15
Locksmith	4115-15
Mechanical Services and Air-conditioning Plumber	4431-19
Metal Fabricator (Boilermaker)	4122-11
Metal Machinist (First Class)	4112-13
Motor Mechanic	4211-11
Optical Mechanic	4999-11
Painter and Decorator	4421-11
Panel Beater	4213-11
Pastry Cook	4512-13
Pressure Welder	4122-13
Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic	4312-11
Roof Plumber	4431-17
Roof Slater and Tiler	4413-11
Solid Plasterer	4415-11
Sheetmetal Worker (First Class)	4124-11
Stonemason	4416-13
Toolmaker	4113-11
Tree Surgeon	4623-15
Vehicle Body Maker	4215-11
Vehicle Painter	4214-11
Wall and Floor Tiler	4416-11
Welder (First Class)	4122-15

If you nominate one of the above specialist computing occupations, you will only be awarded MODL points if your skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing body - the Australian Computer Society (ACS) states you have met the criteria to be recognised in one of the above specialisations.
Skills assessments provided to successful applicants will state the ASCO Code for Computer Professional not elswhere classified (nec) with the specialisation stated in brackets - for example, 2231-79 (SAP) and the 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 with the above information will be required if you wish to claim MODL points.

Q. How often does the MODL change?

A. 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.

Q. How are occupation points awarded on the points test?

A. If your nominated occupation is on MODL either at the time your application is lodged or assessed, you will be eligible for 'occupation in demand/job offer' points on the General Skilled Migration points test. You will receive extra points if you have a job offer from a suitable Australian employer.

Q. 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
• he 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 (2) years

Immigration to New Zealand for Skilled Workers

Recent changes and enhancements to New Zealand's Skilled Migration scheme have made their selection system a little more flexible, hence the recent increase of interest in migration to New Zealand by skilled workers under this category.

New Zealand's selection system is one of the worlds best with two equally important stages to consider before you make an application for skilled migration to New Zealand. In order to be considered under this Permanent Resident visa category, you will need to firstly submit an Expression of Interest form.

Expression of Interest:
The current pass mark for in order to be considered for an Expression of Interest selection for immigration to New Zealand as a skilled worker is now 100.

At this stage you will need to prepare an extremely informative Expression of Interest form to the New Zealand Immigration Services. This form will be the 'statement' of your points score and personal details. A selection will take place every fortnight and if selected within a 3-month period, you will be invited to apply for a Permanent Resident visa.

Permanent Residency:
If you are meet the following criteria then you may be eligible for New Zealand Skilled Migration:

• Obtain a recognised basic qualification or a recognised post-graduate qualifications equivalent to a New Zealand two or three year tertiary qualification (e.g. Bachelors degree, Diploma)
• Have at least two years work experience in an Labour Market which is comparable to that of the New Zealand Labour Market
• Less than 55 years of age at the time of the application

You may also qualify for bonus points if you:

• Have a close family member currently residing in New Zealand and New Zealand is their main place of residence
• Have a skilled partner with recognised basic qualification or a recognised post-graduate qualifications
• Have gained at least 12 months current skilled employment in New Zealand
• Have obtained an offer of employment in New Zealand OR gained current skilled employment in New Zealand for less than 12 months

There are a number of other things to consider in order to correctly allocate points and make a valid application.
Requirements include:

• A high level of competence in English (IELTS 6.5).
• Ability to provide financial support and accommodation for yourself and your family for your first two years in New Zealand.

Please note that:

• all residence applicants must provide medical certificates and those aged 17 and older, must provide Police certificates. In most categories, a high level of English language skills is required.
• you must have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family for your first two years in New Zealand.