Outcomes of the MODL review

Lots of people interested in the outcomes of the MODL review. Here is the summary:

• A review of the Migration Occupation in Demand List (MODL) was conducted due to concerns that it was not supporting the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program to meet Australia’s medium to long-term future skill needs. Findings of the review showed that the MODL was not effective in delivering a GSM program that meets the future skill needs of the Australian labour market. A number of  stakeholders participating in the review supported these findings.


• On 8 February 2010 the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, announced the revocation of the MODL from 8 February 2010. 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 or permanent GSM visa and who make an application by 31 December 2012, or have a pending GSM visa application. Revocation of MODL does not affect applicants sponsored by an Australian employer.


• MODL being revoked without warning because the outcomes of the review need to be implemented as quickly as possible in order for the GSM program to provide the necessary skills required for the Australian labour market.


• There will not be a new MODL. Applicants planning to claim additional points for an occupation on MODL to meet the Points Test passmark should consider other options for additional points, for
  example, improving their English language score.


• Applicants who lodged a GSM application before 8 February 2010 will not be affected by the revocation of the MODL.


• Applicants who made an application for a GSM visa before 8 February 2010 will be eligible to claim MODL points (subject to meeting the employment/job offer requirements) if their nominated occupation was on the MODL at the time they lodged their application.


• The MODL was revoked on 8 February 2010. This means that if you lodge your application after this date you will not be able to claim MODL points. MODL points can be claimed by people, who at 8 February 2010 are; holders of a subclass 485 visa granted before 8 February 2010, applicants for a subclass 485 visa lodged before 8 February 2010, or applicants for a GSM visa lodged before 8 February 2010. These applicants must lodge their GSM application by 31 December 2012.

International students should not make educational choices solely on the basis of hoping to achieve a
particular migration outcome. The GSM program will continue to change and adapt to Australia’s economic
needs.

People who wish to study in Australia may be granted a student visa that entitles them to come to Australia on
a temporary basis for a specified period to undertake study at an Australian educational institution. While
many overseas students make a decision to apply for permanent residence upon completing their studies, this
is an entirely separate process and there is no guarantee that, on the basis of having held a student visa, a person will meet the requirements to be granted permanent residence.

It is important to note that student visas are aimed at achieving an educational outcome. GSM on the other
hand is predominantly driven by the labour market needs of Australia. The criteria for grant of GSM visas can change in response to the changing economic circumstances of Australia. All applicants seeking to be granted a permanent GSM visa must meet the relevant criteria set out in the migration legislation, regardless of whether or not they have previously been in Australia. It is important for student visa holders to note that any changes to the criteria for the grant of a GSM visa.