Applicants need to assess their eligibility for the independent visas before they carry on. Independent visas are the preferred choice for eligible applicants who do not have sponsorship. Independent migrants have the least number of restrictions placed on them.

Sponsored Visas

Note that if you are sponsored by an eligible relative, there are a number of obligations that must be met by your sponsor.

Migration Occupations in Demand List

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

Priority processing

If your nominated occupation is on the MODL, your General Skilled Migration visa application will receive priority processing. 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. The list of skilled occupations in demand in Australia changes from time to time. For the current list of skilled occupations in demand, check the DIMIA website at www.immi.gov.au or contact an Australian overseas post. You should also be aware that your occupation must be on the MODL at the time you lodge your application or when your application is assessed in order to be awarded 'occupation in demand/ job offer' points on the General Skilled Migration points test. 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. You will receive extra points if, in addition to your nominated occupation being on the MODL at the time your visa application is assessed, you have a job offer from a suitable Australian employer - that has employed at least 10 people on a full-time basis for the previous two (2) 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 (2) years