AMVL Resources DIAC Terminology Explained
SOL
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is a list of skilled occupations that are in need in Australia. Each occupation listed on the SOL is allocated a points value for use in the visa assessment process. It also has listed the Assessing Body that is responsible for Skills Assessment for each occupation.
If you are applying for a General Skilled Migration Visa, you must have an occupation on the SOL at the time you lodge your application.
Current SOL
CSL
The Critical Skills list applies to people who are seeking to migrate under the skilled migration program who, unlike with the MODL, are not sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state or territory government.
The following outlines key information about the CSL:
- The CSL includes mainly information technology professionals, engineers and medical professionals.
- The CSL is a smaller list of occupations developed in consultation with state and territory governments.
- The CSL is reviewed regularly and updated to ensure it continues to reflect genuine shortages.
Australian visa applicants with occupations on the Critical Skills List are eligible to have their applications given priority processing over those with occupations on the MODL.
Current Critical Skills List
MODL
The Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) lists the occupations and specialisations identified by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) that are in short supply.
From 8 February 2010 the MODL no longer applies. Therefore, all applicants who lodge an application on or after this date will not be eligible for the award of MODL points unless the applicant:
• holds a subclass 485 (Skilled-Graduate) visa or has applied for a subclass 485 (Skilled Graduate) visa and is yet to apply for a permanent or provisional General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa
or
• on 8 February 2010 had a pending application for a GSM visa.
Note: Applicants must lodge their GSM applications by 31 December 2012.
State or Territory Sponsored Lists:
State or Territory Sponsorship is a form of General Skilled Migration which you may be able to utilise if your occupation is on a state list.
State and Territory governments may nominate visa applicants who have an occupation that is in shortage in their particular State or Territory.
Visit the below websites for further information on the applicable State or Territory Sponsored List:
State or Territory nomination does not automatically result in the grant of a visa. Your application must also be assessed by DIAC against a number of visa-specific requirements. Your visa will be granted if all requirements are met.
Skilled Migration Points Test
Visa Applications for General Skilled Migration visas are assessed against a points test.
Included below is the list of points tested General Skilled Migration Visas and the current pass marks, which you will need to score to be eligible for a visa:
| Category |
Pass mark |
| Skilled – Independent (Migrant) visa (subclass 175) |
120 |
| Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176) |
100 |
| Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 475) |
100 |
| Skilled – Independent (Residence) visa (subclass 885) |
120 |
| Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (subclass 886) |
100 |
| Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 487) |
100 |
You can claim points under a range of different factors, which includes:
- Age
- Skills / Qualification
- English Proficiency / Competency
- Australian Work Experience
- Australian Qualifications
- State or Territory Nomination
- Designated Language
- Designated Area
- Partners Skills
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