Planning to migrate to Australia through skilled visas? The first thing you need to check is whether your occupation appears on the Skilled Occupation List.

This guide explains what the SOL is, how it works, and how to check if your occupation qualifies for Australian permanent residency in 2025-26.

What is the Skilled Occupation List?

The Skilled Occupation List is an official government document that lists all professions eligible for Australian skilled migration visas. Think of it as Australia’s “wanted occupations” list.

If your occupation is on this list, you can apply for skilled visas like the 189, 190, or 491. If it’s not listed, you won’t qualify for these pathways (though other visa options may exist).

The Australian government updates this list regularly based on where they need skilled workers most.

The Four Main Occupation Lists in 2025-26

Australia doesn’t have just one list. There are actually four different lists, and each opens different visa pathways.

1. Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

This list contains occupations in high demand for the long term. Occupations here get the best visa options.

Visa pathways available:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
• Subclass 190 (State Nominated)
• Subclass 491 (Regional Provisional)
• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
• Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme)
• Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand visa – Core Skills Stream)
• Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate)

Examples: Engineers, nurses, software developers, accountants

If your occupation is on the MLTSSL, you have the widest range of visa options and can apply for permanent residency without state sponsorship.

2. Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

This list contains occupations needed to fill short-term gaps in Australia’s workforce.

Visa pathways available:

• Subclass 190 (State Nominated – requires state nomination)
• Subclass 491 (Regional Provisional – requires state/territory nomination)
• Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand visa – Temporary pathway)

Examples: Hotel managers, photographers, print journalists

STSOL occupations require state nomination or state sponsorship for permanent residency pathways. The path to permanent residency takes longer compared to MLTSSL.

3. Regional Occupation List (ROL)

This list contains occupations specifically needed in designated regional areas of Australia (areas outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane).

Visa pathways available:

• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
• Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional)

Examples: Chefs, secondary school teachers, accountants (for regional areas)

ROL occupations are perfect if you’re willing to live and work in designated regional areas. These areas often have faster processing and better opportunities.

4. Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

Introduced in December 2024, this list features occupations for the new Skills in Demand visa program.

Visa pathways available:

• Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482 – Core Skills Stream)
• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry Stream)
• Employer-sponsored pathways

This is the newest addition and covers a broader range of employer-nominated migration options.

How to Check If Your Occupation is Eligible

Follow these steps to find out if your occupation qualifies:

Step 1: Match Your Occupation to an ANZSCO Code

Every occupation on the SOL has a six-digit ANZSCO code. This code defines what the occupation involves, required skills, and qualifications.

Important: Match based on your actual duties, not just your title. For example, if your title is “IT Specialist” but you mainly do software development, check the code for Software Engineer.

You can search for ANZSCO codes on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website or the Department of Home Affairs portal.

Step 2: Check Which List Your Occupation Is On

Once you have your ANZSCO code, check if it appears on MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL, or CSOL.

Visit the official Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List page to search by code or occupation name.

Step 3: Identify Your Skills Assessment Authority

Each occupation has a designated assessment authority. These organizations verify that your qualifications and experience match Australian standards.

Common assessment authorities include:

• Engineers Australia (for engineering roles)
• ACS (Australian Computer Society – for ICT professionals)
• VETASSESS (for many professional roles)
• CPA/CAANZ (for accountants)
• AHPRA (for health professionals)
• TRA (Trades Recognition Australia – for trade occupations)

Note: There are many more assessment authorities for different occupations. Each occupation on the SOL has its specific designated authority.

You must get a positive skills assessment before applying for any skilled visa.

Understanding ANZSCO Codes

ANZSCO stands for Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. It’s a standardized system used to classify jobs.

Each ANZSCO code is six digits long. Here’s what the digits mean:

• First digit: Major group (like Managers, Professionals, Technicians)
• First two digits: Sub-major group
• First three digits: Minor group
• First four digits: Unit group
• All six digits: Specific occupation

Example:

• 261313 = Software Engineer
• 254418 = Registered Nurse (Medical)
• 233211 = Civil Engineer

The ANZSCO description also includes skill levels (1-5, where 1 is highest), required qualifications, and typical job tasks.

Why the Skilled Occupation List Matters

The SOL directly affects your migration journey in several ways:

Determines Your Visa Options

Your occupation list decides which visas you can apply for. MLTSSL jobs have access to independent visas, while STSOL jobs need sponsorship.

Sets Your Assessment Authority

Each occupation is linked to a specific authority. You can’t choose your assessor. If you’re a civil engineer, you must use Engineers Australia.

Affects Your Points Score

Some occupations are in higher demand than others. While the points test is the same for all, competitive occupations may need higher scores to get invited.

Influences Processing Times

High-demand occupations (especially on MLTSSL) often get processed faster as Australia actively seeks these skills.

Most In-Demand Occupations in 2025-26

Based on the latest shortage reports, these occupations are seeing strong demand:

Healthcare:

• Registered Nurses (all specializations)
• General Practitioners
• Aged Care Workers
• Allied Health Professionals

Technology:

• Software Engineers
• Cybersecurity Specialists
• Data Scientists
• ICT Business Analysts

Trades:

• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Construction Managers
• Civil Engineers

Other High-Demand Roles:

• Secondary School Teachers
• Accountants
• Marketing Specialists
• Project Managers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the Wrong ANZSCO Code

Many applicants pick codes based on titles, not actual duties. This leads to assessment failures. Always read the full ANZSCO description and task list.

Assuming List Presence Guarantees a Visa

Being on the SOL is just the first requirement. You still need to meet points requirements, English standards, age limits, and health checks.

Ignoring State Nomination Lists

Even if your occupation is on STSOL (not MLTSSL), you can still get PR through state nomination. Each state has its own priority list.

Check states like South Australia, Tasmania, or the Northern Territory. They often have more openings for STSOL occupations.

Not Staying Updated

The SOL changes regularly. An occupation added today might be removed next year. Always verify current status before applying.

How Think Higher Consultants Can Help

Navigating the Skilled Occupation List can be confusing, especially when dealing with ANZSCO codes, assessment authorities, and changing regulations.

At Think Higher Consultants, we help you:

• Identify the correct ANZSCO code for your occupation
• Check your eligibility across all four occupation lists
• Connect you with the right skills assessment authority
• Find the best visa pathway for your situation
• Keep you updated on any list changes

Our registered migration agents understand Australian visa requirements inside out. We’ve helped hundreds of skilled professionals successfully migrate to Australia.

Need English test preparation for your visa? Visit PTE Class for expert PTE coaching to meet your visa requirements.

Next Steps

Ready to check if your occupation qualifies? Here’s what to do:

1. Search for your occupation on the Department of Home Affairs SOL page
2. Note your ANZSCO code
3. Check which list (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL, or CSOL) includes your occupation
4. Identify your skills assessment authority
5. Calculate your points score to see if you meet minimum requirements

If you need guidance on any of these steps, contact Think Higher Consultants for a free initial assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply for a skilled visa if my occupation isn’t on the SOL?

For points-tested visas (189, 190, 491), your occupation must be on one of the lists. However, other visa categories like employer-sponsored or family visas have different rules.

Q: What if my occupation moved from MLTSSL to STSOL?

If you already applied or hold a visa, you won’t be affected. Changes only impact new applications after the update date.

Q: Do I need a skills assessment even if my occupation is on the list?

Yes. Being on the SOL just means your occupation is eligible. You must still get your qualifications and experience assessed by the designated authority.

Q: How often does Australia update the SOL?

The government reviews occupation lists regularly based on labor market data. Updates can happen annually or when economic conditions change.

Q: Can state nomination help if my occupation is only on STSOL?

Absolutely. States can nominate STSOL occupations for the 190 and 491 visas. Some states have additional lists beyond the federal SOL.

Conclusion

The Skilled Occupation List is your starting point for Australian skilled migration. Understanding which list your occupation is on helps you choose the right visa pathway and plan your application strategy.

Remember these key points:

• MLTSSL offers the most visa options
• STSOL requires state nomination or state sponsorship for permanent visas
• ROL is perfect for designated regional area settlement
• CSOL supports employer-nominated pathways
• Your ANZSCO code must match your actual duties
• You need a positive skills assessment regardless of the list

Don’t navigate this complex system alone. Contact Think Higher Consultants today for expert guidance on your skilled migration journey to Australia.