The skilled occupation list Australia should be one of the first things you should check while planning your migration journey. Australia continues to welcome skilled professionals to address workforce shortages across sectors such as engineering, healthcare, education and trades. However, your occupation must appear on the relevant government-approved list to be considered for the skilled migration visas.
In this aspect, this guide explores the latest skilled occupation list, available visa pathways and steps to check whether your occupation meets the current eligibility requirements.
What Is the Skilled Occupation List Australia?
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is an official list of occupations that are in demand across Australia. It is used to determine eligibility for various skilled migration visas. The SOL is made up of different occupation streams, visa pathways and state or territory-specific occupation lists, each with its own eligibility requirements.
Also Read: The Differences Between Australian Visa 189, 190, And 491?
What Are the Different Skilled Occupation List Streams?
The AUS Skilled Occupation List isn’t a single list. Instead, it consists of three main occupation streams that help determine which skilled migration visas you may be eligible for. Each of the following streams reflects Australia’s workforce needs and their purpose:
| Occupation Stream | Purpose | Common Visa Pathways |
| Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) | Covers occupations that are in long-term demand across Australia. | Subclass 189, 190 and 482 |
| Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) | Includes occupations needed to address short- to medium-term skill shortages. | Subclass 190 and 482 |
| Regional Occupation List (ROL) | Features occupations needed in regional Australia to support local workforce demands. | Subclass 491 and 494 |
What is the Latest Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List 2026?
The MLTSSL 2026 is a list of jobs regarded as being in long-term need in Australia. If your job is on this list, then you might be able to gain access to skilled migration programs in Australia. Here is the list of occupations with their corresponding ANZSCO codes and skill levels:
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Skill Level |
| Accountant (General) | 221111 | 1 |
| Aeronautical Engineer | 233911 | 1 |
| Agricultural Engineer | 233912 | 1 |
| Agricultural Scientist | 234112 | 1 |
| Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber | 334112 | 3 |
| Biochemist | 234513 | 1 |
| Bricklayer | 331111 | 3 |
| Carpenter | 331212 | 3 |
| Chef | 351311 | 2 |
| Chemical Engineer | 233111 | 1 |
| Chemist | 234211 | 1 |
| Child Care Centre Manager | 134111 | 1 |
| Civil Engineer | 233211 | 1 |
| Civil Engineering Technician | 312212 | 2 |
| Clinical Psychologist | 272311 | 1 |
| Computer Network and Systems Engineer | 263111 | 1 |
| Construction Project Manager | 133111 | 1 |
| Dermatologist | 253911 | 1 |
| Developer Programmer | 261312 | 1 |
| Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher | 241111 | 1 |
| Educational Psychologist | 272312 | 1 |
| Electrical Engineer | 233311 | 1 |
| Engineering Manager | 133211 | 1 |
| Endocrinologist | 253315 | 1 |
| General Practitioner | 253111 | 1 |
| Industrial Engineer | 233511 | 1 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 233512 | 1 |
| Medical Oncologist | 253314 | 1 |
| Metal Fabricator | 322311 | 3 |
| Neurologist | 253318 | 1 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist | 251213 | 1 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 254411 | 1 |
| Obstetrician and Gynaecologist | 253913 | 1 |
| Occupational Therapist | 252411 | 1 |
| Orthopaedic Surgeon | 253514 | 1 |
| Pathologist | 253915 | 1 |
| Paediatrician | 253321 | 1 |
| Physiotherapist | 252511 | 1 |
| Plumber (General) | 334111 | 3 |
| Psychiatrist | 253411 | 1 |
| Registered Nurse (Aged Care) | 254412 | 1 |
| Registered Nurse (Medical) | 254418 | 1 |
| Rheumatologist | 253323 | 1 |
| Roof Plumber | 334115 | 3 |
| Secondary School Teacher | 241411 | 1 |
| Software Engineer | 261313 | 1 |
| Speech Pathologist | 252712 | 1 |
| Surgeon (General) | 253511 | 1 |
| Urologist | 253518 | 1 |
| Vascular Surgeon | 253521 | 1 |
| Welfare Centre Manager | 134214 | 1 |
| Zoologist | 234518 | 1 |
*The above SOL is for reference only. For exact details about your occupation, refer to the Skilled Occupation List page of the Department of Home Affairs.
Which Skilled Visa Options Can You Apply for?
If your profession appears on the SOL list, you may apply for an Australian skilled visa. There are three kinds of visas under which you can migrate to Australia as a skilled worker, which are as follows:
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
The subclass 189 visa in Australia is a permanent visa for skilled workers whose occupations appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This visa does not require sponsorship from an employer, family member or an Australian state or territory. It is a points-tested visa, and applicants must receive an invitation to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
The subclass 190 visa Australia is a permanent visa in which applicants need to be nominated by a state of Australia. Eligible occupations may be listed on the MLTSSL, STSOL or ROL, depending on the nominating state’s occupation list and eligibility criteria. Each state maintains its own list of occupations and requirements for its nomination based on labour shortages in the state.
Also Read: Confused Between Visa 189 & 190? Read This First!
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional subclass 491 visa is intended for skilled individuals who will be able to reside and work in specified regional parts of Australia. The applicable SOL for this visa are the MLTSSL, STSOL or ROL. The Australian visa 491 applicant must be sponsored either by an individual state or territory or an eligible relative of the applicant in a regional part of Australia.
To understand which visa pathway suits your migration goals, taking assistance from regional migration consultants such as a migration agent in perth is helpful. They can assist you with choosing the right visa pathway, along with arranging all necessary documents.
Also Read: The Complete Guide to the 491 Visa: What You Need to Know
Also Read: 491 Visa Processing Time: A Comprehensive Guide
How Can You Check the Skilled Occupation List Australia?
You can check the latest SOL through the official page of the Skilled Occupation List from the Department of Home Affairs. The list gives you details on the occupation name, ANZSCO code, visa subclasses that can be used, occupation stream, and assessing authority.
Use the following steps to check your eligibility:
- Identify your occupation and search for the closest job title.
- Find the correct ANZSCO code that matches your role and responsibilities.
- Check which occupation list your job appears on (MLTSSL, STSOL or ROL).
- Confirm the assessing authority responsible for your skills assessment.
- Review the eligible visa subclasses linked to your occupation.
- Check state or territory occupation lists if you plan to apply for a nominated or regional visa.
Occupation listings and eligibility for visas are subject to change, so staying up to date can assist in avoiding any delays in your application.
Final Thoughts
The first step towards achieving success in the skilled migration process is to plan and collect accurate information. By checking the latest SOL, confirming your visa eligibility, and reviewing state nomination requirements, you improve your chances of approval. As migration rules and occupation lists are regularly updated, staying informed throughout the process is essential. Ready to take the next step? Get personalised advice from a trusted migration consultant in perth and move closer to achieving your Australian migration goals.
FAQs
1. Which Courses Can Improve The Chances of Permanent Residency in Australia?
Courses that lead to occupations in high demand, such as nursing, engineering, information technology, teaching and allied health, may improve your chances of permanent residency.
2. How Are Points Calculated for Skilled Migration and State Nomination?
Points are awarded based on factors such as your age, English language proficiency, skilled work experience, educational qualifications, and other eligible criteria.
3. Can overseas work experience improve my skilled migration application?
Yes. Relevant overseas skilled work experience can increase your points score, provided it meets the eligibility requirements for your nominated occupation and visa subclass.
4. Which English language tests are accepted for skilled migration?
Australia accepts several approved English language tests for skilled migration, including IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) and OET (where applicable).
5. How long does an Expression of Interest remain valid?
An Expression of Interest (EOI) remains valid in SkillSelect for two years from the date it is submitted.
