Australia's skilled migration programme relies on occupation lists that determine which jobs qualify for permanent and temporary skilled visas. If you are an IT professional, healthcare worker, engineer, or tradesperson considering migration to Australia, understanding these lists and checking your occupation code is the essential first step toward visa eligibility.
The Australian government maintains several skilled occupation lists, each linked to specific visa subclasses. The most important distinction is between occupations that lead to permanent residence pathways and those that offer temporary work rights. This guide explains how to check if your job qualifies for Australian skilled migration in 2026.
Key facts
Aspect | What to know |
|---|---|
Main occupation lists | MLTSSL (medium and long-term), STSOL (short-term), ROL (regional). Each list applies to different visa subclasses |
Occupation classification | ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) six-digit codes define each occupation |
Where to verify current lists | Check the official skilled occupation lists on the Department of Home Affairs website |
Skills assessment requirement | Most occupations require assessment by a designated assessing authority before visa application |
List updates | The government reviews and updates occupation lists periodically based on labour market needs |
Understanding Australia's skilled occupation lists
Australia uses three primary occupation lists for skilled migration. Each list serves a different purpose and connects to specific visa pathways.
The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) contains occupations that address long-term skill shortages across Australia. If your occupation appears on the MLTSSL, you may be eligible for permanent residence visas including the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). This list typically includes roles in healthcare, engineering, IT, and trades where Australia faces sustained workforce gaps.
The Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) covers occupations needed for shorter periods. STSOL occupations generally qualify for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) and some state-nominated pathways, but not the independent permanent residence route. Many professionals use STSOL as a stepping stone, gaining Australian work experience before transitioning to permanent pathways.
The Regional Occupation List (ROL) applies specifically to regional employer sponsorship. If your occupation is on the ROL but not the other lists, you may still qualify for regional skilled visas that require you to live and work outside major cities.
How to check if your job qualifies for Australia PR
Checking your eligibility requires matching your job to an ANZSCO code and verifying which list contains that code.
Step one - identify your ANZSCO code
The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations assigns a six-digit code to every occupation. Your job title alone does not determine eligibility; the detailed tasks and responsibilities you perform must match the ANZSCO description. For example, a software engineer might fall under ANZSCO 261313 (Software Engineer) or 261314 (Software Tester), depending on their actual duties.
Search the ANZSCO classification on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website to find codes that match your work. Read the full occupation description, including tasks, skill level, and specialisations. The description must align closely with your actual job responsibilities, as your skills assessing authority will verify this match.
Step two - check which list contains your code
Once you have identified your ANZSCO code, verify which skilled occupation list includes it. The Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation list page provides searchable tables for each list. Enter your six-digit code or occupation title to see if it appears on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL.
For IT professionals from India and the Philippines, common MLTSSL occupations include Software Engineer (261313), Developer Programmer (261312), ICT Business Analyst (261111), and Database Administrator (262111). Healthcare workers from Nigeria and Kenya often find their roles on the MLTSSL, including Registered Nurse (254499), General Practitioner (253111), and Medical Diagnostic Radiographer (251211).
Step three - understand the visa pathways
Your occupation list determines which visas you can pursue. MLTSSL occupations qualify for the broadest range of options, including the points-tested Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), which does not require employer or state sponsorship. You can explore current Australian employers offering visa sponsorship to identify companies actively hiring in your field.
If your occupation is on STSOL only, you will need employer sponsorship through the subclass 482 visa or state nomination for certain subclass 190 pathways. Some states have their own priority occupation lists that extend beyond the federal STSOL.
Skills assessment requirements
Finding your occupation on a skilled list is necessary but not sufficient for visa eligibility. You must also obtain a positive skills assessment from the designated assessing authority for your occupation.
Each ANZSCO code is assigned to a specific assessing authority. For instance, Engineers Australia assesses engineering occupations, the Australian Computer Society assesses most ICT roles, and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency oversees healthcare professions. The assessing authority verifies that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.
The assessment process varies by authority and occupation. Some require specific educational qualifications, while others accept substantial work experience in lieu of formal degrees. Processing times and fees differ across authorities, so check the requirements for your specific occupation well before starting your visa application. The skills assessment is typically valid for three years.
Occupation list changes and planning ahead
The Australian government reviews skilled occupation lists regularly to reflect changing labour market conditions. Occupations can be added, removed, or moved between lists based on workforce analysis and economic priorities.
If you are planning to apply for skilled migration in 2026, monitor any announced changes to the lists. The Department of Home Affairs typically provides advance notice before implementing major changes, but occupations in declining demand may be removed with relatively short notice periods.
State and territory governments also maintain their own occupation lists for state-nominated visas. An occupation removed from the federal MLTSSL might still appear on state lists if that region faces specific shortages. Research the migration programmes of individual states if your occupation has limited federal pathways.
Checking ANZSCO code for skilled migration
Accurately matching your work to an ANZSCO code is critical because mismatches lead to skills assessment failures and visa refusals. Many applicants underestimate how precisely their duties must align with the official occupation description.
When reviewing ANZSCO descriptions, pay attention to the skill level classification. Most skilled migration occupations require skill level 1 (bachelor degree or higher) or skill level 2 (diploma or extensive experience). The description lists typical tasks, required knowledge, and sometimes specific technologies or methodologies associated with the role.
If your actual job spans multiple ANZSCO codes, choose the one that best represents the majority of your responsibilities. Your employment references and skills assessment documentation must demonstrate that you perform the tasks listed in your chosen ANZSCO description. Generic job titles or responsibilities that do not match the code will cause problems during assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a skilled visa if my occupation is only on STSOL?
Yes, but your pathway options are more limited. STSOL occupations qualify for employer-sponsored subclass 482 visas and some state-nominated subclass 190 pathways, but not the independent subclass 189 visa. You would need an employer willing to sponsor you or a state nomination. After working in Australia on a temporary visa, you may become eligible for permanent residence through employer nomination or by transitioning if your occupation moves to the MLTSSL.
How often does Australia update the skilled occupation lists?
The government reviews the lists periodically, with major updates typically occurring once or twice per year based on labour market analysis. Minor adjustments can happen at any time in response to urgent skill shortages or policy changes. The Department of Home Affairs announces changes on its website, usually with an effective date allowing applicants time to prepare. Subscribe to official updates or check regularly if you are planning an application.
Do I need work experience in my nominated occupation to qualify?
Requirements vary by occupation and assessing authority. Most skilled migration pathways require recent work experience in your nominated occupation, typically at least one to three years within the past five to ten years. The exact requirement depends on your ANZSCO code and the assessing authority's standards. Some occupations accept relevant qualifications with limited experience, while others demand extensive practice. Check your specific assessing authority's guidelines for precise requirements.
Can my occupation be on the list but still not qualify me for a visa?
Yes, appearing on a skilled occupation list is only one eligibility criterion. You must also achieve a positive skills assessment, meet the points threshold for points-tested visas (currently you need to check the current pass mark on the Department of Home Affairs website), satisfy age requirements (generally under 45 for most skilled visas), demonstrate competent English language ability, and meet health and character requirements. Having an eligible occupation is necessary but does not guarantee visa approval.
What if my job title does not match any ANZSCO code exactly?
Focus on your actual duties rather than your job title. Many modern job titles, especially in technology and emerging fields, do not match ANZSCO names precisely because the classification updates less frequently than job markets evolve. Read the detailed task descriptions for codes in your field and select the one where your responsibilities align most closely. Your skills assessor will evaluate your actual work duties against the ANZSCO description, not your job title. If no single code fits well, you may not qualify for skilled migration in that occupation, or you might need to gain experience in tasks that align with an eligible code.
