Before you begin any Australian skilled visa application, you must confirm that your occupation appears on one of the Department of Home Affairs' approved occupation lists. These lists determine which jobs qualify for skilled migration pathways, including the subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas. Without an eligible occupation, you cannot proceed with a skilled visa application, regardless of your qualifications or experience.
The Australian government maintains several occupation lists that align with the country's workforce needs. Understanding which list applies to your target visa subclass, how to locate your occupation using its ANZSCO code, and what skills assessment requirements follow are the essential first steps in planning your route to permanent residency through skilled migration.
Key facts
Aspect | What to know |
|---|---|
Governing authority | Department of Home Affairs publishes and updates all skilled occupation lists |
Main occupation lists | MLTSSL (medium and long-term strategic skills list), STSOL (short-term skilled occupation list), ROL (regional occupation list), and CSOL (core skills occupation list) |
Occupation classification | Each occupation is identified by a six-digit ANZSCO code |
Visa subclass alignment | Subclass 189 requires MLTSSL or CSOL; subclass 190 and 491 may accept STSOL or ROL depending on state requirements |
Skills assessment requirement | All applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment from the designated assessing authority for their occupation before lodging a visa application |
Current list versions | Check the Department of Home Affairs legislative instruments page for the most recent effective dates and updates |
Understanding Australia's skilled occupation lists
Australia uses multiple occupation lists to manage skilled migration. Each list serves a different policy purpose and corresponds to specific visa subclasses. The occupation lists are not static; the Department of Home Affairs reviews and updates them periodically to reflect changing labour market needs.
Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
The MLTSSL contains occupations that address medium to long-term skill shortages across Australia. If your occupation appears on this list, you may be eligible for the subclass 189 independent skilled visa, which does not require state or territory nomination or employer sponsorship. MLTSSL occupations also qualify for subclass 190 and 491 visas, and they typically offer the broadest pathway to permanent residence.
Common MLTSSL occupations include many roles in information technology, engineering, healthcare, and trades. Software engineers, registered nurses, civil engineers, electricians, and accountants frequently appear on this list, though you must verify your specific occupation code on the official skilled occupation list page.
Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
The STSOL addresses short-term skill gaps and generally applies to occupations that do not meet the threshold for long-term strategic importance. STSOL occupations are not eligible for the subclass 189 visa. However, they may qualify for subclass 190 (skilled nominated) or subclass 491 (skilled work regional provisional) visas if a state or territory government chooses to nominate applicants in those occupations.
Because state and territory nomination requirements vary, an STSOL occupation may be in high demand in one region and not nominated at all in another. Always check the specific occupation list published by the state or territory where you intend to apply.
Regional Occupation List (ROL)
The ROL supports regional migration by listing occupations that regional Australia needs. This list applies primarily to the subclass 491 visa and some employer-sponsored regional visas. Regional occupation lists often include trades, agriculture, hospitality, and healthcare roles that metropolitan areas may not prioritise.
If your occupation is on the ROL but not the MLTSSL or STSOL, the subclass 491 regional skilled migration pathway may be your most viable route. You can check the regional occupations on the Department of Home Affairs' regional migration occupations page.
Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
The CSOL is a newer addition that identifies occupations critical to Australia's economic recovery and growth. Occupations on the CSOL may receive priority processing or additional points in the SkillSelect system. The list is smaller and more targeted than the MLTSSL, focusing on roles with acute shortages.
Check the Department of Home Affairs' Core Skills Occupation List document to see whether your occupation has been designated as core. If it has, you may benefit from faster invitation rounds and stronger state nomination prospects.
How to find your occupation and ANZSCO code
Every occupation on Australia's skilled lists is classified using the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). Each occupation has a unique six-digit code that defines the role's duties, skill level, and specialisation.
To find your ANZSCO code, start by reviewing the occupation titles on the Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation list. Occupation titles can be broad; for example, "Software Engineer" is ANZSCO 261313, while "Developer Programmer" is 261312. The distinction matters because your skills assessment and visa eligibility depend on selecting the correct code.
Once you identify a potential match, read the full ANZSCO occupation description, which details the tasks, qualifications, and experience typically associated with the role. Your actual job duties must align closely with the ANZSCO description, even if your job title differs. Skills assessing authorities will evaluate whether your employment history matches the nominated occupation.
Which visa subclasses require which lists
Understanding which occupation list applies to your target visa is essential for planning your application strategy.
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent visa)
The subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent residence visa that does not require sponsorship. To be eligible, your occupation must be on the MLTSSL or CSOL. You must also receive an invitation to apply through the SkillSelect system, which ranks candidates by points score.
Because subclass 189 does not depend on state nomination, competition is high, and invitation rounds often favour applicants with strong English scores, higher qualifications, and Australian work experience. Review previous invitation rounds on the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect page to understand recent points cut-offs for your occupation.
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated visa)
The subclass 190 visa requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. Occupations on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or state-specific lists may be eligible, depending on the nominating jurisdiction's priorities.
Each state publishes its own occupation list and nomination criteria. Some states prioritise healthcare workers, while others focus on IT professionals or trades. State nomination adds five points to your SkillSelect score and can make the difference between receiving an invitation or waiting indefinitely.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional visa)
The subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa that requires nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member in regional Australia. Occupations on the MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL, or state-specific regional lists may qualify.
Regional visas offer a pathway to permanent residence after you live and work in a designated regional area for a specified period. If your occupation is not on the MLTSSL but appears on the ROL, this may be your most accessible skilled migration route.
Skills assessment: the mandatory next step
Once you confirm that your occupation is on an eligible list, you must obtain a skills assessment from the designated assessing authority for that occupation. The Department of Home Affairs does not assess your skills directly; instead, it delegates this responsibility to industry-specific bodies.
Each occupation is assigned to one assessing authority. For example, Engineers Australia assesses engineering occupations, the Australian Computer Society assesses ICT roles, and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) assesses many healthcare professions. You can find the assessing authority for your occupation on the Department of Home Affairs skills assessment page.
The skills assessment process varies by authority but generally requires you to provide evidence of your qualifications, employment history, and English language ability. Some authorities conduct technical interviews or require you to submit detailed project reports. Processing times and fees differ, so begin this step early in your migration planning.
A positive skills assessment is valid for a set period (often three years) and is a prerequisite for submitting an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect. Without it, you cannot proceed with a skilled visa application.
Occupation list changes and how to stay informed
The Department of Home Affairs updates the skilled occupation lists periodically, adding occupations in high demand and removing those where shortages have eased. These changes can significantly affect your eligibility and application timeline.
Legislative instruments published on the Department of Home Affairs website provide the legal basis for occupation list changes. The most recent update to the working in Australia legislative instruments occurred in January 2025, and you should monitor this page for future amendments.
If your occupation is removed from a list after you have lodged a visa application, your application is generally assessed under the rules in place at the time of lodgement. However, if you have not yet lodged, a list change may close your pathway or require you to pivot to a different visa subclass or state nomination strategy.
Subscribe to updates from the Department of Home Affairs and consider consulting a registered migration agent if your occupation is at risk of being removed or if you are navigating a recent list change.
Common occupations and their list placement
While you must verify your specific occupation on the official lists, the following examples illustrate how different professions are categorised.
Information technology professionals
Many ICT occupations appear on the MLTSSL, including software engineers, systems analysts, database administrators, and ICT security specialists. These roles are in sustained demand, and IT professionals often receive invitations through the subclass 189 pathway. However, competition is high, and strong English scores and additional points from Australian study or work experience can be decisive.
Healthcare workers
Registered nurses, general practitioners, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists typically appear on the MLTSSL. Some allied health roles are on the STSOL or ROL, making state nomination or regional visas necessary. Nurses considering migration to Australia should confirm their specific nursing specialisation and registration pathway, as these vary by state.
Engineering professionals
Civil, mechanical, electrical, and mining engineers are generally on the MLTSSL. Engineering occupations require a skills assessment from Engineers Australia, which evaluates your qualifications against Australian standards and may require a Competency Demonstration Report.
Trades occupations
Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other trades often appear on the MLTSSL or ROL. Trades skills assessments typically require evidence of formal qualifications and a specified number of years of post-qualification work experience. Some trades may also require you to demonstrate competency in Australian standards or complete a practical assessment.
What to do if your occupation is not on any list
If your occupation does not appear on the MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL, or CSOL, you will not be eligible for the standard skilled migration visas. However, you may have alternative pathways.
Employer-sponsored visas, such as the subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage visa) or subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme), may be available if an Australian employer is willing to sponsor you. These visas have their own occupation lists and requirements, and they do not always align with the skilled migration lists.
You might also consider whether a closely related occupation on the lists matches your skills and experience. Discuss this with a registered migration agent, as nominating an incorrect occupation can lead to a negative skills assessment or visa refusal.
Another option is to gain additional qualifications or work experience in an occupation that does appear on the lists. This strategy requires time and investment but may open a skilled migration pathway that is currently closed.
Age, points, and occupation list interaction
Even if your occupation is on an eligible list, you must meet other criteria to receive a visa invitation. The points test awards points for age, English ability, work experience, qualifications, and other factors. Age is a critical factor in Australia's skilled migration system, and applicants over 45 are generally not eligible for skilled visas, regardless of occupation.
Occupation list placement interacts with the points test because some occupations have higher invitation thresholds than others. If your occupation is in very high demand, you may receive an invitation with a lower points score. Conversely, if many applicants nominate the same occupation, the effective points cut-off rises, and you may need to maximise every available point to compete.
Monitor SkillSelect invitation rounds for your occupation to understand current trends. If your points score is below recent cut-offs, consider strategies to increase your score, such as improving your English test results, gaining additional work experience, or pursuing Australian study.
State and territory nomination: expanding your options
State and territory governments have significant influence over skilled migration outcomes. Each jurisdiction publishes its own priority occupation list, and these lists often include occupations not on the national MLTSSL.
For example, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory may nominate occupations on the STSOL or ROL that other states do not prioritise. Some states also offer additional points or streamlined pathways for applicants who have studied or worked in that state.
Research the occupation lists and nomination criteria for each state and territory. If your occupation is not competitive for subclass 189 invitations but appears on a state list, pursuing subclass 190 or 491 nomination may be your fastest route to permanent residence.
State nomination requirements can include minimum points scores, English thresholds, work experience in the state, or a job offer from a local employer. Meeting these requirements often requires advance planning, such as relocating to the state before applying or securing employment in a regional area.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a skilled visa if my occupation is only on the STSOL?
You cannot apply for a subclass 189 visa with an STSOL occupation, but you may be eligible for subclass 190 or 491 if a state or territory government nominates you. Check the occupation lists published by each state to see whether your occupation is in demand in a particular region.
How often does the Department of Home Affairs update the skilled occupation lists?
The Department of Home Affairs reviews and updates the occupation lists periodically, often in response to labour market research or policy changes. Updates are published as legislative instruments, and the most recent amendments are available on the Department of Home Affairs legislative instruments page. There is no fixed schedule, so monitor official sources regularly.
What happens if my occupation is removed from the list after I submit my Expression of Interest?
If your occupation is removed after you lodge a visa application, your application is generally assessed under the occupation list in effect at the time of lodgement. However, if you have only submitted an Expression of Interest and have not yet received an invitation, a list change may affect your eligibility. Consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent for guidance specific to your situation.
Do I need a job offer to apply for a skilled visa if my occupation is on the MLTSSL?
No, the subclass 189 and 190 visas do not require a job offer if your occupation is on the MLTSSL. These are points-tested visas, and you can apply based on your skills assessment, qualifications, and points score. However, having a job offer or Australian work experience can increase your points and improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
Can I change my nominated occupation after receiving a skills assessment?
You can nominate a different occupation in a new Expression of Interest, but you will need a separate skills assessment for that occupation. Each skills assessment is specific to one ANZSCO code, and assessing authorities evaluate whether your qualifications and experience match the duties of that particular occupation. Changing occupations mid-process requires starting the skills assessment again and may delay your application.
