Skilled Occupation List

Skilled Occupations List in Australia

Skilled Occupation List sets out the occupations that may be nominated to qualify for a temporary or permanent visa to study, work and live in Australia. 

Australia has four skills lists, each with a number of visas under it. These visas enable migrants to work in the country with or without a job offer, or with/without state or territory nomination. Depending on the visa, the stay in Australia may be temporary or permanent. 

Skills List for Australia include:

  • Medium- and Long-Term Strategic Skill List (MLTSSL)
  • Short Term Skill Occupation List (STSOL)
  • Regional Occupation List (ROL)
  • Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)
 

Types of Skilled Occupation Lists in Australia

Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List

MLTSSL

MLTSSL contains occupation that are high in demand in Australia. You are able to apply for all General Skilled Migration visa streams if you have an occupation in the MLTSSL list.

Short-Term Skilled Occupation List

STSOL

STSOL list is for those skilled professionals who want to seek short-term residency in Australia. If eligible, applicants may be able to secure permanent residency in some circumstances.

The Australian Regional Occupation List

ROL

The ROL consists of occupations that are in high demand, especially in the regional areas of Australia.

Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List

PMSOL

PMSOL identifies 44 ​occupations which fill critical skills needs to support Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19.

Temporary Visas using Skilled Occupation List

There are also a list of occupations under each skills list.

Permanent Visas using Skilled Occupation List

Tips on Choosing an occupation from the Skilled Occupation Lists

Compare your skills to ANZSCO

To find a suitable occupation, begin by comparing your skills to the ANZSCO list. Occupations in the ANZSCO list contain:

1. Name and definition of the occupation;
2. the level of academic qualification/work experience required; and
3. a list of tasks that defines the occupation.

MLTSSL Occupation

Occupations in the (MLTSSL) list are usually more beneficial than those under the Short-Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL). For example, occupations in the STSOL list are not eligible for Subclass 189 - Direct Permanent Residency Pathway.

You do not need a 100% match

As long as your skills/work experience is substantially equivalent to that outlined in ANZSCO, this should be sufficient.

Check skills assessment requirements

It is not just enough to meet the requirements of ANZSCO, you must also meet the required criteria to gain a positive skills assessment in your occupation as well. Work experience requirements vary from occupation to occupation; even for those in the same unit group.

Something else ?

    FAQ

    We are happy to answer
    any queries you may have

    Can I apply for subclass 189 using an STSOL occupation?

    No, STSOL occupations are not eligible for a Subclass 189 invitation. 

    How do I become eligible for an occupation in the Skilled Occupation List?

    To work in an occupation, you must meet the requirements as captured in the occupation’s ANZSCO list. ANZSCO code provides the required skill level of the job as well as the qualifications and/or experience needed to work in the occupation.

    What are Occupation Ceilings?

    The Department may apply a “ceiling” to invitations issued under some occupation in the Skilled Independent and Skilled Regional (Provisional) visas. This means there will be a limit on how many EOIs can be invited for skilled migration from an occupation.

    Can I be eligible for more than one occupation from the Skilled Occupation List?

    Yes, you may be eligible for more than one occupation in the Skilled Occupation List. In this case, we recommend that you choose your nominated occupation carefully. Reach out to us for a profile assessment to choose an appropriate occupation. 

    Will I benefit if I am on an occupation in the PMSOL list?

    Employer sponsored nomination and visa applications with an occupation on the PMSOL will be given priority processing. All other skilled occupation lists will remain active, but the PMSOL occupations will take priority.

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