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Find Your Occupation on Australia’s 2026–2027 Skilled Lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL)

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Australia Skilled Occupation List 2026–2027

The Australia Skilled Occupation List outlines the professions that are currently needed within the country’s workforce. In recent years, Australia has consistently invited skilled professionals to fill labour shortages and support its economic growth. These opportunities also open pathways for migrants to secure an Australia PR Visa and eventually citizenship.

The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) highlights occupations that are in demand across different states and regional areas. It includes roles eligible for specific skilled migration visas such as:

  • Medium & Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
  • Regional Occupation List (ROL)

Through these visa programs, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) publishes a detailed list of shortage occupations, helping qualified migrants work toward permanent residency.

Medium & Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

The Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List contains occupations that are experiencing strong long-term demand in Australia. Applicants with roles listed under the MLTSSL can apply for visas such as Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa.

The MLTSSL currently features 212 occupations, including professions like engineers and analyst programmers.

Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

The Short-Term Skilled Occupation List features occupations that require particular skills to meet Australia’s short-term workforce needs. Candidates whose professions appear on this list may qualify for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas.

A total of 215 occupations are included in the STSOL, such as hotel managers, photographers, and print journalists.

Regional Occupation List (ROL)

The Regional Occupation List contains occupations required in Australia’s regional areas. It is primarily used for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa and helps address labour shortages outside major cities.

The ROL includes 77 occupations, including chefs, secondary school teachers, and accountants.

Each occupation featured on the Skilled Occupation List is linked to an ANZSCO code and a designated skill-assessment authority.

The ANZSCO code is a six-digit identifier assigned to each occupation to classify its skill level, duties, and requirements. Some of the most sought-after occupations include:

  • Registered Nurse – 254412
  • Software Engineer – 261313
  • Civil Engineer – 233211
  • Electrician – 341111
  • Primary School Teacher – 241213
  • Accountant – 221111

For skilled visas such as Subclass 189, 190, and 491, the Skilled Occupation List uses the ANZSCO 2013 version.
Meanwhile, the ANZSCO 2022 version is used for the Core Skilled Occupation List (CSOL), which applies to:

  • Employer Nomination Scheme Visa – Subclass 186
  • Skills in Demand Visa – Subclass 482

Supported by an ANZSCO code, the Skilled Occupation List is further validated through a skills assessment carried out by the relevant assessing bodies. A skills assessment is the procedure through which Australian immigration authorities verify whether an applicant’s education and professional background match the criteria for their chosen occupation. The main occupation groups evaluated under this system include:

Skill Assessment Authority

Skill Assessment AuthorityProfessions
Engineers AustraliaEngineering
ACSICT professionals
VETASSESSWide range of professionals & trade occupations
CPAAssesses Accountants

The Skilled Occupation List acts as an extensive guide to occupations currently needed in Australia, ensuring that skilled migrants are aligned with genuine labour market requirements.

Why the Australia Skilled Occupation List Is Important

The SOL plays a significant role in determining who qualifies for Australia’s skilled migration pathways. Its relevance can be understood through the following factors:

Determines Visa Eligibility

The SOL directly influences which visa subclasses an applicant can apply for. For example:

  • An occupation on the MLTSSL may qualify for Subclass 189, 190, or 491.
  • Occupations on the STSOL are mainly eligible for Subclass 190 or 491 through state or regional sponsorship.

Thus, checking the SOL is essential to choosing the correct PR pathway.

Guides Skills Assessment

Every occupation on the list is paired with a designated assessing authority. For instance:

  • A civil engineer must undergo assessment by Engineers Australia.
  • A marketing professional must apply through VETASSESS.

Selecting the correct authority is crucial for a successful skills assessment.

How to Check Your Occupation on the Australia Skilled Occupation List?

  • Identify Your Occupation: Begin by selecting a role that matches your educational background and work experience.
  • Find Your ANZSCO Code and Role Description: Each occupation comes with an ANZSCO code detailing required qualifications, duties, and skill levels. Ensure your job responsibilities align with the ANZSCO description to qualify.
  • Review Skills Assessment Authority and Visa Options: Check which authority evaluates your profession (ACS, CPA, VETASSESS, etc.). Also verify which visas—Subclass 189, 190, or 491—apply to your occupation.
  • Stay Updated: The SOL is updated regularly based on Australia’s labour-market needs. Keeping track of new additions or removals helps you plan your PR pathway accurately.
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Australia Skilled Occupation List and why is it important?

The Australia Skilled Occupation List (SOL) outlines the professions currently in demand across the country. It helps determine whether an applicant qualifies for skilled visas such as Subclass 189, 190, or 491. Each occupation is linked to an ANZSCO code and a skill assessment authority. If your occupation appears on the list, you become eligible for specific migration pathways toward Australian PR.

2. How do I find out if my occupation is eligible for an Australian PR visa?

You can identify your eligible occupation by matching your job role and responsibilities with the ANZSCO descriptions. Each occupation listed under MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL corresponds to specific visa subclasses. Once your occupation matches the ANZSCO code and tasks, you must check the designated skill assessment authority. This helps you confirm if you meet Australia’s requirements for skilled migration.

3. What is the difference between MLTSSL and STSOL?

The Medium & Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) features occupations that are in high long-term demand and typically qualify applicants for permanent visas like Subclass 189 and 190. The Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) covers roles needed for shorter periods, and applicants generally require state or regional sponsorship. Understanding which list your occupation falls under determines your available PR options.

4. How often does the Skilled Occupation List get updated?

The Skilled Occupation List is reviewed and updated regularly based on labour-market needs and economic demand. Updates may involve adding new occupations, removing roles that are no longer required, or shifting occupations between lists. Staying informed is important, as changes can impact your visa eligibility and long-term PR plans.

5. What documents are needed for skills assessment in Australia?

While requirements vary by assessing authority, applicants typically need educational certificates, work experience letters, job descriptions, identification documents, and proof of English proficiency. Some occupations may require portfolios, CDR reports, or licensing documents. A successful skills assessment confirms your qualifications meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.