Australia regularly updates its Skilled Occupation List to reflect labour market needs. As of mid‑2025, there are three main lists:
- the Medium & Long‑Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL),
- the Short‑Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- the Regional Occupation List (ROL)
Occupations featured, ranging from healthcare, engineering, IT, trades, finance, and more, are used to assess eligibility for visa subclasses such as 189, 190, 491/489, 482 (or its successor Skills in Demand), and others.
How to Begin Researching Your Occupation
- Check the official Department of Home Affairs site for the up‑to‑date SOL and the associated legislative instrument (e.g. “Legislative Instrument LIN 19/051”)
- Identify your ANZSCO code, each occupation is listed alongside its ANZSCO classification and skill level (usually Levels 1–3) and linked to the appropriate assessing authority (e.g. Engineers Australia, TRA, VETASSESS)
- Confirm your qualification and work experience meet assessing‑authority standards, including any professional registration or credential recognition.
- Understand which visa subclasses you can access, which depend on the list your occupation is on: for example, MLTSSL roles often permit permanent residency pathways (subclasses 189, 190, 491), while STSOL roles may require employer or state nomination
The New “Skills in Demand” Visa and CSOL Reform
Since December 2024, Australia introduced the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) tying into a new Skills in Demand (SID) visa program, replacing subclass 482 provisional arrangements. In 2025 the CSOL features 456 occupations, categorised into specialist, core, and essential skill streams, each offering different visa processing timelines and salary thresholds. Immigration News Australia
Tips to Stay Up-to-Date
- The lists change regularly; refer to the official Home Affairs updates.
- Use Jobs and Skills Australia or consult migration professionals if you’re unclear about the right occupation or stream.
- Be aware of visa processing delays, there have been reports of months‑long waits even in the core stream, calling for strategic timing of applications.
For comprehensive guidance contact Australian Visa Advice. Their expert resources will help you navigate each step with confidence and clarity.
