Australia Immigration

Australia Skilled Occupation List

Find the in-demand occupations that open Australia's skilled migration and permanent residence pathways.

Skilled Occupation List Australia 2025

The Skilled Occupation List Australia is a list of occupations which highlights the most in-demand roles across various states and regions of Australia. Used as part of the points-based system for Australia immigration, skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia are required to choose or nominate an occupation that must align with the skills and experience of the candidate from the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL).

Anyone who is applying for an Australia PR visa under General Skilled Migration, and is not nominated by any Australian state or territory, must choose an occupation from the SOL list Australia. Every year, the Australian Department of Home Affairs updates its skilled occupation list as per the latest labour market demands of the country. The purpose of updating the list is to ensure that the entry of skilled immigrants is purely based on Australia's current workforce needs and economy.

The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is generally applicable for Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa, Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491, Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 Visa, and Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa) applications. Below is an overview of the skilled occupation groupings that are currently in demand in Australia.

Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) is a list of occupations defined by the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Home Affairs. These occupations support the visa subclasses that lead to longer-term stay and permanent residence, reflecting skills that Australia needs over the medium to long term.

Australia has faced a shortage across farming and irrigation, an industry that relies heavily on workers from overseas. Agriculture is one of the country's key industries, so more technical professionals continue to be needed in this sector.

The IT industry is one of the backbones of the Australian economy, and IT skilled professionals remain in demand across the country. Many of these professionals come from the Asia Pacific region, and IT skilled professionals from India are widely preferred by tech businesses in Australia.

Every business needs a dedicated marketing team to generate demand, so marketing professionals are also sought after. Digital marketing in particular has become a useful medium for businesses to promote their products and offerings.

In recent additions to the occupation list, Australia has included sports professionals such as riders and turf managers. These are relatively unique occupations with less competition and strong opportunities for professionals associated with sport and its management.

Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

The Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) is reviewed every six months and contains a list of skilled occupations determined by the Department of Employment and the Department of Home Affairs. It supports visa subclasses intended for shorter-term skill needs.

If you already hold a skilled visa, the removal of an occupation from the list will not affect you until your circumstances change and you need to submit a new nomination application. If you change your occupation or employer and your occupation is no longer on the combined list of eligible skilled occupations, this could affect a fresh application.

Talk to Abhinav Immigration

Occupation lists and the associated points requirements are updated regularly, so it is important to confirm your eligibility against the current list before you apply. For more information, get in touch with our team at +91-8595338595 or email web@abhinav.com, and one of our experienced immigration consultants will help you assess your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Skilled Occupation List for Australia?

It is an official list of occupations that Australia considers in demand for skilled migration. Applicants under General Skilled Migration must nominate an occupation from the relevant list to be eligible to apply for a skilled visa.

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What is the difference between the MLTSSL and the STSOL?

The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) covers occupations needed over the longer term and supports visas that can lead to permanent residence. The Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) is reviewed every six months and covers occupations needed for shorter-term skill shortages.

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Which visas use the skilled occupation lists?

The lists are generally applicable for the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa, Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 Visa, Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491, and the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa.

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How often is the occupation list updated?

The Australian Department of Home Affairs reviews and updates the skilled occupation lists periodically to reflect current labour market and economic needs, so you should always check the latest list before applying.

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Do I need a state nomination to use the list?

If you are not nominated by an Australian state or territory, you must select your occupation from the relevant skilled occupation list to apply under General Skilled Migration. State-nominated pathways may reference their own occupation lists.

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Can Abhinav help me match my profile to an occupation?

Yes. Our consultants can assess your skills, qualifications and experience against the current occupation lists and points requirements, and guide you on the most suitable Australia skilled visa pathway.