The skilled migration Australia occupation list is the foundation of Australia’s skilled migration pathways. Every skilled migration pathway starts with one critical question: Is your occupation on the official list, and which list is it on?
This guide explains how the occupation list works, how it is structured, and how different lists affect visa eligibility and long-term migration outcomes.
After reading this guide, you will be able to find out whether your occupation is on the skilled migration Australia occupation list and how to prepare for the next steps.
What Is the Skilled Migration Australia Occupation List?
The skilled migration Australia occupation list is the official set of occupations recognised by the Department of Home Affairs for skilled work and migration purposes.
Australia uses this list to decide:
- Which occupations are eligible for skilled visas
- Which visa subclasses are available for each occupation
- Whether permanent residency is possible directly or only through nomination
- Which skills assessment authority applies to each role
If an occupation does not appear on the skilled occupation list, it cannot be used for skilled migration visas, regardless of qualifications or experience.
Why Is the Skilled Occupation List Important?
Many applicants focus on points scores, English test results, or age. However, none of these matters are relevant unless the occupation itself is eligible.
The occupation list determines:
- Whether independent skilled migration is possible
- Whether state or regional nomination is required
- Whether employer sponsorship is the only available pathway
- How competitive will the pathway be
In practice, the occupation list defines what is possible, while points and documents determine how competitive an application is.
How Is the Official Occupation List Structured?
Australia does not operate with a single, simple list. Instead, the Home Affairs website presents a combined occupation list, which functions through multiple sub-lists.
Each occupation is defined by:
- An ANZSCO code (Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations)
- Inclusion on one or more occupation lists
- A nominated skills assessment authority
- Specific visa eligibility conditions
The same occupation may appear on multiple lists, but each list allows different visa pathways.
4 Skilled Migration Australia Occupation Lists
Here are the details about the four occupation lists Australia uses for skilled migration.
Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
The Core Skills Occupation List supports employer-sponsored migration. It is primarily used when Australian employers are unable to fill skilled roles locally.
This list applies mainly to employer-sponsored visas and uses the ANZSCO 2022 version, which reflects Australia’s most recent occupation classifications.
CSOL occupations usually require:
- A valid job offer
- Employer nomination
- Compliance with salary and skill requirements
For many applicants, CSOL provides a temporary-to-permanent pathway, where a sponsored visa may later transition into permanent residency through employer nomination.
Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
The MLTSSL is the most important list for skilled migrants aiming for permanent residency.
Occupations on this list are considered critical to Australia’s long-term economic needs. As a result, they are eligible for the widest range of skilled visas, including independent and points-tested pathways.
The MLTSSL uses the ANZSCO 2013 version, which still applies to the General Skilled Migration program.
Occupations on this list typically have access to:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
Applicants whose occupations appear on the MLTSSL generally have stronger and more flexible permanent residency options.
Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
The Short-Term Skilled Occupation List focuses on occupations that are needed in Australia but not consistently across the entire country or over the long term.
Like the MLTSSL, the STSOL uses the ANZSCO 2013 version, but the visa options are more limited.
Occupations on the STSOL usually require:
- State nomination, or
- Regional nomination, or
- Employer sponsorship
Independent skilled migration is generally not available for STSOL-only occupations. However, many applicants successfully progress to permanent residency by choosing the right state or regional strategy.
Regional Occupation List (ROL)
The Regional Occupation List supports skilled migration to regional areas of Australia, where labour shortages are often more severe.
Occupations on the ROL are linked to regional visas and nominations, particularly for applicants willing to live and work outside major metropolitan cities.
Regional pathways often offer:
- Lower points thresholds
- Fewer competing applicants
- Clear transition routes to permanent residency after regional work
For many candidates, regional visas are the most practical and realistic pathway to PR.
Understanding ANZSCO Versions
Many applicants miss this step, which leads to refusals. Australia currently uses two ANZSCO versions:
| Visa Type | ANZSCO Version |
| Employer-Sponsored Visas | ANZSCO 2022 |
| Points-Tested Skilled Visas | ANZSCO 2013 |
This means:
- Your occupation title may change slightly
- Skill level requirements may differ
- Assessment criteria may vary
Always match your ANZSCO version to your visa subclass.
How to Use the Skilled Migration Australia Occupation List Correctly
Here is how you should use the skilled migration occupation list to plan your migration strategy.
- First, identify the occupation that accurately matches your job duties, not just your job title.
- Next, confirm the correct ANZSCO code.
- Then, check which occupation list or lists the role appears on.
- After that, match the occupation to the appropriate visa subclasses.
- Finally, confirm the correct skills assessment authority and assessment requirements.
Skipping or misinterpreting any of these steps can derail an otherwise strong profile.
Does Being on the Occupation List Guarantee Permanent Residency?
No.
Inclusion on the skilled migration Australia occupation list only means that an applicant is eligible to apply. Australia operates a competitive, invitation-based migration system.
Final outcomes depend on:
- Points score
- English language ability
- Work experience
- Age
- State or regional nomination availability
- Annual occupation ceilings and invitation rounds
The occupation list opens the door, but it does not guarantee selection.
Why Occupation Lists Change Over Time
Australia regularly reviews occupation lists based on:
- Labour market demand
- Economic priorities
- Workforce planning
- Migration program limits
An occupation may move between lists, become region-specific, or be removed temporarily. Because of this, timing and pathway selection play a critical role in skilled migration planning.
Final Takeaway
The skilled migration Australia occupation list is not just a reference document. It is the framework that determines every skilled visa option available to you.
Before calculating points, booking English tests, or lodging an Expression of Interest, the most important step is understanding:
Which occupation list applies to you
What visa pathways that list actually allows
To get the perfect skilled migration success strategy, contact our skilled migration experts.
How eduaid Helps You
At eduaid, the expert skilled migration team helps you assess your skills, gather all the necessary documents, and process your skilled migration visa applications. With over 25 years of experience, eduaid is a reliable name for skilled migration to Australia.