STSOL: Short-term Skilled Occupation List Explained
The STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List) is one of Australia's skilled occupation lists used in the migration system. It contains occupations that have been identified as having a short-term shortage in the Australian labour market. Unlike the MLTSSL, which covers longer-term strategic needs, the STSOL was designed for occupations where the demand is more immediate and potentially temporary. With the introduction of the CSOL in December 2024, the STSOL is being phased into the new unified system.
What Is the STSOL?
The STSOL lists occupations that Australia needs filled in the short term but which don't necessarily reflect a sustained, long-term skills gap. It was introduced alongside the MLTSSL as part of a broader restructure of occupation lists in 2017, replacing the older Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List (CSOL — not to be confused with the new 2024 CSOL).
Key characteristics of the STSOL:
- Occupations with short-term or cyclical demand
- Limited visa access compared to the MLTSSL
- Primarily used for the old subclass 482 short-term stream
- No direct pathway to permanent residency through the STSOL alone
- Reviewed periodically based on labour market data
The STSOL typically included occupations across a wide range of industries: hospitality, marketing, some business roles, certain health professions, and various technical occupations that didn't meet the threshold for the MLTSSL.
Which Visas Used the STSOL?
The STSOL's primary function was to determine eligibility for the subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa — short-term stream. This stream allowed:
- A visa for up to 2 years (or 4 years for certain countries with international trade agreements)
- No pathway to the subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) permanent visa through the Temporary Residence Transition stream
- Sponsorship tied to a specific employer and occupation
STSOL occupations could also be relevant for:
- Some state and territory nomination programs (subclass 190 and 491), depending on the state's own priority lists
- Training visa pathways in limited circumstances
What the STSOL didn't provide access to:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent visa) — that requires MLTSSL occupations
- The 482 medium-term stream — also required MLTSSL occupations
- Direct permanent residency pathways without state nomination
STSOL vs MLTSSL: The Key Differences
Understanding the gap between these two lists was essential for planning your migration strategy.
| Feature | STSOL | MLTSSL |
|---|---|---|
| Demand type | Short-term/cyclical | Sustained long-term |
| 482 visa stream | Short-term (up to 2 years) | Medium-term (up to 4 years) |
| PR pathway via 186 TRT | No | Yes |
| 189 visa eligibility | No | Yes |
| Number of occupations | ~250+ | ~215 |
| Regional supplementation | Via ROL | Via ROL |
The practical effect? If your occupation was on the STSOL but not the MLTSSL, your options for permanent residency were significantly more limited. You'd typically need to look at state nomination, a different visa pathway, or hope your occupation moved to the MLTSSL in a future update.
The Transition to CSOL
Since December 2024, the Australian Government has been phasing in the CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List) as part of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa reforms. This is the biggest change to occupation lists in years, and it directly affects what happens to the STSOL.
What's changing:
- The old 482 short-term stream is being replaced by the SID visa Core Skills stream
- The CSOL replaces the MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL for employer-sponsored visa purposes
- Occupations that were on the STSOL may or may not appear on the CSOL — it depends on the new assessment by Jobs and Skills Australia
- The CSOL covers ANZSCO skill levels 1-3, so some STSOL occupations at skill level 4 or 5 won't make the cut
What stays the same (for now):
- The MLTSSL continues to be used for the subclass 189 visa
- State nomination programs may still reference STSOL occupations during the transition period
- Existing 482 short-term visa holders aren't affected mid-visa
Why Does the STSOL Still Matter?
Even with the CSOL transition underway, the STSOL remains relevant in several ways:
Existing visa holders: If you're currently on a 482 visa granted under the short-term stream with an STSOL occupation, your visa conditions don't change retroactively. You'll need to understand your original STSOL-based conditions when planning your next steps.
Transitional arrangements: The government has put in place transitional rules for people moving between the old system and the new SID visa framework. Your STSOL occupation may map to a CSOL occupation, opening up new pathways.
State nominations: Some states and territories still reference STSOL occupations in their nomination criteria, particularly during the transition period. Check your state's specific list.
Historical applications: If you're waiting on an application lodged under the old 482 short-term stream, or if you're appealing a decision through the ART, the STSOL as it existed at the time of your application is what applies.
How to Check If Your Occupation Was on the STSOL
Your occupation's eligibility starts with your ANZSCO code. Once you have your 6-digit code, you can:
- Check the Department of Home Affairs website for the current and archived occupation lists
- Search the legislative instruments that define each list
- Use the Department of Home Affairs occupation search tool
- Consult a registered migration agent who can confirm which list your occupation falls under and what that means for your visa options
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the STSOL being completely removed?
It's being replaced by the CSOL for employer-sponsored visa purposes. However, references to the STSOL will persist in transitional arrangements and for existing applications lodged under the old framework.
My occupation was on the STSOL but isn't on the CSOL. What now?
If your occupation doesn't appear on the CSOL, you won't be able to access the new SID visa Core Skills stream. You may still have options through state nomination, labour agreements, or other visa pathways. Talk to a migration agent about alternatives.
Can I get permanent residency with an STSOL occupation?
Not directly through the 482 short-term to 186 TRT pathway — that was always limited to MLTSSL occupations. However, state nomination (subclass 190 or 491 leading to 191) may be available depending on the state and your circumstances.
How often was the STSOL updated?
Updates were irregular, sometimes happening multiple times per year and sometimes going long stretches without changes. The new CSOL is designed to be updated more responsively based on real-time labour market data from Jobs and Skills Australia.
Does the STSOL apply to the 491 regional visa?
The 491 visa uses a combination of lists depending on the nominating state or territory. Some states accepted STSOL occupations for 491 nominations, while others restricted nominations to MLTSSL or their own state-specific lists. The ROL also supplemented both lists for regional purposes.
