Skilled Occupation List (SOL) 2026

Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL) underpins skilled migration eligibility and comprises four lists in 2026. MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List) unlocks subclass 189. MLTSSL plus STSOL (Short-Term) unlock 190 and 491, and 491 state nomination also covers some ROL (Regional) occupations. CSOL (Core Skills) unlocks the Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Core Skills stream and the 186 Direct Entry stream. List determines visa access.

Quick Facts: Skilled Occupation Lists 2026

Understanding the Lists

Australia doesn't have a single "skilled occupation list" — it has multiple lists that determine which visas you can apply for. Home Affairs shows all four on one combined skilled occupation list, with the ANZSCO code and assessing authority for each occupation. The list your occupation appears on directly controls your visa options.

MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List)

This is the most valuable list. Occupations on the MLTSSL have the broadest visa access:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) — only MLTSSL occupations
• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) — MLTSSL and STSOL
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) — MLTSSL, STSOL and some ROL occupations (not CSOL-only occupations)
• Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) — MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL (not CSOL-only occupations)
• Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) and Subclass 186 (Direct Entry) — these use the CSOL, not the MLTSSL. Most MLTSSL occupations are also on the CSOL.
• Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) — MLTSSL occupations for certain streams

If your occupation is on the MLTSSL, you usually have the full range of migration options. There are a few exceptions: on the Home Affairs list, Chief Executive or Managing Director, Chief Information Officer, Corporate General Manager and Faculty Head are MLTSSL occupations but list no 189, 190 or 491.

STSOL (Short-Term Skilled Occupation List)

Occupations on the STSOL have more limited access:

• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) — if your state nominates the occupation
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) — if your state lists it
• Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional)
• Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 — only if the occupation is also on the CSOL

Notably, STSOL occupations are not eligible for the independent subclass 189.

ROL (Regional Occupation List)

The ROL provides additional occupations specifically for regional visa pathways:

• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
• Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional)

ROL occupations are only available through regional visas with state nomination or employer sponsorship.

CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List)

The newest addition, the CSOL was introduced as part of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa reforms. It replaces aspects of the previous lists for the new employer-sponsored visa pathway. Home Affairs says the 482 Core Skills stream needs an occupation on the CSOL, and the 186 Direct Entry stream uses the same list.

How to Check Your Occupation

Step 1: Find Your ANZSCO Code

Your occupation is identified by its ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code. This six-digit code is the key to everything. See our guide to finding your ANZSCO code.

Step 2: Search the Lists

The Department of Home Affairs maintains a searchable database of all occupation lists. You can search by:

• ANZSCO code
• Occupation title
• Assessing authority

Step 3: Identify Your Options

Once you find your occupation, note:

• Which list(s) it appears on (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL, CSOL)
• Which visas it's eligible for
• Which assessing authority conducts the skills assessment
• Any caveats or conditions listed

Step 4: Check State Lists

Federal occupation lists tell you which visas you're eligible for. But individual states maintain their own lists for state nomination purposes. Your occupation may be on the MLTSSL (making you eligible for 189/190/491 federally) but not on a particular state's nomination list.

Always cross-reference with your target state's nomination list.

Recent Changes and Updates

Occupation lists are reviewed and updated periodically. Key recent trends include:

Additions

• Cybersecurity-related occupations have been added or upgraded
• Aged care and disability support roles have been expanded
• Renewable energy-related occupations are being considered
• Data science and AI-related roles added

Removals or Restrictions

• Some occupations have been moved from MLTSSL to STSOL, limiting visa options
• Certain oversupplied occupations have had caveats added
• Some occupations have been removed entirely due to automation or reduced demand

The CSOL Transition

The introduction of the Core Skills Occupation List as part of the Skills in Demand visa represents the most significant structural change to the occupation list framework in years. The CSOL is designed to be more responsive to labour market needs and can be updated more frequently than the traditional lists.

Common Occupations and Their Lists

What If Your Occupation Isn't Listed?

If your occupation doesn't appear on any federal list:

1. Check state lists: Some states have broader occupation lists that include occupations not on the federal lists
2. Consider the CSOL: The new Core Skills Occupation List may include your occupation
3. Labour agreements: Some industries have special labour agreements that cover unlisted occupations
4. DAMA: Designated Area Migration Agreements in regional areas may include additional occupations
5. Reassess your occupation: Sometimes your skills match a listed occupation under a different ANZSCO code

Frequently Asked Questions

How often are the lists updated?

There's no fixed schedule. Lists can be updated at any time, though major reviews typically happen annually or in response to significant labour market changes.

Does my occupation need to be listed when I apply or when I get invited?

Your occupation needs to be on the relevant list at the time you receive your invitation to apply. If your occupation is removed from the list before you're invited, you may no longer be eligible.

Can I apply for a different occupation than the one I'm assessed for?

No. Your visa application must match your skills assessment. You can't be assessed as a software engineer and then apply under a different ANZSCO code.

What's the difference between SOL and MLTSSL?

"SOL" (Skilled Occupation List) is the older term that many people still use generically to refer to the occupation lists. The MLTSSL is the specific current list that replaced the old SOL for independent skilled migration purposes.

How do I know which assessing authority to use?

Almost every occupation on the list has a designated assessing authority (24 rows, mostly on the RSMS ROL, show none). This is shown on the official occupation list alongside your ANZSCO code.

Can the lists change while my visa is being processed?

If you've already been invited and lodged your visa application, changes to the lists generally don't affect your pending application. Home Affairs says pending nomination and visa applications "will not be adversely impacted" by an occupation being removed later.