Skilled Occupation List Database

Skilled Occupation List Database

Australia maintains multiple skilled occupation lists that determine which visas you can apply for based on your profession. The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), introduced with the Skills in Demand visa in December 2024, is the newest and broadest list with over 450 occupations. The legacy lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL) remain relevant for certain visa pathways. Your occupation must appear on the relevant list for your target visa, and it must match your qualifications and experience as assessed by the designated assessing authority.

Understanding the Occupation Lists

Australia doesn't have a single occupation list. Instead, there are multiple overlapping lists, each tied to specific visa subclasses. This system allows the government to fine-tune migration settings for different visa pathways.

CSOL — Core Skills Occupation List

The CSOL was introduced in December 2024 as part of the Skills in Demand visa reforms. It replaced the combined MLTSSL/STSOL for the purpose of the new subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa.

Key features:

• Over 450 occupations
• Used for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Core Skills stream
• Reviewed and updated by Jobs and Skills Australia
• Designed to be more responsive to labour market changes than the previous lists
• All occupations on the CSOL lead to a PR pathway through the SID visa

The CSOL is broader than the old MLTSSL, meaning more occupations now have a clear pathway to permanent residency through employer sponsorship.

MLTSSL — Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List

The MLTSSL predates the CSOL and remains relevant for:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) — states can nominate from MLTSSL
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
• Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate, Graduate Work stream)

The MLTSSL focuses on occupations with sustained, long-term demand in the Australian economy. It's more restrictive than the CSOL.

STSOL — Short-term Skilled Occupation List

The STSOL was used for short-term visa options under the old TSS (482) system. Its relevance has diminished with the SID reforms, but it's still referenced for:

• Some state/territory nomination programs
• Transitional arrangements for existing visa holders

ROL — Regional Occupation List

The ROL contains additional occupations available only for regional visa pathways (subclass 491 and 494). If your occupation is on the ROL but not the MLTSSL, you can only access regional visas, not the 189.

State-Specific Occupation Lists

Each Australian state and territory maintains its own occupation list for the 190 and 491 nomination programs. These lists change frequently (sometimes monthly) based on the state's specific labour needs. An occupation might be open in South Australia but closed in New South Wales.

How to Check If Your Occupation Is Listed

Step 1: Identify your ANZSCO code Find the ANZSCO code that best matches your actual job duties (not just your job title). The ANZSCO code is the key that unlocks everything.

Step 2: Check the relevant list

• For subclass 189: Check the MLTSSL
• For subclass 190/491: Check the MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL, plus your target state's list
• For subclass 482 (SID): Check the CSOL
• For subclass 186 (Direct Entry): Check the CSOL/MLTSSL

Step 3: Identify the assessing authority Each occupation on each list has a designated assessing authority. This is the organisation that will evaluate your qualifications and experience. You must get a positive assessment before applying.

Step 4: Check caveats Some occupations have caveats or special conditions. For example, an occupation might only be available for the 190 if nominated by certain states, or it might require a specific number of years of experience.

Top 50 In-Demand Occupations (2026)

Based on recent invitation rounds, occupation ceiling data, and industry demand signals, these occupations are among the most sought-after in Australian immigration:

ICT and Technology

Engineering

Healthcare

Construction and Trades

Accounting and Finance

Education

Other In-Demand Occupations

Major Skills Assessing Authorities

Skills assessment fees range from approximately $500 to $3,500 depending on the authority and the complexity of your case.

How Occupation Lists Change

The occupation lists are not static. They're reviewed and updated based on:

• Labour market data and employer demand surveys
• Input from Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA)
• Government policy priorities (e.g., aged care, technology, clean energy)
• State and territory feedback

Changes can happen at any time, though major revisions typically occur alongside budget announcements or policy reforms. An occupation can be added, removed, or have its caveats changed with relatively little notice.

What this means for you: Don't assume an occupation that's on the list today will still be there when you're ready to apply. If your occupation is currently listed, start your skills assessment and English testing as soon as possible.

FAQ

My occupation isn't on any list. Can I still migrate to Australia? You may still be eligible through employer sponsorship under a labour agreement, the Specialist Skills stream of the SID visa (income above $135,000), the NIV/Global Talent pathway, a partner or family visa, or the business/investor stream.

My job title doesn't match any ANZSCO occupation exactly. What do I do? ANZSCO codes are matched by duties, not job titles. Read the detailed task descriptions for each occupation and match based on what you actually do. A "Digital Marketing Manager" might map to "Marketing Specialist" or "Advertising Manager" depending on their actual duties.

Can my occupation be on multiple lists? Yes. Many occupations appear on both the MLTSSL and CSOL, giving you access to multiple visa pathways. Some appear on the STSOL but not the MLTSSL, limiting you to shorter-term or state-nominated options.

How often are occupation lists updated? There's no fixed schedule. The CSOL was designed to be updated more frequently than the legacy lists. State-specific lists can change monthly. Check the current version before making any decisions.