Skilled Occupation List Australia 2026: Complete Guide

The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is commonly used as an umbrella term for Australia's skilled migration occupation framework. The Department of Home Affairs uses occupation lists to identify occupations that may be eligible for particular skilled visas. The current combined list provides information including the occupation title, ANZSCO code, visa subclasses, applicable occupation list, caveats, and assessing authority.

The purpose is to help Australia respond to labour-market needs by allowing appropriately qualified skilled workers to access particular migration pathways. However, being listed does not mean you automatically qualify for a visa. Think of occupation eligibility as one piece of a much larger puzzle. Depending on the visa, you may also need:

• A suitable skills assessment,
• Relevant qualifications and work experience,
• English-language ability,
• A minimum points score,
• State or territory nomination,
• An eligible Australian employer,
• Employer sponsorship or nomination,
• Health and character clearance, and
• Other visa-specific requirements.

The Department's occupation tool currently allows users to search occupations and filter them according to visa options. Occupation lists and visa requirements can change. Always verify your occupation against the current Department of Home Affairs occupation tool and relevant legislative instrument before lodging an application.

Using the Skilled Occupation List Before Choosing a Visa

The most useful way to use the Skilled Occupation List Australia system is to start with your occupation rather than starting with a visa. For example, don't simply search for "IT jobs" or "engineer." Look for the occupation that most accurately reflects your actual work. The official occupation search contains information such as:

The Department's tool is the best place to perform the initial lookup because it is connected to the current skilled migration framework. Because occupation eligibility can change, applicants should not rely on an old downloadable list or an article published several years ago.

The Four Main Occupation Lists

One of the most confusing parts of Australian skilled migration is that "the occupation list" is actually a reference to several lists. The current framework includes:

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is particularly important for employer-sponsored pathways, including the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa and the Direct Entry pathway of subclass 186. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO 2022 for subclass 482 and subclass 186 occupations associated with CSOL.

Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

The MLTSSL includes occupations considered relevant to Australia’s medium- and long-term skilled migration needs and is used for several skilled visa pathways where specified by the applicable legislation. Depending on the occupation and visa requirements, being listed on the MLTSSL may support eligibility for points-tested, independent, nominated or regional skilled migration pathways.

Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

The STSOL includes occupations that may be eligible for certain skilled migration and employer-sponsored visa pathways under Australia’s skilled migration framework. However, an occupation appearing on the STSOL does not automatically make an applicant eligible for a visa, as additional requirements and visa-specific conditions must also be satisfied.

Regional Occupation List (ROL)

The ROL supports certain regional migration pathways. Regional visas can provide access to occupations that are not available under some metropolitan skilled migration routes. Home Affairs notes that regional visa programs can have broader occupation access.

The important point is this: CSOL did not simply replace every other occupation list. The applicable list depends on the visa you are considering.

Which Visa Uses Which Occupation List?

The relationship between occupations and visas can be easier to understand in a table:

This is only a high-level guide. The exact legislative requirements for each visa determine whether an occupation can be used. For example, Home Affairs states that the Temporary Residence Transition stream of subclass 186 does not have an occupation list. Instead, occupation eligibility is connected to the occupation held on the applicant's most recently held temporary skilled visa. That is an important distinction for temporary visa holders planning their route to Australian permanent residence.

ANZSCO Codes: Why Your Job Title Is Not Enough

Finding your job title on a website is not enough to determine your occupation for migration purposes. Australia uses the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) to classify occupations according to factors such as skills, qualifications and experience. Every occupation has a six-digit ANZSCO code. The critical point is that your nominated occupation should reflect what you actually do.

Suppose your employment contract says "Project Manager." That title alone does not necessarily establish which ANZSCO occupation is appropriate. Home Affairs expects applicants to select an occupation that aligns with their tasks and responsibilities. This becomes particularly important where occupations have similar titles or where ANZSCO has been updated.

ANZSCO 2013 vs ANZSCO 2022

Australia currently uses different ANZSCO versions depending on the visa program. ANZSCO 2022 applies to Subclass 186 and Subclass 482. This includes occupations on the CSOL. For other skilled visa subclasses using the MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL, Home Affairs uses ANZSCO 2013.

This can create an important difference between two applications involving what appears to be the same occupation. If your occupation has been reclassified, split into specialisations, or otherwise changed in a newer ANZSCO version, you need to identify the code that actually matches your position.

Skills Assessment: Being Listed Is Only the Beginning

One of the biggest misconceptions about the skilled occupation list is that being listed means your qualifications have already been accepted. They have not. For many skilled migration applications, you need a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. A skills assessment is an independent evaluation of whether your qualifications and experience meet the standards associated with your nominated occupation. Depending on your occupation, the relevant authority may include organisations such as:

• Engineers Australia,
• Australian Computer Society (ACS),
• VETASSESS,
• Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), and
• A professional or registration body specific to your occupation.

The correct assessing authority is shown in the Department's occupation information and should be confirmed before you begin the assessment process. A positive assessment does not automatically grant a visa. It simply helps establish that your skills and qualifications meet the applicable assessment requirements. For points-tested migration, a suitable skills assessment is particularly important because you generally need it before submitting your Expression of Interest.

General Skilled Migration Requirements

Finding an eligible occupation is an important step, but it does not guarantee an invitation. For points-tested skilled migration, applicants generally need to consider:

• Age,
• English-language ability,
• Qualifications,
• Skilled employment,
• Skills assessment,
• Points score,
• State or territory nomination, where applicable,
• Health requirements, and
• Character requirements.

The main points-tested skilled visa pathways include subclasses 189, 190 and 491. SkillSelect is the Australian Government system used by skilled workers to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The current minimum points threshold for these points-tested pathways is 65 points, but that should not be mistaken for a guaranteed invitation score. Home Affairs specifically states that meeting 65 points does not guarantee an invitation.

Recent invitation rounds demonstrate why this distinction matters. For example, the 4 June 2026 subclass 189 invitation round had different minimum scores by occupation, with some occupations receiving invitations at 65 points and others requiring substantially more. So the real question is not simply: "Do I have 65 points?" It is: "Is my occupation eligible, do I meet the visa requirements, and is my profile competitive for the relevant invitation or nomination pathway?"

State and Territory Occupation Lists

If you are considering subclass 190 or subclass 491, checking the federal skilled occupation list is only part of the process. States and territories have their own nomination programs and may apply additional requirements. These can include:

• Specific occupations,
• Minimum work experience,
• English requirements,
• Employment requirements,
• Residency requirements,
• Sector priorities,
• Regional requirements,
• Invitation criteria, and
• Minimum points expectations.

The occupation that is eligible federally may not necessarily be open for nomination by every state or territory. This is why applicants should check the current requirements for:

• Australian Capital Territory,
• New South Wales,
• Northern Territory,
• Queensland,
• South Australia,
• Tasmania,
• Victoria, and
• Western Australia.

For example, Queensland maintains occupation information for its skilled nomination program and distinguishes between onshore and offshore applicants. State nomination rules can change independently of the federal occupation framework, so do not assume that an occupation listed last year remains eligible for nomination today.

Employer-Sponsored Occupations and CSOL

Employer-sponsored migration works differently from points-tested migration. For the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Core Skills stream, the employer must nominate a skilled position and the occupation must meet the applicable requirements, including CSOL requirements. The CSOL is also relevant to the Direct Entry pathway of subclass 186. Employer-sponsored applicants may need to satisfy requirements involving:

• An approved sponsoring employer,
• A nominated occupation,
• Relevant skills and qualifications,
• Work experience,
• English,
• Salary requirements,
• Labour market and nomination requirements, and
• Occupation-specific caveats.

This is why simply finding your occupation on CSOL does not mean that you can immediately apply for subclass 482 or 186. The employer and the nominated position also need to satisfy the applicable sponsorship and nomination rules.

Regional Occupations and Migration Options

Regional migration can sometimes open additional options for skilled workers. The Regional Occupation List (ROL) is relevant to certain regional visa pathways, and Home Affairs notes that regional migration programs can provide access to more occupations than some metropolitan pathways. Relevant visas include:

• Subclass 491,
• Subclass 494, and
• Other regional pathways where applicable.

Applicants should also understand that 491 and 494 are not the same visa. Subclass 491 is a Skilled Work Regional Provisional visa, while subclass 494 is an employer-sponsored regional provisional visa. Regional migration can also involve state or territory nomination, family sponsorship, or employer sponsorship depending on the visa.

Other arrangements, such as Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) and labour agreements, are separate employer-led mechanisms. An occupation being available through a DAMA does not necessarily mean that it appears on the standard national occupation lists.

How to Check If Your Occupation Is Eligible

If you are starting your Australian migration research, follow this sequence.

Step 1: Identify Your Actual Occupation

Start by identifying the occupation that most closely matches your day-to-day duties, tasks, and responsibilities, rather than relying solely on your job title. Your nominated occupation should accurately reflect the work you perform and align with the relevant ANZSCO occupation description.

Step 2: Find the ANZSCO Code

Search the official occupation tool to find the six-digit ANZSCO code that corresponds to your occupation. Carefully compare the listed duties, skill level, qualifications, and experience requirements with your own employment history before selecting a code.

Step 3: Check the Applicable List

Determine whether your occupation appears on the:

• Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL),
• Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL),
• Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), or
• Regional Occupation List (ROL).

The applicable list can affect which skilled visa pathways may be available to you, so make sure you check the list associated with your intended visa.

Step 4: Check the Visa Subclasses

Review the specific visa subclasses associated with your occupation to determine which pathways you may potentially use. These may include skilled, regional or employer-sponsored visas, but each subclass has its own eligibility requirements beyond occupation-list inclusion.

Step 5: Check the Assessing Authority

Find out which assessing authority is responsible for evaluating your qualifications and work experience for the nominated occupation. The requirements vary between occupations, so check what documents, qualifications, employment evidence, and other information the relevant authority requires before applying for your skills assessment.

Step 6: Read the Caveats

Do not skip this step. Some occupations have restrictions that may affect how the occupation can be used for migration. Home Affairs states that occupation caveats can apply to subclass 186 Direct Entry and Skills in Demand visa contexts.

Step 7: Check State or Territory Rules

If you are considering subclass 190 or subclass 491, review the current nomination requirements of the state or territory where you hope to apply. State and territory governments can set their own occupation priorities, eligibility criteria, invitation processes and requirements, so federal occupation eligibility does not guarantee nomination.

Step 8: Check the Legislation

Before lodging your application, check the relevant legislative instrument to confirm that the occupation and visa pathway are currently eligible under Australian migration law. Occupation lists and visa requirements can change, so relying on an outdated occupation list or third-party website could lead to incorrect assumptions about your eligibility.

Occupation Caveats and Restrictions

An occupation can appear on the skilled occupation list and still have restrictions. These are known as caveats. A caveat may limit how an occupation can be used based on circumstances such as the type of employer, the position, business characteristics, salary or the actual duties involved. This is particularly relevant to the subclass 186 Direct Entry and subclass 482 programs. For that reason, do not stop your research after seeing a green tick or an occupation name. Read the applicable caveat and compare it with the actual nominated position.

What Happens If an Occupation Is Removed?

Occupation lists can change. Occupations may be added, removed, renamed, reclassified and split into different specialisations. This can understandably cause concern for applicants who are already in the migration process. Home Affairs states that pending nomination and/or visa applications are not adversely affected simply because an occupation is subsequently removed from the skilled occupation lists.

However, circumstances can change the position - for example, where an applicant changes occupation or employer and a new nomination is required. That is another reason to check the rules that apply to your specific application rather than relying on general statements about occupation-list changes.

Skilled Occupation List vs Occupation Shortage List

These two terms are often confused. The Skilled Occupation List concerns migration eligibility. The Occupation Shortage List (OSL) is a labour-market research tool produced by Jobs and Skills Australia. The OSL provides a point-in-time assessment of occupation shortages in Australia's labour market. That distinction matters. An occupation can be experiencing a shortage without automatically being eligible for every skilled visa.

Likewise, an occupation can appear on a migration occupation list without being classified as a shortage occupation in every part of Australia. So if you see an article saying, "Australia needs this occupation, therefore you can get PR," be careful. Labour-market demand and visa eligibility are related but separate questions.

Popular Skilled Occupations in Australia

Applicants commonly search for opportunities in fields such as:

• Healthcare and nursing,
• Teaching,
• Engineering,
• Information technology,
• Construction,
• Automotive trades,
• Social work,
• Agriculture,
• Hospitality,
• Professional services, and
• Technical occupations

These are useful categories to research, but there is no universal list of "best jobs for Australian PR." For example, a registered nurse, software professional, engineer or skilled tradesperson may have a potential migration pathway, but each person's eligibility depends on their:

• Exact occupation,
• Qualifications,
• Skills assessment,
• Work experience, and
• Visa subclass and other circumstances.

The skilled occupation list 2026 should therefore be used as a starting point for individual assessment - not as a ranking of the best careers in Australia.

What to Do After Finding Your Occupation

Once you have confirmed a potential occupation, your next step depends on the visa pathway.

Points-tested Migration

For a subclass 189, 190 or 491 pathway, the general process involves:

• Selecting the appropriate nominated occupation,
• Obtaining a suitable skills assessment,
• Completing an English test if required,
• Calculating your points,
• Creating an EOI through SkillSelect,
• Seeking state or territory nomination where applicable,
• Receiving an invitation and
• Lodging the visa application with supporting evidence.

Home Affairs requires an EOI before you can be invited for subclasses 189, 190 and 491. If invited, applicants generally have 60 days to submit the visa application.

Employer-sponsored Migration

The process is different. You generally need to:

• Find an eligible sponsoring employer,
• Confirm that the occupation and position meet the relevant requirements,
• Complete a skills assessment where required,
• Have the employer complete the necessary sponsorship or nomination process,
• Lodge the visa application, and
• Provide the required supporting evidence.

For employer-sponsored pathways, the occupation is only one part of the overall nomination and visa requirements.

Can the Skilled Occupation List Lead to Permanent Residence?

Yes, some occupations can be used in pathways that lead directly or indirectly to Australian permanent residence. Permanent skilled visa options include:

• Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent,
• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated, and
• Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme.

Home Affairs lists these among Australia's permanent skilled work visa options. Other visas, such as subclass 491 and subclass 494, are provisional regional pathways that can potentially lead to permanent residence when the relevant requirements are met.

However, having an occupation on a list does not guarantee permanent residence. Your eligibility depends on the complete visa requirements and, for some pathways, factors such as invitation competitiveness, state nomination, or employer sponsorship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Skilled Occupation List in Australia?

The Skilled Occupation List is a term commonly used for Australia's skilled migration occupation framework. It identifies occupations that may be eligible for particular skilled visa pathways and provides information such as ANZSCO codes, applicable lists, visa subclasses, caveats, and assessing authorities.

How do I Find my Occupation on the Australian Skilled Occupation List?

Use the Department of Home Affairs' official occupation search tool. Search using your occupation title and check the ANZSCO code, applicable visa, occupation list, assessing authority and any caveats.

What is the Difference Between CSOL, MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL?

They are different occupation lists used for different skilled migration programs. CSOL is particularly important for certain employer-sponsored pathways, while MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL remain relevant to other skilled visa subclasses.

Which Occupation List Applies to Visa 189?

Subclass 189 uses the occupation list specified by the legislation for the points-tested stream. The current Home Affairs occupation tool should be checked for the occupation and visa combination rather than assuming that every listed occupation qualifies.

Which List Applies to Visas 190 and 491?

Subclasses 190 and 491 use relevant skilled occupation lists, but state or territory nomination requirements also apply. An occupation being eligible federally does not guarantee that a particular state or territory will nominate it.

Which Occupation List Applies to Visa 482?

For the Skills in Demand subclass 482 Core Skills stream, the CSOL is the relevant occupation list. Home Affairs also applies other requirements concerning sponsorship, nomination, skills, English, and the nominated position.

What is an ANZSCO Code?

An ANZSCO code is a six-digit classification used to identify an occupation in Australia's occupation classification system. It describes the skill level, qualifications, and/or experience associated with occupations.

Which ANZSCO Version Should I Use?

For subclass 186 and subclass 482 programs associated with CSOL, Home Affairs uses ANZSCO 2022. For other skilled visa subclasses using MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL, it uses ANZSCO 2013.

Does Having an Occupation on the List Guarantee a Visa?

No. Occupation-list inclusion is only one requirement. You may still need a skills assessment, English-language evidence, sufficient points, state nomination, employer sponsorship, health and character clearance, and other visa-specific requirements.

Can I Use a Similar Occupation if my Exact Job Title is Not Listed?

You should not choose an occupation simply because its title sounds similar. Your nominated occupation should accurately reflect your actual duties and responsibilities. Where there is uncertainty, professional migration advice can help you determine the appropriate occupation.