Skilled Occupation List Australia 2025
Australia continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for skilled professionals seeking a high standard of living, career growth, and long-term migration opportunities. One of the most important aspects of Australia’s immigration system is the Skilled Occupation List Australia (SOL), a dynamic document curated by the Australian government that outlines eligible professions for various skilled visa programs. This list directly influences the visa pathways available for engineers, IT professionals, healthcare workers, tradespeople, and other skilled workers around the world.
The Skilled Occupation List Australia has undergone significant updates to reflect the evolving economic and workforce demands of the country. Understanding this list is essential for any aspiring migrant as it determines not only eligibility but also the migration strategy that will be most successful. With the introduction of new ANZSCO codes and the removal of some roles, it’s more important than ever to stay informed about which professions are currently in demand.
This guide explores the Skilled Occupation List Australia in detail, highlighting new inclusions, removed occupations, core skill streams, and the link between the SOL and pathways to permanent residency (PR).
What Is the Skilled Occupation List Australia?
Skilled Occupation List Australia is a formal list of job categories published under various visa programs available for skill-based migration. This list is subject to changes on a regular basis because of changes in employer needs, vacancies in the labor market, and trends that influence the market.
The list applies to the following major skilled visa subclasses:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa)
- Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)
The Australian Government Skilled Occupation List is segmented into several sub-lists:
- MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List)
- STSOL (Short-Term Skilled Occupation List)
- ROL (Regional Occupation List)
- PMSOL (Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List)
Each list corresponds to different visa streams and has distinct eligibility criteria. Your occupation must appear on one of these lists to apply for skilled migration.
Why Skilled Occupation List (SOL) Matters?
The latest Skilled Occupation List Australia plays a pivotal role in shaping your migration journey:
- Eligibility Determination: If your occupation isn’t on the SOL, you can’t apply for most skilled visas.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Most MLTSSL occupations lead to permanent residency.
- Regional vs. Metropolitan Migration: ROL occupations often allow migration to regional areas with more visa points.
- Priority Processing: Roles listed under PMSOL are processed faster, reflecting urgent shortages.
Hence, staying up-to-date with the latest Skilled Occupation List Australia is crucial before lodging your Expression of Interest (EOI).
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Understanding Occupational Skills and ANZSCO Codes
Each occupation on the SOL corresponds with an ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code. These ANZSCO codes provide the official job title, duties, and required qualifications.
The ANZSCO 2022 version is being gradually adopted, replacing the older 2013 version. This update includes:
- Refinement of job titles
- Inclusion of emerging occupations (e.g., cybersecurity)
- Reclassification of existing roles
Candidates must ensure that they have updated descriptions applicable to the ANZSCO code. This goes for anyone, like an engineer presenting a CDR report or an IT specialist taking the ACS skill assessment. Choosing the right ANZSCO code is critical.
Core Skills Stream Occupations
The Core Skills Stream, as part of the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) concentrates on skills that are critical for Australia’s growth and wellbeing. These occupations are regarded to be critical and usually lead to permanent residency.
Here’s a table of selected occupations listed under the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Occupation Title | ANZSCO Code | Industry |
|---|---|---|
Registered Nurse | 254499 | Healthcare |
Aged or Disabled Carer | 423111 | Aged Care |
Early Childhood (Pre-primary) Teacher | 241111 | Education |
Motor Mechanic (General) | 321211 | Automotive/Trades |
Chef | 351311 | Hospitality |
Carpenter | 331212 | Construction |
Electrician (General) | 341111 | Electrical Trades |
Welder (First Class) | 322313 | Metal Fabrication |
Disability Support Worker | 423112 | Community Services |
Enrolled Nurse | 411411 | Healthcare |
Note: These roles typically require a job offer from an Australian employer and meeting the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), which is set at AUD 76,515 from July 1, 2025.
Other Occupations
Apart from the Core Skills Stream, many high-demand occupations are listed under MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL. These occupations support Australia’s broader economic and regional development needs.
Here is a selection of other in-demand occupations from the Skilled Occupation List Australia:
Occupation Title | ANZSCO Code | Skill List | Industry |
Civil Engineer | 233211 | MLTSSL | Engineering |
Mechanical Engineer | 233512 | MLTSSL | Engineering |
Software Engineer | 261313 | MLTSSL | Information Technology |
ICT Security Specialist | 262112 | MLTSSL | Cybersecurity |
Secondary School Teacher | 241411 | STSOL | Education |
Accountant (General) | 221111 | STSOL | Finance |
Early Childhood Educator | 421111 | ROL | Childcare |
Medical Laboratory Scientist | 234611 | MLTSSL | Healthcare |
Electrician (Special Class) | 341112 | ROL | Construction |
Architect | 232111 | MLTSSL | Architecture/Design |
These occupations may be eligible under visas such as Subclass 189, 190, and 491, depending on your qualifications, state nomination, and points score.
State-Specific Occupation Lists
Each Australian state and territory can publish its own State Occupation List, which includes occupations specific to regional needs. For example:
- South Australia may have additional opportunities for Education Managers.
- Victoria may emphasise roles in IT and infrastructure.
Some occupations may be removed from the federal SOL but still appear in state nomination lists, creating additional migration pathways.
Skill Shortage in Australia
Australia faces a persistent skill shortage in several sectors, making skilled migration a national priority. The Skilled Occupation List Australia directly reflects these shortages.
In-demand fields include:
- Healthcare: Nurses, aged care workers
- Engineering: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical
- ICT: Software Developers, Network Security Experts
- Trades: Welders, Plumbers, Carpenters
If your occupation falls into one of these high-demand categories, your chances of receiving an invitation to apply increase substantially.
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ANZSCO Versions in Australia’s Skilled Visa Program
Australia uses the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) to define job roles for skilled migration. However, not all skilled visa streams use the same ANZSCO version. The version applied depends on the type of visa you are applying for.
ANZSCO 2022 Version: For Select Skilled Visa Streams
The latest ANZSCO 2022 version is currently applied to the following skilled visa programs:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186
- Skills in Demand Visa – Subclass 482
This also includes occupations listed under the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) for the Skills in Demand visa.
If you have previously held a different skilled visa, it’s important to note that updates to the ANZSCO system may have led to changes in your occupation code, including reclassification, splitting into new specialisations, or merging. When applying under the 2022 ANZSCO framework, you must carefully select an occupation that best reflects your current role and its duties.
ANZSCO 2013 Version: For All Other Skilled Visas
For all other skilled migration pathways, including those based on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), and Regional Occupation List (ROL) Australia still uses the ANZSCO 2013 version.
This applies to visa subclasses such as:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
- Training Visa (Subclass 407), and others
Removed Occupations: What You Need to Know
If an occupation is removed from the skilled occupation lists, it will not negatively affect existing applications that have already been lodged. Similarly, skilled visa holders will not be impacted by these changes unless they:
- Change employers or occupations, and
- Their new role is no longer listed as eligible under the skilled occupation lists.
In such cases, a new nomination application may be required, and the updated skilled occupation criteria will apply.
Visa Pathways Based on the SOL
Depending on the Skilled Occupation List, here are common visa pathways:
- 189 Visa: Occupation must be on MLTSSL
- 190 Visa: Requires nomination by a state; must be on STSOL/MLTSSL
- 491 Visa: For regional migration; ROL occupations apply
- 482 Visa: Employer-sponsored; includes STSOL/MLTSSL roles
Applicants aiming for PR must ensure their occupation is listed under a suitable visa stream.
Additional:
If you are an engineer whose qualification is not from an accredited Accord country, the CDR pathway is mandatory. The Engineers Australia MSA booklet outlines:
- Career Episodes
- Summary Statement
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
These elements must reflect your alignment with the ANZSCO codes and SOL categories. CDR for Australia specialises in delivering tailored reports for migration approval.
Concluding Statement
Australia’s migration policy still predominantly relies on the Skilled Occupation List, as it provides a pathway for skilled workers to migrate to Australia for work. A seasoned engineer, a fresh IT graduate, or a healthcare professional will have their migration results greatly influenced by the SOL’s classification for their profession.
In addition, engineers must ensure that their CDR report is both compelling and serves ANZSCO and SOL requirements; submission of a CDR report is to be regarded as a mandatory prerequisite. We cater to all applicants through our services of preparing CDRs with robust, plagiarism-free, and EA-compliant content designed to enhance the chances of approval. Contact us today for a head start towards achieving your Australian migration confidence.
FAQs
1. What is the Skilled Occupation List Australia?
It is a list of job functions that are eligible for a skilled migration visa. A SOL-approved job function is essential for nearly all pathways to skilled migration.
2. What are occupational skills?
Occupational skill is defined as the combination of competencies and knowledge necessary to perform the duties associated with a particular ANZSCO occupation code.
3. What are skilled trade occupations in Australia?
Mechanics, electricians, and plumbers are some of them. These are usually considered for TRA and are qualified for MLTSSL or STSOL.
4. Does education management fall under the skilled occupation list?
Yes, it does as ANZSCO 134499, although it may be different depending on the region.
5. What are short-term skilled occupations in Australia?
These are on STSOL and are not necessarily guaranteed to result in PR. For instance, Cook, Marketing Specialist.
6. What are skilled occupations for IT professionals?
- Software Engineer (261313)
- ICT Security Specialist (262112)
- Business Analyst (261111)
7. Is a CDR report required for occupations on the Skilled Occupation List?
Yes, especially for engineers who come from non-Accord countries. A CDR does show compliance with the required competency standards.
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