If you are planning to apply for a skilled visa in Australia, it is important to understand that there is not just one list of eligible occupations. There are several, and each one applies to different types of visas. These occupation lists help the government identify and target the skills that are in demand across the country.
Below is a simple overview of the key occupation lists currently used in Australia’s skilled migration program, and how they relate to the main visa categories.
Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL)
From 7 December 2024, the Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the previous Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. With this change, three new visa streams were introduced:
- Specialist Skills
- Core Skills
- Labour Agreement
One of the central features of the new SID visa is the Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL), which includes 456 occupations. This list underpins the Core Skills stream and is based on the 2022 ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations).
In addition to its role in the SID visa, the CSOL is also used for the Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) permanent visa. If you are a skilled worker aiming for long-term residence in Australia, this list is well worth reviewing.
Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
The MLTSSL covers occupations that are in medium to long-term demand across the country. This list currently includes 212 occupations, as outlined in Legislative Instrument LIN 19/051.
You should refer to this list if you are:
- Applying for a subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa on or after 11 March 2019
- Applying for a subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Family Sponsored) visa on or after 11 December 2019
- Nominated by a state or territory and applying for a subclass 190 or subclass 491 (State or Territory Nominated) visa
- Applying for a subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa on or after 11 March 2019
The MLTSSL is the key list for skilled migrants seeking permanent residency via independent, family-sponsored or state-nominated pathways.
Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
The STSOL is focused on occupations needed to fill short-term or regional workforce gaps. It currently includes 215 occupations, and is also set out in Legislative Instrument LIN 19/051.
This list is relevant if you are:
- Nominated by a state or territory government and invited to apply for a subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visa
- Applying for a subclass 491 (State or Territory Nominated) visa
While the STSOL does not typically lead directly to permanent residency, it still provides strong opportunities for skilled work in Australia — particularly in regional areas where certain skills are urgently needed.
Whether you are applying through the new SID visa, seeking a state nomination, or pursuing an independent skilled migration pathway, knowing which occupation list applies to your profession is critical. Each list has a specific purpose and is linked to different visa subclasses and eligibility criteria.
If you are unsure which list your occupation is on or how it affects your visa options, it is always best to speak with a legal practitioner or check the Department of Home Affairs website for information.
