Skilled Occupation List – Complete Australia Visa Guide
The Skilled Occupation List serves as the primary mechanism Australian authorities use to identify roles where qualified migrants can contribute to the national workforce. Published by the Department of Home Affairs, this compilation directly determines which candidates qualify for multiple skilled migration pathways, including permanent residency visas.
Skilled workers seeking to relocate to Australia must ensure their occupation appears on the relevant list before proceeding with visa applications. State and territory governments maintain separate nomination requirements, meaning eligibility varies depending on both the occupation and the intended destination within Australia.
What is the Skilled Occupation List Australia?
The Skilled Occupation List, commonly referred to as SOL, summarizes the occupations Australia needs to fill skill shortages and determines eligibility for various skilled migration visas. Published on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, the list assigns an ANZSCO code to each occupation, specifying skill level, required qualifications, and experience needed for competent practice in the Australian context.
Home Affairs list for skill shortages
NSW, VIC, SA, QLD, ACT variations
189, 190, 491 PR pathways
2026 updates and PDFs
Key insights about the Skilled Occupation List:
- The SOL works alongside three other occupation lists: STSOL, MLTSSL, and ROL, each serving different visa programs
- Regional visas offer access to significantly more occupations than metropolitan pathways
- ANZSCO classification determines which version applies to your occupation: 2022 or 2013
- Occupation ceilings cap the number of invitations issued for certain visas each program year
- State nomination adds a separate layer of requirements beyond federal SOL eligibility
- PDF versions of the official list are downloadable directly from Home Affairs
- Lists undergo regular review, with updates published as circumstances change
| Aspect | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Publisher | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au | Official |
| Update frequency | Ongoing review | Home Affairs |
| Key Visas | 189, 190, 491 | Home Affairs |
| States Covered | NSW, SA, ACT, VIC, QLD | Migration sites |
| ANZSCO versions | 2013 and 2022 | Home Affairs |
| Regional occupation count | 650 (494), 504 (491) | Home Affairs |
The SOL differs from the Occupation Shortage List maintained by Jobsandskills.gov.au, which focuses on point-in-time assessments of where recruitment difficulties exist. Both lists serve distinct purposes within the migration ecosystem.
Where to download the Skilled Occupation List Australia PDF?
Accessing the official list requires navigating to the Department of Home Affairs website, where PDF versions are available for download. The primary resource page at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list provides the main SOL document along with related occupation lists.
PDF download options available
The Home Affairs website hosts multiple PDF documents related to skilled occupation lists. The Core Skills Occupation List PDF at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/Documents/core-sol.pdf covers occupations eligible under the Skills in Demand visa and related programs. These documents update as policy changes occur, making it essential to verify the publication date before use.
Verifying current versions
Australia operates two versions of the ANZSCO classification system. The ANZSCO 2022 version applies to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), and occupations on the CSOL. The ANZSCO 2013 version governs all other skilled visa subclasses, including those on the MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL. Applicants must ensure they reference the correct version for their circumstances.
Before downloading, check the publication date on any PDF from Home Affairs. Lists may be updated at various points throughout the financial year as government priorities shift.
What are the updates to the Skilled Occupation List Australia 2026?
The most recent publicly available SOL data was published by Home Affairs in August 2025, with the Jobsandskills.gov.au occupation shortage list receiving updates in March 2026. These separate but complementary resources reflect ongoing assessment of where Australia faces the most pressing workforce gaps.
Current list status and changes
The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List ceased use on 28 October 2022, with current priorities now referred to in skilled visa processing priorities rather than a separate document. This change streamlined the system, removing one layer of complexity from the skilled migration framework.
2025-26 program year allocations
Occupation ceilings for the 2025-26 financial year establish limits on invitations for certain visa subclasses. These figures represent the maximum number of points-tested invitations available for each occupation:
| Occupation | Subclass 189 places remaining |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | 10,390 |
| Other Medical Practitioners | 647 |
| Specialist Physicians | 473 |
These allocations apply specifically to the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Family Sponsored stream) (subclass 491) visa programs. Employer Sponsored and State and Territory Nominated programs operate without occupation ceilings.
Which occupations are on the Skilled Occupation List for PR?
Permanent residency through skilled migration typically connects applicants to three main visa subclasses: the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). Each pathway draws from different occupation lists and carries distinct requirements.
Subclass 189 visa pathway
The Points-Tested Stream of the Skilled Independent visa draws directly from the SOL combined with occupation ceilings. Candidates must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, with invitation rounds run periodically during the program year. The Income Tax Calculator – 2025 Brackets and Free Tools can help applicants understand the financial implications of Australian residency.
Subclass 190 visa pathway
State and territory nominated applicants under the subclass 190 program must meet both federal SOL requirements and the specific occupation lists maintained by their nominated state. This dual requirement means an occupation appearing on the national SOL may not qualify for nomination in all states.
Subclass 491 visa pathway
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa offers the broadest occupation coverage, with 504 eligible occupations through family sponsorship or state nomination. Regional employer sponsorship through subclass 494 expands this further to 650 occupations, reflecting the government’s priority on directing skilled migration to regional Australia.
What are the state-specific Skilled Occupation Lists?
Each Australian state and territory maintains its own skilled occupation list for nomination purposes. These state-specific compilations reflect regional workforce priorities and may include occupations not appearing on the federal SOL or may exclude occupations the federal list includes.
New South Wales skilled occupation list
NSW publishes its own occupation list for both subclass 190 and subclass 491 nominations. The list changes as the state’s economic priorities evolve, with healthcare, information technology, and engineering roles consistently featuring among priorities. Applicants should verify current eligibility before initiating applications. For more details on skilled occupations, you can refer to athlete’s foot causes symptoms treatment.
Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and ACT lists
Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory each maintain separate occupation lists tailored to their workforce needs. Queensland notably publishes an onshore skilled occupation list specifically for candidates already residing in Queensland. Victoria focuses on sectors aligned with its economic strategy, while South Australia has historically offered broader occupation coverage for regional nominations.
State-specific occupation lists can differ significantly from the federal SOL. An occupation appearing on the national list does not guarantee nomination availability in any particular state. Checking both federal and state requirements remains essential before pursuing permanent residency through state nomination.
How has the SOL evolved over recent years?
The Australian skilled migration occupation framework has undergone several significant changes since the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List was discontinued in October 2022. Understanding this evolution helps applicants contextualize current requirements.
- Pre-October 2022: The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List operated alongside the standard SOL, identifying highest-priority occupations during the pandemic period
- October 2022: PMSOL ceased use; priorities integrated into general skilled visa processing priorities
- 2023-2024: Continued refinement of occupation lists across STSOL, MLTSSL, and CSOL
- August 2025: Home Affairs published updated SOL documentation
- March 2026: Jobsandskills.gov.au released latest occupation shortage assessment
These changes reflect the government’s approach to adapting occupation-based migration to evolving economic conditions and workforce needs.
What information is established versus uncertain about the SOL?
Distinguishing between confirmed information and areas requiring verification helps applicants navigate the SOL framework effectively.
| Established information | Areas requiring verification |
|---|---|
| Official SOL published by Home Affairs | Precise timing of next list update |
| Four occupation lists maintained (STSOL, MLTSSL, ROL, CSOL) | Specific occupations added or removed in future revisions |
| Regional visas have expanded occupation coverage | State nomination occupation changes |
| ANZSCO codes assigned to each occupation | Occupation ceiling adjustments beyond current financial year |
| PMSOL ceased operation in October 2022 | Impact of future policy changes on specific occupations |
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How does the SOL fit within Australia’s broader migration context?
The Skilled Occupation List represents one component within a complex skilled migration ecosystem. Australia uses occupation-based assessment to ensure migrated skills address genuine workforce gaps rather than simply increasing overall immigration numbers.
The Department of Home Affairs describes the SOL as a tool that summarizes occupations Australia needs, acknowledging that skill shortages vary by region and economic sector. This approach allows flexibility while maintaining oversight of who can access skilled migration pathways.
The Jobsandskills.gov.au occupation shortage data provides complementary analysis of where employers face genuine recruitment challenges, supporting the occupation list framework with empirical shortage indicators.
Official sources and policy references
Primary source documentation comes directly from Australian government departments. The Department of Home Affairs maintains the official SOL and related occupation lists, while Jobsandskills provides independent assessment of occupation shortages affecting the Australian labour market.
The Skilled Occupation List summarises the occupations Australia needs to fill skill shortages and determines eligibility for various skilled migration visas.
— Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
The occupation shortage list provides a point-in-time assessment of occupations with skill shortages across Australia.
— Jobsandskills.gov.au
What are the next steps for skilled workers considering Australian migration?
Applicants should verify their occupation appears on the relevant list, download the current PDF from Home Affairs, and confirm state nomination availability if pursuing state-sponsored pathways. The SkillSelect system requires submission of an Expression of Interest detailing qualifications and work experience before invitations are issued.
Those uncertain about their eligibility should consult official Home Affairs resources directly, as occupation list requirements and visa pathways undergo regular review. Understanding which visa subclass aligns with individual circumstances forms the foundation of a successful skilled migration application.
What is the short-term skilled occupation list?
The Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) contains occupations eligible for temporary skilled visas with shorter validity periods. Unlike MLTSSL occupations, those on the STSOL generally cannot lead to permanent residency through employer-sponsored pathways.
Is there a NSW skilled occupation list for 491?
Yes, NSW maintains a skilled occupation list specifically for subclass 491 nominations. This list differs from the federal SOL and changes as the state’s workforce priorities evolve. Applicants should consult the latest NSW nomination requirements before applying.
What is the NSW 190 skilled occupation list?
The NSW 190 skilled occupation list identifies occupations eligible for state nomination under the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa. Separate from subclass 491 eligibility, the NSW 190 list reflects the state’s permanent residency nomination priorities.
What occupations appear on the Core Skills Occupation List?
The CSOL covers sectors including management, agriculture, healthcare, information technology, engineering, construction, trades, and social services. Specific occupations range from Chief Executive and General Practitioners to Electricians, Plumbers, and Social Workers.
How do occupation ceilings affect subclass 189 applications?
Occupation ceilings limit the number of invitations issued for points-tested visas like subclass 189. High-demand occupations such as Registered Nurses have higher ceilings, while ceilings do not apply to employer-sponsored or state-nominated programs.
Can I access the SOL through the Queensland onshore skilled occupation list?
Queensland publishes its own onshore skilled occupation list for candidates already residing in Queensland. This list may include occupations not appearing on federal lists and serves different eligibility purposes.
What role does ANZSCO play in occupation assessment?
ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) assigns skill level and qualification requirements to each occupation. The correct ANZSCO version must be referenced depending on the visa subclass, with 2013 and 2022 versions applying to different programs.
How does SkillSelect work with the SOL?
SkillSelect is the government’s online system where skilled workers submit an Expression of Interest. Those with occupations on eligible lists can be invited to apply for subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas during periodic invitation rounds.
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