Skilled Occupational List
Skilled Occupation List (SOL) in Australia – 2025 Guide
Find Out If Your Occupation Is Eligible for Skilled Migration
Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) plays a crucial role in skilled migration, helping international workers determine their visa eligibility based on in-demand occupations. If you’re considering migrating to Australia, understanding the SOL and how it applies to your profession is essential.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the SOL, including visa pathways, skills assessments, and how to increase your chances of securing a work visa.
What is the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)?
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is a government-approved list of professions eligible for Australian skilled migration. The list is regularly updated based on labor market needs and economic demands.
Why is the SOL important?
✔ Determines visa eligibility for skilled workers
✔ Helps businesses fill skill shortages
✔ Supports Australia’s long-term economic growth
The SOL is divided into multiple categories, each aligned with specific visa subclasses:
| Category | Description | Applicable Visas |
|---|---|---|
| Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) | High-demand occupations needed long-term across Australia | Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482, 186 |
| Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) | Professions with short to medium-term demand | Subclass 482, 190, 491 |
| Regional Occupation List (ROL) | Roles critical to regional Australia | Subclass 491, 494 |
👉 Not sure which list your occupation is on?
💡 Book a Consultation for expert migration advice.
Who Can Apply for a Skilled Visa?
To qualify for a skilled visa using the Skilled Occupation List, you must:
✅ Have an occupation listed on MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL
✅ Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority
✅ Meet age, English proficiency, and experience requirements
✅ Secure state nomination (if applicable)
Each occupation has specific qualification and experience requirements, which are assessed by official skills assessment authorities (e.g., Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, TRA).
Detailed Breakdown of Selected Occupations in the SOL
This section provides a detailed breakdown of high-demand occupations, their visa eligibility, and skills assessment requirements.
1️⃣ Registered Nurse (Aged Care)
- ANZSCO Code: 254412
- Skills Assessment Authority: ANMAC
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186, 482, 407
- Qualification Required: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing
- Work Experience: 1-2 years preferred
2️⃣ Civil Engineer
- ANZSCO Code: 233211
- Skills Assessment Authority: Engineers Australia
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186, 482
- Qualification Required: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
- Work Experience: 3+ years preferred
3️⃣ Electrician (General)
- ANZSCO Code: 341111
- Skills Assessment Authority: TRA
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186, 482
- Qualification Required: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Work Experience: 3+ years
4️⃣ Software Engineer
- ANZSCO Code: 261313
- Skills Assessment Authority: ACS
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186, 482
- Qualification Required: Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering
5️⃣ Secondary School Teacher
- ANZSCO Code: 241411
- Skills Assessment Authority: AITSL
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186
- Qualification Required: Bachelor’s degree in Education
6️⃣ Mechanical Engineer
- ANZSCO Code: 233512
- Skills Assessment Authority: Engineers Australia
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186, 482
- Qualification Required: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
7️⃣ Chef
- ANZSCO Code: 351311
- Skills Assessment Authority: TRA
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186, 482
- Qualification Required: Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery
8️⃣ Diesel Motor Mechanic
- ANZSCO Code: 321212
- Skills Assessment Authority: TRA
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186, 482
- Qualification Required: Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
9️⃣ Carpenter
- ANZSCO Code: 331212
- Skills Assessment Authority: TRA
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186, 482
- Qualification Required: Certificate III in Carpentry
🔟 ICT Business Analyst
- ANZSCO Code: 261111
- Skills Assessment Authority: ACS
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186, 482
- Qualification Required: Bachelor’s degree in IT, Business, or related field
🟦 11 Graphic Designer
- ANZSCO Code: 232411
- Skills Assessment Authority: VETASSESS
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 482
- Qualification Required: Diploma or degree in Graphic Design
🟦 12 Marketing Specialist
- ANZSCO Code: 225113
- Skills Assessment Authority: VETASSESS
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 482
- Qualification Required: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing
🟦 13 Construction Project Manager
- ANZSCO Code: 133111
- Skills Assessment Authority: VETASSESS
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 482, 186
- Qualification Required: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management
🟦 14 Database Administrator
- ANZSCO Code: 262111
- Skills Assessment Authority: ACS
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186, 482
- Qualification Required: Bachelor’s degree in IT or Computer Science
🟦 15 Architect
- ANZSCO Code: 232111
- Skills Assessment Authority: AACA
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186
- Qualification Required: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture
🟦 16 Physiotherapist
- ANZSCO Code: 252511
- Skills Assessment Authority: Australian Physiotherapy Council
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186
- Qualification Required: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Physiotherapy
🟦 17 Environmental Consultant
- ANZSCO Code: 234312
- Skills Assessment Authority: VETASSESS
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186
- Qualification Required: Bachelor’s in Environmental Science
🟦 18 Clinical Psychologist
- ANZSCO Code: 272311
- Skills Assessment Authority: APC
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186
- Qualification Required: Master’s or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
🟦 19 Veterinarian
- ANZSCO Code: 234711
- Skills Assessment Authority: AVBC
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186
- Qualification Required: Bachelor’s or Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine
🟦 20 Social Worker
- ANZSCO Code: 272511
- Skills Assessment Authority: AASW
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186
- Qualification Required: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work
🟦 21 Plumber (General)
- ANZSCO Code: 334111
- Skills Assessment Authority: TRA
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186, 482
- Qualification Required: Certificate III in Plumbing
🟦 22 Automotive Electrician
- ANZSCO Code: 321111
- Skills Assessment Authority: TRA
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186, 482
- Qualification Required: Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
🟦 23 Medical Laboratory Scientist
- ANZSCO Code: 234611
- Skills Assessment Authority: AIMS
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186
- Qualification Required: Bachelor’s in Medical Science
🟦 24 University Lecturer
- ANZSCO Code: 242111
- Skills Assessment Authority: VETASSESS
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186
- Qualification Required: PhD in relevant field
🟦 25 Midwife
- ANZSCO Code: 254111
- Skills Assessment Authority: ANMAC
- Relevant Visas: 189, 190, 491, 186
- Qualification Required: Bachelor’s in Midwifery
📌 What If Your Occupation Isn’t Listed?
If your profession is not listed above, it may still be on the SOL. You can:
✔ Check the complete list on the Australian Government website
✔ Speak with our migration experts for personalized advice
✔ Consider alternative visa pathways, such as employer sponsorship or state nomination
💡 Book a Consultation to assess your eligibility today.
Recent Updates to the Skilled Occupation List (2024)
📌 NEWLY ADDED OCCUPATIONS:
✅ Yoga Instructors, Cybersecurity Analysts, Data Scientists
✅ Aged Care Workers, Dog Trainers, Beauty Therapists
📌 OCCUPATIONS REMOVED:
❌ Certain Machinery Operators (Drillers, Bulldozer Operators)
❌ Print Journalists, Radio Presenters
Skills Assessment – How It Works
To apply for a skilled visa, you must obtain a skills assessment from an approved authority.
| Occupation | Assessment Authority |
|---|---|
| Engineers | Engineers Australia |
| IT Professionals | Australian Computer Society (ACS) |
| Trades | Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) |
| Accountants | CPA Australia, CAANZ, IPA |
📌 Timeframes vary, but assessments typically take 6-12 weeks.
💡 Need help with your skills assessment?
✔️ Book a Consultation with our expert migration agents.
How to Apply for an Australian Skilled Visa Using the SOL
1️⃣ Find Your Occupation on the SOL
✔️ Check whether your job is on MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL.
2️⃣ Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment
✔️ Submit required documents to the appropriate skills assessment body.
3️⃣ Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
✔️ Apply via SkillSelect to enter the visa pool.
4️⃣ Receive an Invitation & Apply for a Visa
✔️ Once invited, submit your visa application with supporting documents.
📌 Processing times vary but can range from 4 to 18 months depending on the visa type.
Why Choose Simon Mander Consulting?
✔ 22+ Years of Experience in Australian migration
✔ High Success Rate for skilled visa applications
✔ Tailored Advice based on your unique situation
💡 Don’t risk your application – let an expert guide you.
🚀 Book a Consultation Today
Final Thoughts
The Skilled Occupation List is your gateway to securing an Australian work visa. Whether you’re an engineer, nurse, electrician, or software developer, finding the right visa pathway is critical.
🔎 Need help? Contact Simon Mander Consulting for expert migration assistance! 🚀
Disclaimer: The above information is general in nature, and does not constitute migration advice. For professional advice please book a consultation. The Skilled Occupation List is subject to change. Please refer to the official Australian Government website for the latest updates.