Australia is actively seeking fresh talent to fill over 135,000 skill shortages across sectors such as healthcare, information technology and engineering—an opportunity that beckons professionals from overseas. The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is the cornerstone of this process, listing government-approved occupations that qualify for Australia’s skilled migration visas. Whether you’re a software developer eyeing a tech career in Sydney or a nurse planning to work in Melbourne, the SOL will determine your eligibility.
In the pages that follow, you’ll gain a step-by-step understanding of:
- The ANZSCO classification framework and skill levels
- The three SOL categories: MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL
- Techniques for searching the official list on the Home Affairs website
- The visa application journey from Expression of Interest to grant
- Requirements for a successful skills assessment
- High-demand occupations and labour market insights
- Recent 2024 SOL updates and state/territory nomination pathways
- Common pitfalls to avoid and essential resources to bookmark
This guide is designed to demystify the SOL and give you clarity at every turn. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to select the right ANZSCO code, prepare your documents and take the next step toward building your life and career in Australia.
1. What is the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and why it matters?
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL), or SOL, sits at the core of Australia’s skilled migration program. By naming the professions the country needs most, it becomes the definitive roadmap for anyone exploring skilled visas. From points-tested streams to employer-sponsored pathways, your chosen occupation must appear on the SOL before you can progress.
1.1 Definition of the SOL
The SOL is a government-approved list of professions eligible for Australian skilled visas, published and maintained by the Department of Home Affairs. It has a firm legislative footing: each occupation’s inclusion is backed by specific legislative instruments, which you can review in the Department’s list of legislative instruments.
1.2 Purpose and significance for migrants
For prospective migrants, the SOL determines which visa subclasses are available—be it the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491). Employers and state or territory governments also turn to the SOL when nominating candidates for employer-sponsored and regional schemes.
Consider this: a software developer finds “Software Engineer” or “Developer Programmer” listed under the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, making them eligible for a 189 visa without sponsorship. Meanwhile, a bartender—an occupation not on the SOL—has no skilled migration route and must explore alternatives. Selecting the correct ANZSCO code from the SOL is your first—and non-negotiable—step towards a successful visa application.
2. Understanding the ANZSCO Classification System
Every occupation on the SOL is drawn from the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) dictionary. ANZSCO provides a consistent framework to describe the skills, qualifications and tasks required for each job. By aligning your experience with the correct ANZSCO code, you’ll reduce the risk of visa refusal and ensure you’re applying under the right skilled stream.
At its core, ANZSCO organises jobs into a hierarchy and assigns a skill level from 1 (highest) to 5 (lowest). Governments, employers and assessing authorities rely on these classifications to determine eligibility for visas, state nominations and skills assessments. Let’s break down how ANZSCO is structured, how skill levels work and why this matters for your Australia skilled migration list journey.
2.1 ANZSCO hierarchical structure
ANZSCO organises occupations in five nested levels:
- Major Group
• Broad industry sectors (e.g., Managers, Technicians). - Sub-Major Group
• More specific divisions within a sector (e.g., Professional, Community and Personal Service Workers). - Minor Group
• Narrower clusters of related occupations (e.g., Health Professionals). - Unit Group
• Detailed groups sharing a core set of tasks (e.g., Medical Laboratory Scientists). - Occupation
• The individual job title with a four-digit ANZSCO code (e.g.,233211for Civil Engineer).
2.2 Skill level classifications 1–5
ANZSCO assigns each occupation a skill level based on typical qualification requirements:
- Level 1: Bachelor’s degree or higher
Example: Civil Engineer - Level 2: Associate degree or advanced diploma
Example: Enrolled Nurse - Level 3: Certificate IV/III plus at least two years’ on-the-job training
Example: Electrician (General) - Level 4: Certificate III/II
Example: Cabinetmaker - Level 5: Certificate I or secondary school
Example: Fruit Picker
2.3 Relevance of ANZSCO in visa eligibility
Visa streams reference ANZSCO skill levels to ensure migrants meet job entry standards. For instance, the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) generally require skill levels 1–3. Choosing an ANZSCO code that matches your actual duties and qualifications avoids delays and refusals. Always review the official ANZSCO task descriptions and compare them to your current role before submitting your Expression of Interest.
3. Categories within the Skilled Occupation List
Australia’s Skilled Occupation List is broken into three distinct sub-lists, each designed to reflect the country’s workforce priorities. By categorising occupations according to national demand, short-term needs and regional requirements, the Department of Home Affairs ensures that visa places are allocated efficiently and in line with labour market shortages. Understanding which list your occupation falls under will help you identify the right visa pathway and improve your chances of a successful application.
3.1 Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
The MLTSSL covers occupations that Australia expects to need for years to come. Roles on this list support key industries—like engineering, healthcare and ICT—that underpin the national economy. If your occupation appears here, you’re eligible for several permanent and long-stay temporary visas:
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) – Medium-Term stream
3.2 Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
The STSOL targets occupations experiencing cyclical or short-to-medium term shortages. While not all roles here lead directly to permanent residency, they open doors for temporary work and training opportunities:
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) – Short-Term stream
- Training visa (subclass 407)
- (Historical) Skilled Regional visa (subclass 489) – points-tested stream
3.3 Regional Occupation List (ROL)
To support growth in regional Australia, the ROL identifies professions critical to non-metropolitan areas. Occupations on this list attract priority in several region-focused visa programs:
- Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) – Family- and State/Territory-nominated streams
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187)
4. How to search and access the official SOL
Before you dive into visa streams or ANZSCO codes, you need to know exactly where to find the live Skilled Occupation List and how to make the most of its features. The Department of Home Affairs maintains an interactive table that’s updated whenever occupations are added, removed or shifted between lists. Familiarising yourself with this page and its tools will save you precious time and help ensure you’re always looking at the latest information.
4.1 Visiting the Home Affairs SOL page
Head straight to the official SOL page at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list. Here you’ll find:
- A filter panel to narrow down occupations by visa subclass and list category
- A table with columns for Occupation, ANZSCO code, Visa streams, List (MLTSSL/STSOL/ROL) and Assessing authority
- Download buttons for CSV or PDF versions of the list
Spend a few moments clicking around: try opening the CSV to see how it’s structured, and note where the “Last updated” date appears. This initial walkthrough will make subsequent searches much faster.
4.2 Filtering by visa subclass and list category
On the left side of the page, tick the boxes for the visa subclass and list types relevant to your situation. For example, if you’re aiming for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) under the MLTSSL, select “190” and “MLTSSL.” The table refreshes instantly—no page reload needed—showing only occupations that match your criteria. Then, scan each row to confirm the ANZSCO code, see which visa streams apply, and note the assessing authority you’ll need to approach for your skills assessment.
4.3 Tips for effective searches
Searching a long table can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but these tricks will keep you on target:
- Use your browser’s find function (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) to jump to keywords like “Engineer” or “Accountant.”
- Download the CSV to apply your own filters and sorts offline—ideal for sharing or archiving.
- Always glance at the “Last updated” timestamp to make sure you’re viewing current data.
- Bookmark the SOL page and revisit it before you lodge your Expression of Interest—changes can happen with little notice.
Armed with these techniques, you’ll zero in on your occupation in no time and move smoothly into the next phase of your skilled migration journey.
5. Step-by-step process to apply for a skilled migration visa
Navigating a skilled migration visa application can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into focused stages helps you stay on track. From your first Expression of Interest to meeting post-arrival requirements, these steps outline exactly what you need to do.
5.1 Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Begin by lodging an EOI via the SkillSelect portal. In your submission, you’ll need to:
- Choose the correct ANZSCO code and describe your core duties
- Provide evidence for age, English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, PTE), qualifications and skilled work experience
- Claim any bonus points—such as regional study or partner skills—backed by certified documents
Most points-tested streams require at least 65 points. However, competitive invitations for visas like subclass 189 often need 80 points or more. Compile accurate, certified copies to support every claim and speed up processing.
5.2 Receiving an invitation and lodging the visa application
Invitations to apply are issued during scheduled SkillSelect rounds—commonly on a monthly basis for streams such as 189, 190 and 491. Once invited:
- Assemble your supporting documents:
- A positive skills assessment from the relevant authority
- Police clearances for each country where you’ve spent 12 months or more
- Health examination results as required by Home Affairs
- Log in to ImmiAccount, complete the visa application form, attach your documents and pay the visa application fee. Fees typically start around AUD 4,000 for the primary applicant and vary by subclass.
- Monitor your ImmiAccount for any requests for further information and respond promptly.
Plan for additional costs like translations, medical tests and potential migration agent fees.
5.3 Visa grant and post-arrival obligations
Upon grant, you’ll receive a visa grant letter detailing validity dates, travel conditions and any special stipulations. After arriving in Australia:
- Check your visa status and conditions on the VEVO portal
- If employer-sponsored, ensure your employer meets sponsorship obligations, including paying the agreed salary
- Comply with visa conditions, such as working in your nominated occupation, staying in designated regional areas (for 491/494 visas) and meeting any travel restrictions
Sticking to these conditions safeguards your visa and future applications. With the right planning and compliance, you’ll be ready to embark on your Australian adventure.
6. Obtaining a positive skills assessment
Before you submit your Expression of Interest, one non-negotiable hurdle is the skills assessment. This independent evaluation verifies that your qualifications, work experience and professional standing align with Australian standards for your nominated occupation. Securing a positive outcome early in the process not only boosts your points score but also prevents last-minute surprises that could derail your visa application.
A skills assessment typically takes between six and twelve weeks. Factoring this timeframe into your migration plan—ideally applying several months before you intend to lodge your EOI—minimises stress and keeps your overall timeline on track.
6.1 Role and timing of skills assessment
Skills assessments serve two main functions. First, they confirm that your overseas qualifications and employment history meet the benchmark set by the relevant Australian assessing authority. Second, a positive result is a formal prerequisite for most points-tested visa streams, including subclasses 189, 190 and 491. Without it, your EOI cannot proceed to an invitation.
Begin your assessment as soon as you decide on an occupation and its ANZSCO code. Delays are common if documents aren’t in order or you select the wrong assessing authority. By starting early, you’ll have time to correct any missteps and ensure your application package is complete when you lodge your EOI.
6.2 Approved assessing authorities
Different professions require assessments from specific bodies. Below are the key authorities you may need to engage:
- Engineers Australia: engineering disciplines
- VETASSESS: trades, hospitality, community services and general occupations
- Australian Computer Society (ACS): ICT professionals
- Medical Colleges and Boards (e.g., AHPRA, MedBA): doctors, nurses, allied health
- Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), CPA Australia, Institute of Public Accountants (IPA): accounting and finance roles
Check the Home Affairs SOL table for the “Assessing authority” column to confirm which body handles your occupation.
6.3 Preparing required documentation
Careful preparation of your supporting documents can make or break your skills assessment. Use this checklist to assemble your application:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (certified copies)
- Curriculum vitae detailing employers, roles and dates
- Reference letters on company letterhead confirming duties and length of service
- Professional registrations or licences (where applicable)
- Proof of any continuing professional development or membership in relevant bodies
Once submitted, assessing authorities will review your package against ANZSCO task statements and qualification criteria. If anything is missing or unclear, expect a request for further information. By double-checking your documents and following each authority’s guidelines, you’ll reduce the likelihood of queries and keep your assessment on schedule.
7. High-demand occupations and labour market insights
Australia’s labour market is evolving rapidly, with the National Skills Commission (NSC) pointing to persistent shortages in essential roles and strong growth prospects across key sectors. Keeping an eye on these trends not only guides your choice of occupation on the SOL but also helps you anticipate where opportunities will emerge in the coming years. Below, we break down the latest Skills Priority List, examine five-year projections for high-growth fields, and provide a snapshot of the occupations experiencing the greatest demand.
7.1 Skills Priority List highlights
The NSC’s Skills Priority List identifies occupations where employer demand outstrips supply. In its most recent edition, shortages are most acute among healthcare professionals, IT specialists and skilled tradespeople. Registered Nurses continue to top the list, reflecting an ageing population and ongoing pressure on hospital and aged-care services. Likewise, Software Developers and Cybersecurity Analysts remain critical as businesses bolster digital infrastructure. Civil and Mechanical Engineers are also in short supply, driven by large-scale infrastructure and renewable energy projects. These insights underline where Australia is leaning heavily on skilled migrants to bridge gaps.
7.2 Employment projections and trends
Over the next five years, the NSC forecasts robust employment growth in healthcare (nursing, aged care and allied health), construction (civil engineering, project management) and ICT (software development, network and security engineering). Rising replacement demand—jobs vacated by retirements or turnover—adds further openings across these fields. For example, healthcare roles are expected to generate tens of thousands of vacancies annually, not only from population growth but also due to workforce attrition. By aligning your migration plans with these projections, you position yourself in sectors where long-term career prospects and job security are strongest.
7.3 Example table of top shortage occupations
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Projected Openings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 254499 | 20,000+ |
| Software Developer | 261312 | 15,000+ |
| Civil Engineer | 233211 | 8,000+ |
This table offers a snapshot of the highest-ranked occupations, but keep an eye on detailed NSC reports for emerging shortages in data science, aged-care work and regional healthcare roles. Matching your skills to these in-demand areas will give your application both relevance and resilience in Australia’s skilled migration system.
8. Recent changes to the SOL (2024 updates)
Australia’s labour needs evolve constantly, and the Department of Home Affairs updates the Skilled Occupation List to reflect shifting shortages. The 2024 revisions include a handful of roles added to address emerging gaps, as well as several occupations that have been removed as demand stabilises. Below we outline the key changes and what they mean for applicants.
8.1 Newly added occupations
To capture new areas of demand, the SOL now includes occupations in technology, health and specialised services. These additions expand the options for migrants with cutting-edge or niche expertise:
- Yoga Instructor
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Aged Care Worker
- Dog Trainer
- Beauty Therapist
Adding these roles recognises Australia’s need for wellness practitioners, digital security experts and frontline care workers, among others.
8.2 Removed occupations
Conversely, some professions have been taken off the SOL as shortages ease or become region-specific. From July 2024, these occupations are no longer eligible for points-tested skilled visas:
- Driller (Machinery Operator)
- Bulldozer Operator
- Print Journalist
- Radio Presenter
If your occupation appears here and you’re mid-application, don’t panic—there are alternative pathways such as employer sponsorship or state nomination that may still be open to you.
8.3 Transitional arrangements and caveats
The Department recognises that sudden removals can disrupt pending applications. Accordingly:
- Pending nominations and visa applications lodged before the removal date remain valid and unaffected.
- If your occupation has a caveat—such as minimum business size for an ENS nomination or “regional only” restrictions for a TSS visa—these conditions still apply even after an update.
Always double-check the SOL’s “caveats” column and any legislative instruments to ensure your application meets all specific requirements, especially when business turnover or location criteria are in play.
9. State and territory nomination and additional lists
Beyond the national Skilled Occupation List, each Australian state and territory maintains its own occupation lists. These tailored lists reflect local labour shortages and can offer extra pathways to skilled migrants. By securing a nomination from a state or territory government, you not only gain priority access to roles that may not appear on the federal SOL but also pick up an additional five points for your visa application. Understanding how these regional streams work—and where to find the right list—can be the key to turning your points score into an invitation to apply.
9.1 Why state nomination matters
State nomination boosts your visa application in two critical ways:
- Five bonus points: Most state-nominated streams (such as subclass 190 and subclass 491) award a +5 point boost, often making the difference between an invitation and a pass.
- Expanded occupation coverage: Some states include occupations on their lists that aren’t on the national SOL, opening doors for niche or region-specific skills.
However, with nomination comes commitment. You’ll need to agree to live, work or study in that state or territory for a specified period—typically two years. In return, you’ll face lower points thresholds and enjoy a stronger chance of securing that coveted invitation.
9.2 Examples of state-specific occupation lists
Each state or territory publishes its own Skilled Occupation List, with unique entries and criteria. For instance, South Australia’s list is geared towards boosting regional industries such as healthcare, agribusiness and engineering. You can browse their requirements on the South Australia Skilled Occupation List page:
- South Australia: Skilled Occupation List
Other states—like Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania—similarly adjust their occupation lists to reflect local labour market needs. Before you lodge your EOI, check each jurisdiction’s selection to spot any additional roles that might suit your background.
9.3 How to apply for state nomination
The general process for securing a state nomination looks like this:
- Express your interest: In your SkillSelect EOI, indicate which state or territory you’re targeting (and which visa stream).
- State-level application: Visit the relevant state government website and complete their nomination form, providing evidence of work experience, qualifications and a commitment to live in that region.
- Meet specific criteria: Some states require a certain score, occupational ceiling, work history in the region or a job offer from a local employer.
- Wait for approval: Once your state application is accepted, you’ll receive a nomination letter—valid for 60 to 90 days—that you can attach to your visa application.
- Lodge your visa application: Use the nomination to claim the extra points and finalise your visa application through ImmiAccount.
By aligning your skills with a state’s priorities and following their nomination process, you’ll maximise your chances of obtaining an invitation—and doing so with a valuable points boost.
10. Common pitfalls and tips for choosing the right occupation
Picking the right occupation from the Skilled Occupation List is more than ticking a box—it’s the foundation of your entire visa application. A misstep here can lead to delays, extra costs or even outright refusal. In this section, we’ll highlight the most frequent mistakes applicants make and share practical tips to keep you on track, from understanding ANZSCO caveats to ensuring your choice aligns with future career goals.
10.1 Misclassification risks and caveats
One of the quickest ways to derail your application is by selecting an ANZSCO code that doesn’t match your real-world duties. Each code comes with a set of task statements and, sometimes, caveats—specific conditions around business size, regional only roles or minimum turnover.
• Always read the ANZSCO task statements in full.
• Check the “Caveats” column in the SOL—for example, some ENS streams exclude businesses with fewer than five employees or require regional postcodes.
• If your role covers tasks from multiple unit groups, choose the code that best reflects your primary responsibilities.
Getting this right up front means your skills assessment and EOI will proceed smoothly, without unexpected “mismatch” letters from Home Affairs.
10.2 Ensuring long-term career fit
Your SOL occupation choice shouldn’t just get you a visa—it should set you up for success in Australia’s labour market. Before you commit:
• Research five-year employment projections for your occupation via National Skills Commission reports.
• Consider geographic demand. A role in high demand nationally may still be scarce in regions you prefer, and vice versa.
• Factor in professional registration or licensing. Health, building and teaching professions often require local registration bodies (e.g., AHPRA for nurses, state engineering boards).
By aligning your migration path with sectors that are both in demand and aligned to your lifestyle, you’ll avoid ending up in a job market that stalls your career growth.
10.3 Best practices for accurate self-assessment
Before you lodge your EOI, take time to vet your own credentials against official criteria:
- Compare your CV and job descriptions directly to the ANZSCO task statements—highlight matching duties and pinpoint any gaps.
- Gather evidence for each claimed duty: reference letters, position descriptions and performance reviews can illustrate how your work aligns with ANZSCO requirements.
- If you have any doubts, seek pre-EOI advice from a registered migration agent. A brief consultation can prevent costly mistakes and clarify ambiguous points.
- Maintain a version-controlled folder of all documents so you can quickly update or add evidence if an assessing authority requests more information.
Investing a little extra effort here pays dividends in peace of mind and keeps your application moving forward without unexpected hurdles.
11. Additional resources and tools
With so much information to track—occupation lists, visa streams and assessing authorities—having the right resources at your fingertips can save hours of research and prevent costly mistakes. Below, we’ve curated a selection of official guides, reference manuals and online tools to help you plan and manage every step of your skilled migration journey.
11.1 Simon Mander Consulting’s comprehensive guide
For an in-depth walkthrough of the Skilled Occupation List and practical tips on choosing the right ANZSCO code, check out Simon Mander Consulting’s guide: Skilled Occupation List in Australia. It breaks down each list category, links directly to official Home Affairs pages and offers actionable advice tailored to your circumstances.
11.2 ANZSCO conceptual framework reference
Understanding the structure behind each ANZSCO code can help you match your skills to the right occupation. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides the full conceptual basis in their manual: ANZSCO conceptual basis (2021). This resource explains how occupations are defined, grouped and assigned skill levels.
11.3 National Skills Commission publications
For labour market trends, shortage analyses and five-year projections, explore the National Skills Commission’s archive: National Skills Commission publications. Their reports provide a data-driven look at which occupations will remain in demand and where replacement needs are most acute.
11.4 Other official tools and calculators
Keep these online portals and calculators bookmarked—they’re essential for up-to-date checks and submissions:
- VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online): check your visa conditions and expiry dates.
- ImmiAccount and SkillSelect portals: lodge your Expression of Interest, track invitations and manage your application.
- State nomination websites: review each jurisdiction’s occupation list, application forms and regional criteria.
- Occupation ceiling calculator: estimate how many places remain in your target visa stream for the current program year (available on the Home Affairs site).
By combining these resources with the steps outlined above, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate Australia’s skilled migration process with confidence.
12. Wrapping up and next steps
You’ve now walked through every critical element of Australia’s skilled migration pathway:
- The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) as your eligibility roadmap.
- The ANZSCO framework and its skill levels, ensuring you choose the right code.
- The three SOL categories—MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL—and their associated visa streams.
- Practical tips for searching the official SOL on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- A clear, step-by-step guide to lodging your EOI, securing an invitation, and finalising your visa application.
- How to obtain a positive skills assessment, complete with documentation checklists and key assessing authorities.
- Labour market insights into high-demand occupations and five-year projections.
- The 2024 SOL updates, highlighting new additions, removals and transitional arrangements.
- Leveraging state and territory nomination to gain bonus points and access niche occupation lists.
Now it’s time to put that knowledge into action. Start by:
- Scheduling your skills assessment early—allow up to 12 weeks for results.
- Selecting the precise ANZSCO code that matches your day-to-day duties.
- Bookmarking and regularly revisiting the SOL page to catch any updates.
- Researching state-specific occupation lists if you need that extra five-point boost.
- Organising your documents and reference letters into a version-controlled folder.
Every step you take now reduces uncertainty later. If you’d like personalised guidance—tailored to your background and goals—consider booking a one-on-one consultation with Simon Mander Consulting. Our team can help you refine your strategy, ensure your paperwork is watertight and set a realistic timeline for your migration journey. Plus, you’ll receive our free Skilled Migration Booklet to keep by your side as you navigate each milestone.
Ready to get started? Head over to Simon Mander Consulting to book your consultation and download the booklet. Here’s to turning your Australian career aspirations into reality.
