Skilled Occupation List Australia 2026: Check Your Job, Visa Options & PR Pathways

If you’re planning to move to Australia for work or permanent residency, one term will keep coming up again and again: the Australia Skilled Occupation List.

And honestly, it can feel confusing at first.

There isn’t just one list. There are different versions. Different visa types. Different categories. And every year, the skilled occupation list Australia keeps evolving based on the country’s workforce needs. That’s why so many people search for things like how to check if my occupation is on the Australia skilled list or which occupations are in demand in Australia for PR.

The truth is simple: If your job is on the Skilled Occupation List, your chances of Australian migration become much stronger.

In the 2023-24 Migration Program, the Skill stream accounted for 72.2 % of all permanent migration places, showing how critical skilled occupations are to Australia’s immigration system. 

But here’s where most people get stuck.

They hear about the skill occupation list Australia, the Australia skill shortage occupation list, the MLTSSL occupation list, the STSOL list, and the core skills occupation list, and suddenly, everything feels overwhelming.

So instead of making this complicated, let’s break it down clearly.

What is the Australia Skilled Occupation List?

The Australia Skilled Occupation List is an official list of jobs that the Australian government considers important for the country’s workforce and economic growth.

In simple words, it shows which occupations Australia needs now and in the coming years.

If your job appears on the Skilled Occupation List, you may be eligible to apply for skilled migration visas and permanent residency. If your occupation is not on the list, most skilled visa pathways are usually not available.

Australia set its 2025-26 permanent migration intake at 185,000 places with around 132,200 (71%) reserved for the Skilled stream (including independent, state-nominated and regional visas). 

The list is based on real workforce shortages. Australia regularly studies demand in industries like healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, education, and trades, and then updates the Australia skilled migration list to reflect those needs.

For anyone aiming for PR, student-to-PR pathways, or skilled work visas, checking the latest Australia skilled occupation list for PR is always the first step.

Australia Skilled Occupation List, Complete Guide to How It Works & How to Apply

If you’re serious about Australian PR, the Australia Skilled Occupation List is not just a reference; it’s the foundation of your entire migration journey.

Every visa, every point, every invitation starts here. Let’s walk through the full process step by step.

Step 1: Find Your Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List

First, you must check whether your job appears on the:

• Skilled Occupation List Australia 2025 / 2026
• Australia Skilled Migration List
• Australia immigration occupation list
• Australia skill shortage occupation list
  
  

You do this using your job title and ANZSCO occupation code.

Your ANZSCO code defines:

• Your job responsibilities
• Skill level
• Assessing authority
• Visa eligibility
  
  

This is the official identity of your profession in the Australian migration system.

Without the correct ANZSCO code, your application cannot move forward.

Step 2: Check Which List Your Occupation Appears On

Once you find your ANZSCO occupation code, the next critical step is to see which occupation list your job appears on. 

• MLTSSL occupation list – Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List
• STSOL occupation list – Short-Term Skilled Occupation List
• Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL Australia)

What does Each List Mean for Your Visa Options? 

If your occupation is on the MLTSSL occupation list, you gain access to Australia’s strongest PR pathways. This list supports:

• Skilled Occupation List Australia for 189 visa (Independent PR)
• Skilled Occupation List Australia for 190 visa (State-nominated PR)
• Skilled Occupation List Australia for 491 visa (Regional pathway to PR)
• Employer-sponsored visas
  
  

If your occupation is on STSOL, your pathways are usually:

• Skilled Occupation List Australia for 190 visa
• Skilled Occupation List Australia for 491 visa
• Employer-sponsored visas
  
  

STSOL roles may not qualify for 189, but they still provide strong PR opportunities through state and regional nomination. 

If your occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL Australia), it mainly supports employer-sponsored skilled visas. 

Step 3: Get Your Skills Assessment

Once your occupation is confirmed, you must apply for a skills assessment from the relevant authority linked to your ANZSCO code.

For example:

• Engineers → Engineers Australia
• IT → ACS
• Healthcare → AHPRA or relevant boards
• Trades → TRA
  
  

Your skills assessment confirms that your education and work experience match Australian standards. Without a positive skills assessment, you cannot apply for skilled visas.

Step 4: Calculate Your Migration Points

Australia selects skilled migrants using a points-based system. This system is designed to rank applicants based on how well their profile matches Australia’s workforce needs.

The higher your points, the stronger your chances of receiving an invitation under the Australian skilled migration list.

Australia gives points for Age, English proficiency, Education qualification, Skilled work experience, Australian study, State or regional nomination, Partner skills or single applicant status, etc.

Skilled Migration Points Table: 

Minimum points required to submit an Expression of Interest: 65 points

Competitive profiles usually score well above this.

How do Points Affect Each Visa Type?

189 Visa – Highest Competition

The Skilled Independent visa (189) has no state or employer support. You compete only on points and occupation demand. This visa usually requires very high points and strong occupations on the MLTSSL.

190 Visa – Medium Competition

The Skilled Nominated visa (190) gives you 5 extra points from state nomination. This makes it more achievable for many applicants whose occupation is on state lists.

491 Visa – More Flexible

The Skilled Work Regional visa (491) gives 15 extra points from regional nomination. This makes it the most accessible PR-pathway visa for many skilled workers. 

How to Read Your Points Strategically?

Your points are not just a number; they decide:

• Which visa should you target
• Which states or regions suit you
• How competitive is your profile is
• How soon will you receive an invitation

For example:

• 90+ points → Strong 189 chances
• 75–85 points → Strong 190 chances
• 65–75 points → Strong 491 chances

Step 5: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

You then submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. This is not a visa application; it is a profile that tells Australia:

I am eligible under the skilled occupation list for Australia immigration and ready for PR consideration.

You select: 

• Visa type
• States or regions
• Occupation
• Points
  
  

Your EOI stays active for 2 years and waits for invitation rounds.

Step 6: Receive an Invitation

If your profile matches demand and points thresholds, you receive an invitation for:

• 189
• 190
• 491

This is where the Australian occupation list for PR becomes a real opportunity.

Step 7: Lodge Your Visa Application

After the invitation, you submit: 

• Skills assessment
• English test
• Work experience documents
• Education certificates
• Police clearance
• Medicals

Once approved, you receive your visa grant.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the Australia Skilled Occupation List is not just about checking a job title on a government website. It’s about understanding how your profession connects to visa options, points, state demand, and long-term PR pathways.

Once you know:

• Which list is your occupation on?
• Which visas does it support?
• How your points position you,
• And which states or regions need your skills? 

Your Australian migration journey stops feeling confusing and starts feeling possible.

But skilled migration is not a one-step process. Small mistakes in ANZSCO selection, skills assessment, points calculation, or visa strategy can delay your PR for years. That’s why having the right guidance makes a real difference.

If you want expert support, Visafast Migration Consultancy, a Registered Migration Agent in Adelaide, is here to help. Our experienced team understands the Australian skilled migration system in depth and can guide you through every stage, from occupation selection and skills assessment to visa filing and PR planning.

Your skills already open the door to Australia. With the right guidance, that door can lead to your Australian skilled visa and permanent residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often is the Australia Skilled Occupation List updated?

The Australia Skilled Occupation List is usually reviewed and updated every year based on labour shortages, industry demand, and economic planning. 

Which occupations are in demand in Australia right now?

High-demand roles include healthcare professionals, engineers, IT specialists, teachers, construction workers, and trades. 

Are trade occupations included in Australia’s skilled occupation list?

Yes. Many trade roles, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, chefs, and mechanics, are included in the skilled occupation list for the Australia visa and remain in strong demand under regional and employer-sponsored pathways.

How do I check if my occupation is on the skilled occupation list?

You can check your occupation by searching your job role with the correct ANZSCO occupation code on the official Australian immigration website or state migration portals. For accurate guidance, a Registered Migration Agent in Adelaide or a MARA Agent Australia can help confirm your eligibility and visa options.