Australian Skilled Occupation Lists Explained
Your nominated occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list for the visa you want to apply for. The list your occupation sits on determines which visa subclasses are open to you.
Quick answer
Australia uses occupation lists to decide which visas you're eligible for. For employer-sponsored visas, the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) replaced the older lists from December 2024. Points-tested visas (189, 190, 491) still draw on the MLTSSL and related lists. Always check your occupation's ANZSCO code against the current list for your visa.
How did the occupation lists change in 2024?
Australia's occupation lists were significantly reformed when the Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa on 7 December 2024. For employer-sponsored migration, a single new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) replaced the former MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL.
The CSOL is maintained by Jobs and Skills Australia and is reviewed at least once a year against genuine labour-market demand. Unlike the old system, it is not split into 'short-term' and 'long-term' tiers and there is no cap on the number of visas granted against it.
What are the main occupation lists today?
Which list matters to you depends on the visa you're targeting. Employer-sponsored and points-tested pathways use different lists, so identify your pathway first.
- CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List) — the employer-sponsored Skills in Demand visa (Core Skills stream)
- MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) — points-tested subclasses 189, 190 and 491
- STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List) — still relevant for some state-nominated 190/491 occupations
- ROL (Regional Occupation List) — additional occupations for regional 491 and 494 pathways
How does the Skills in Demand visa differ from the points test?
The Skills in Demand visa does not use a points test at all. Instead, eligibility for its Core Skills stream requires your occupation to be on the CSOL, an employer sponsor, and a salary that meets the Core Skills Income Threshold — set at AUD 73,150 for 2025–26.
By contrast, the independent and state-nominated visas (189, 190 and 491) remain points-tested and continue to rely on the MLTSSL and related lists. Knowing which system applies to you determines whether you should focus on your points score or on securing an employer sponsor.
How do you find your occupation and ANZSCO code?
Every occupation has a six-digit ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code. Search the official lists for the occupation that best matches your actual duties — not just your job title — because your skills assessment is judged against the ANZSCO description, not the name of your role.
If your day-to-day work spans two occupations, choose the one whose listed duties most closely reflect what you actually do and can evidence. Picking the wrong code is one of the most common reasons skills assessments are refused.
Why do the lists change, and how should you respond?
The Government and Jobs and Skills Australia review the lists to reflect shifting labour-market needs, so occupations can be added, removed or moved between lists. This means an occupation that is eligible today may not be in a future review.
The practical takeaway is to confirm your occupation's current status immediately before lodging an Expression of Interest or nomination, and to act promptly once you are eligible rather than waiting, since list changes are not always announced far in advance.
Sources & further reading
- Department of Home Affairs — Skilled occupation lists
- Jobs and Skills Australia — Core Skills Occupation List
- Department of Home Affairs — Skills in Demand visa
Figures are indicative and were last reviewed on 15 May 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements with the relevant official authority before acting.
Frequently asked questions
What if my occupation is removed from the list after I apply?
If you have already been invited to apply or your nomination is lodged, you can generally proceed. If you only have an Expression of Interest and your occupation is removed, you may no longer be eligible for an invitation under that occupation.
Can my occupation be on more than one list?
Yes. Many occupations appear on more than one list, which can open multiple visa pathways — for example, both an employer-sponsored CSOL route and a points-tested MLTSSL route.
Is there a points test for the Skills in Demand visa?
No. The Skills in Demand visa replaced the 482 visa in December 2024 and does not use a points test. Its Core Skills stream instead requires a CSOL occupation, an employer sponsor and a salary at or above the Core Skills Income Threshold.
Where can I check the current lists?
The Department of Home Affairs publishes the current skilled occupation lists, and Jobs and Skills Australia maintains the Core Skills Occupation List. Always rely on these official sources rather than third-party copies, which can be out of date.
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