Skilled worker categories •

Skilled worker categories •

Australian flag on a desk with books and US dollars

For skilled migration to Australia, there are two main occupation lists: the National Skilled Occupation Lists and the State and Territory Occupation Lists. Each list contains specific categories and sublists that outline the eligible occupations.

Explore the specific roles available under each list below.

National Skilled Occupation Lists

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs maintains three key occupation lists that underpin the various skilled migration programs:

Department of Home Affairs (National Lists): immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list

  1. Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

  2. Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

  3. Regional Occupation List (ROL)

  • Purpose: Used for permanent skilled visas (e.g. Subclass 189, 190, and 186) and some streams of the TSS (482) visa.

    Examples of Occupations on the MLTSSL (as of the most recent publicised version):

    • Registered Nurses (various specialisations)

    • Medical Practitioners (GPs, specialists)

    • Engineers (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software)

    • Secondary School Teachers

    • ICT Professionals (Developer Programmers, Software Engineers, etc.)

    • Accountants

    • Chefs

    • Construction Trades (Plumbers, Electricians, Carpenters, etc.)

  • Purpose: Generally used for the short-term stream of the TSS (482) visa.

    Examples of Occupations on the STSOL:

    • Café and Restaurant Managers

    • Hotel or Motel Managers

    • Customer Service Managers

    • Marketing Specialists

    • Cooks

    • Web Designers

    • Community Workers

    Many occupations on the STSOL do not lead directly to permanent residence through the ENS 186 (unless concessions or transitional arrangements apply), but they can sometimes lead to state-sponsored visas if a state/territory includes them on its list.

  • Purpose: For certain regional (Subclass 491 or 494) visas.

    Examples: Occupations in demand specifically in regional areas (e.g. some specialist trades, health roles, farming managers, etc.).

    A current, detailed list (with ANZSCO codes) can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website under “Skilled Occupation Lists.”

State and Territory Occupation Lists

Each state and territory in Australia publishes its own sponsorship lists, aligned to the subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas. States may add or remove occupations based on local labour market needs. Below is a summary of each state’s approach and where to check for the latest specifics:

State/Territory Government Sites:

Summary

  • The MLTSSL remains the key national list for those aiming for long-term or permanent skilled visas.

  • The STSOL is often relevant for employer sponsorship in hospitality and other short-term roles, although state nomination can also open permanent pathways depending on the state.

  • Each state or territory tailors its list to its current labour market; occupations can move between lists or come off entirely.

  • Always verify official sources for the most accurate, up-to-date occupation listings and requirements.

    • NSW typically aligns many occupations with the MLTSSL but also includes certain STSOL occupations for Subclass 190 and 491.

    • Occupations are organised by “streams,” reflecting different eligibility criteria (e.g. point scores, work experience).

    • Common In-Demand Occupations: Nursing, ICT, engineering, accountants, chefs, hospitality managers, trades (electricians, carpenters).

    • Focuses heavily on health (nurses, midwives, doctors, allied health), STEM occupations (engineering, ICT), teaching, and advanced manufacturing.

    • Hospitality roles such as chefs/cooks may appear if the state identifies a shortage.

    • Notable Requirement: A number of occupations require applicants to be living and/or working in Victoria, or to have a job offer in Victoria.

    • Separate lists for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491.

    • Includes a range of occupations from hospitality and tourism (e.g. chefs, hotel managers) to professional services (accountants, architects, engineers).

    • Often has specific streams for working in regional Queensland vs. greater Brisbane

    • Split into two main lists: the General stream list (includes various occupations) and the Graduate stream list (for international students who have graduated in WA).

    • Chefs, nurses, and a range of trades typically feature prominently.

    • Often includes a broad range of occupations, broken down into categories with additional requirements for experience or regional commitments.

    • Known for being relatively open to certain occupations in hospitality, trades, and health.

    • Targets occupations crucial to Tasmania’s labour market needs.

    • Hospitality roles (chefs, cooks) are often included, as tourism is key to the state’s economy.

    • Emphasis on state studies: Many pathways exist if you study and live in Tasmania.

    • Points-based matrix system for 190 and 491 nomination.

    • Focus on occupations in demand in Canberra (e.g. ICT, finance, health, professional services), but occasionally includes hospitality/trade roles if skills shortages exist.

    • Typically broad due to labour needs in remote/regional areas.

    • Employers in tourism, hospitality, health, trades, and agriculture often have significant demand.