Your Gateway to Working Down Under
Ever dreamed of working in Australia, land of stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and incredible career opportunities? You’re not alone. Thousands of skilled professionals migrate to Australia every year, drawn by high salaries, quality of life, and career growth prospects. But here’s the catch: Australia doesn’t just welcome anyone. They want specific skills that their economy needs.
Enter the Australia skilled occupation list – your golden ticket to understanding whether your profession qualifies for work visa Australia jobs. Think of this list as Australia’s “wish list” of skills they’re actively seeking. If your job is on this list, congratulations – you’ve just unlocked the door to Australian immigration. If it’s not? Well, you might need to rethink your strategy.
Here’s what makes the Australia skilled occupation list fascinating: it’s not static. Australia updates it regularly based on what their economy needs right now. Healthcare professionals in demand this year? They’re on the list. Tech specialists needed urgently? Added. This dynamic approach means Australia’s immigration system actually responds to real economic needs rather than arbitrary quotas.
But navigating this system can feel overwhelming. Multiple visa categories, different occupation lists, points requirements, skills assessments – it’s like trying to solve a puzzle where the pieces keep changing shape. Don’t worry. By the end of this article, you’ll understand exactly how the Australia skilled occupation list works, which jobs qualify for skilled migration Australia, and how to position yourself for success.
Ready to decode the path to your Australian career? Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Australia Skilled Occupation List
What Is the Skilled Occupation List?
The Australia skilled occupation list is Australia’s official catalog of professions that qualify for skilled migration programs. It’s maintained by the Department of Home Affairs and updated regularly based on labor market analysis, consultation with industry bodies, and economic forecasting.
Think of it like this: Australia is building its workforce strategically. They’ve identified skill gaps across industries – areas where they can’t find enough qualified Australian workers. Rather than leave those positions empty, they’ve opened immigration pathways for skilled professionals from overseas who can fill those gaps.
Three Main Lists You Need to Know:
1. The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL):
- Previously called the SOL (Skilled Occupation List)
- For occupations in medium to long-term shortage
- Covers most permanent skilled migration visas
- About 200+ occupations currently
2. The Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL):
- For occupations in short-term shortage
- Usually for temporary work visas
- Can sometimes lead to permanent residency
- About 250+ occupations
3. The Regional Occupation List (ROL):
- For regional areas needing specific skills
- Offers additional pathways if willing to work outside major cities
- Evolving list based on regional needs
Why the List Matters for Your Visa Application
Your occupation being on the Australia skilled occupation list is fundamental to skilled worker visa Australia eligibility. Without it, most skilled migration pathways are closed to you. It’s literally the first checkpoint in the immigration process.
Here’s how it works:
- You identify your occupation on the appropriate list
- You get a skills assessment confirming your qualifications match Australian standards
- You apply for the relevant visa category
- You meet points requirements (for points-tested visas)
- You receive invitation to apply
- You submit full application
- You (hopefully) receive visa grant
Miss that first step; having an eligible occupation, and the rest doesn’t matter.
The Major Visa Categories and Occupation Lists
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
This is the holy grail of Australian skilled migration – a permanent residence visa that doesn’t require employer or state sponsorship.
Eligible Occupations: Must be on the MLTSSL
How It Works: Points-based system where you score points for:
- Age (maximum at 25-32 years)
- English language ability
- Skilled employment experience
- Educational qualifications
- Australian study experience
- Partner skills
- Other factors
Minimum Points: Currently 65 points, but realistically you need 80-90+ for competitive occupations
Popular Occupations on MLTSSL:
- Software Engineers
- Registered Nurses
- Civil Engineers
- Accountants
- Medical Practitioners
- Secondary School Teachers
- Electricians
- Mechanical Engineers
Why It’s Attractive: Complete freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia. No employer sponsorship hassles. Direct pathway to citizenship.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
This visa requires state or territory government nomination but offers 5 bonus points.
Eligible Occupations: MLTSSL or STSOL (depends on state)
How It Works: Similar points system to subclass 189, but you need:
- State/territory nomination (adds 5 points)
- Commitment to live/work in nominating state for 2+ years
- Meet state-specific requirements
State-Specific Occupation Lists: Each Australian state and territory maintains their own priority occupation lists:
New South Wales (Sydney): ICT professionals, engineers, health professionals
Victoria (Melbourne): Healthcare, engineering, ICT, trades
Queensland (Brisbane): Healthcare, construction, hospitality, agriculture
South Australia (Adelaide): Engineering, healthcare, agriculture, trades
Western Australia (Perth): Mining engineers, construction, healthcare
Tasmania (Hobart): Healthcare, trades, hospitality, agriculture
Australian Capital Territory (Canberra): Government roles, ICT, healthcare
Northern Territory (Darwin): Trades, healthcare, hospitality, agriculture
Strategic Advantage: More occupation options, extra points, less competition in some states
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
Regional visa offering pathway to permanent residence after 3 years.
Eligible Occupations: MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL
How It Works:
- Requires state/territory or family nomination
- Must live/work in designated regional areas
- 5-year provisional visa
- After 3 years, can apply for permanent residence (Subclass 191)
Regional Areas: Most of Australia outside Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth CBD
Why Consider It: Lower points threshold, more occupation options, pathway to permanent residence
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Employer-sponsored permanent residence visa.
Eligible Occupations: MLTSSL or STSOL (with caveats)
How It Works:
- Australian employer nominates you
- Must have relevant work experience (typically 3+ years)
- Skills assessment required
- English language requirement
- Employer proves they can’t find Australian worker
Advantages: No points test, employer handles much of the process, permanent residence immediately
Top Work Visa Australia Jobs: Occupations in High Demand
Healthcare and Medical Professionals
Australia has chronic healthcare shortages, making medical professions some of the most in-demand on the Australia skilled occupation list.
Registered Nurses:
- Average salary: AUD $70,000-$90,000
- Visa pathway: Subclass 189, 190, 491
- Skills assessment: ANMAC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council)
- High demand locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, regional areas
- Why it’s hot: Aging population, expanding healthcare system
General Practitioners and Specialists:
- Average salary: AUD $150,000-$400,000+
- Visa pathway: Subclass 189, 190, employer-sponsored
- Skills assessment: Medical Board of Australia
- Extremely high demand, especially regional areas
- Additional requirements: Registration, supervised practice period
Allied Health Professionals:
- Physiotherapists: AUD $65,000-$90,000
- Occupational Therapists: AUD $65,000-$85,000
- Speech Pathologists: AUD $65,000-$85,000
- Psychologists: AUD $75,000-$100,000
Medical Diagnostic Professionals:
- Radiographers: AUD $70,000-$95,000
- Sonographers: AUD $80,000-$110,000
- Pathology collectors: AUD $55,000-$75,000
Engineering Occupations
Engineers are perpetually in demand across Australia’s infrastructure development, mining, and technology sectors.
Civil Engineers:
- Average salary: AUD $80,000-$120,000
- Visa pathway: Subclass 189, 190
- Skills assessment: Engineers Australia
- High demand: Major cities and regional infrastructure projects
- Specializations valued: Structural, transport, water resources
Mechanical Engineers:
- Average salary: AUD $75,000-$115,000
- Visa pathway: Multiple pathways
- Industries: Manufacturing, mining, energy
- Locations: Perth (mining), Melbourne (manufacturing), Sydney
Electrical Engineers:
- Average salary: AUD $80,000-$120,000
- Visa pathway: Subclass 189, 190
- Specializations: Power systems, renewable energy, automation
- High demand: All major cities
Software Engineers:
- Average salary: AUD $85,000-$140,000+
- Visa pathway: Subclass 189, 190, employer-sponsored
- Extremely high demand across Australia
- Locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane tech hubs
Mining Engineers:
- Average salary: AUD $90,000-$150,000+
- Visa pathway: Multiple options
- High demand: Western Australia (Perth), Queensland
- Industry: Mining boom creating sustained demand
Information Technology and Telecommunications
Australia’s tech sector is booming, creating massive demand for IT professionals on the Australia skilled occupation list.
Software and Applications Programmers:
- Average salary: AUD $80,000-$130,000
- Visa pathway: Subclass 189, 190, employer-sponsored
- Languages valued: Python, Java, JavaScript, C++
- High demand: All major cities
- Skills assessment: ACS (Australian Computer Society)
ICT Business Analysts:
- Average salary: AUD $85,000-$125,000
- Visa pathway: Multiple options
- Industries: Finance, government, consulting
- Growing demand: Digital transformation initiatives
Database Administrators:
- Average salary: AUD $85,000-$120,000
- Visa pathway: Subclass 189, 190
- Specializations: Cloud, big data, security
- High demand: Finance and enterprise sectors
Cyber Security Specialists:
- Average salary: AUD $90,000-$150,000+
- Visa pathway: Employer-sponsored, subclass 190
- Extremely high demand: Government, finance, healthcare
- Growing occupation: National security priorities
Network Administrators:
- Average salary: AUD $70,000-$100,000
- Visa pathway: Multiple options
- Steady demand: All sectors
Trades and Technical Occupations
Skilled trades remain on the Australia skilled occupation list due to construction boom and infrastructure development.
Electricians:
- Average salary: AUD $70,000-$95,000
- Visa pathway: Subclass 189, 190, 491
- Skills assessment: TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)
- High demand: Construction, mining, maintenance
- Locations: All states, particularly regional areas
Plumbers:
- Average salary: AUD $65,000-$90,000
- Visa pathway: Multiple options
- Skills assessment: TRA
- Steady demand: Construction and maintenance
Carpenters and Joiners:
- Average salary: AUD $60,000-$85,000
- Visa pathway: Subclass 190, 491
- Skills assessment: TRA
- High demand: Residential construction boom
Metal Fabricators and Welders:
- Average salary: AUD $65,000-$90,000
- Visa pathway: Multiple options, especially regional
- Industries: Mining, manufacturing, construction
- High demand: Western Australia, Queensland
Automotive Mechanics:
- Average salary: AUD $55,000-$75,000
- Visa pathway: Regional visas (491)
- Skills assessment: TRA
- Demand: Regional areas particularly
Business and Finance Occupations
Professional services occupations feature prominently on the Australia skilled occupation list.
Accountants:
- Average salary: AUD $65,000-$100,000
- Visa pathway: Subclass 189, 190
- Skills assessment: CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or IPA
- High competition: Need high points (85-90+)
- Specializations valued: Management accounting, taxation
External Auditors:
- Average salary: AUD $70,000-$110,000
- Visa pathway: Subclass 189, 190
- Skills assessment: Professional accounting bodies
- Demand: Big Four firms, corporate sector
Management Consultants:
- Average salary: AUD $85,000-$140,000+
- Visa pathway: Employer-sponsored typically
- Industries: All sectors
- High demand: Digital transformation expertise
Human Resource Managers:
- Average salary: AUD $90,000-$130,000
- Visa pathway: Subclass 190, employer-sponsored
- Industries: All sectors
- Specializations: Change management, organizational development
Education Occupations
Teachers feature on the Australia skilled occupation list, particularly in specific specializations.
Secondary School Teachers:
- Average salary: AUD $70,000-$100,000
- Visa pathway: Subclass 189, 190
- Skills assessment: AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership)
- Subjects in demand: Mathematics, science, languages
- High demand: Regional areas particularly
Special Education Teachers:
- Average salary: AUD $70,000-$100,000
- Visa pathway: Multiple options
- Skills assessment: AITSL
- Growing demand: Inclusive education initiatives
Early Childhood Teachers:
- Average salary: AUD $60,000-$85,000
- Visa pathway: Subclass 189, 190
- Skills assessment: AITSL
- Demand: Early childhood education expansion
Skilled Migration Australia: The Points System Explained
How Points Work
For points-tested visas (subclass 189, 190, 491), you need minimum 65 points to be eligible. However, actual invitation thresholds are much higher:
Age Points:
- 18-24 years: 25 points
- 25-32 years: 30 points (maximum)
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-44 years: 15 points
- 45+ years: 0 points
English Language Ability:
- Competent English: 0 points
- Proficient English: 10 points
- Superior English: 20 points
Skilled Employment (Outside Australia):
- 3-4 years: 5 points
- 5-7 years: 10 points
- 8+ years: 15 points
Skilled Employment (In Australia):
- 1-2 years: 5 points
- 3-4 years: 10 points
- 5-7 years: 15 points
- 8+ years: 20 points
Educational Qualifications:
- Doctorate: 20 points
- Bachelor or Master’s: 15 points
- Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
Additional Points:
- Australian study (2+ years): 5 points
- Specialist education (STEM in regional area): 10 points
- Accredited community language: 5 points
- Professional year in Australia: 5 points
- State nomination (190): 5 points
- Regional nomination (491): 15 points
- Partner skills: 10 points
- Partner competent English but no skills: 5 points
- Single applicant or partner is Australian: 10 points
Strategic Points Maximization
Realistic Points Scenarios:
Strong Profile Example:
- Age 28: 30 points
- Master’s degree: 15 points
- 5 years skilled work: 10 points
- Proficient English: 10 points
- State nomination: 5 points
- Partner skills: 10 points
- Total: 80 points
Excellent Profile Example:
- Age 30: 30 points
- Master’s degree: 15 points
- 8 years skilled work: 15 points
- Superior English: 20 points
- Australian study: 5 points
- Professional year: 5 points
- State nomination: 5 points
- Total: 95 points
Strategies to Increase Points:
- Improve English test scores (10-20 extra points possible)
- Gain more skilled work experience
- Consider Australian study (adds 5-15 points)
- Complete professional year program (5 points)
- Apply with skilled partner (5-10 points)
- Target state nomination (5-15 points depending on visa)
Skills Assessment: Your Critical First Step
What Is Skills Assessment?
Before applying for skilled worker visa Australia, you must have your qualifications and experience assessed by a relevant assessing authority. This confirms your credentials match Australian standards for your occupation.
Major Assessing Authorities:
Engineers Australia: For all engineering occupations
- Process: Submit qualifications, CDR (Competency Demonstration Report)
- Timeline: 12-20 weeks
- Cost: AUD $800-$1,200
Australian Computer Society (ACS): For ICT occupations
- Process: Qualifications assessment, employment verification
- Timeline: 8-12 weeks
- Cost: AUD $500-$600
ANMAC: For nursing and midwifery
- Process: Qualifications verification, English test
- Timeline: 12-16 weeks
- Cost: AUD $800-$1,000
TRA (Trades Recognition Australia): For trade occupations
- Process: Qualifications plus employment assessment
- Timeline: 12-16 weeks
- Cost: AUD $900-$1,500
Accounting Bodies (CPA, CA ANZ, IPA): For accountants
- Process: Qualification assessment, sometimes additional exams
- Timeline: 8-16 weeks
- Cost: AUD $500-$1,000
VETASSESS: For many other occupations
- Process: General skills assessment
- Timeline: 10-12 weeks
- Cost: AUD $900-$1,200
Skills Assessment Tips
Start Early: Skills assessment takes months. Begin while gathering other documents.
Documentation Is Critical: Provide clear evidence of qualifications and employment.
Get Employment References: Detailed reference letters from employers verify experience.
English Requirements: Many assessments require IELTS or equivalent.
Professional Memberships: Can strengthen your assessment application.
Regional vs. Metropolitan: Making the Strategic Choice
Regional Australia Advantages
Lower Points Requirements: Regional visas (491) offer 15 points bonus.
More Occupation Options: Regional occupation lists are broader.
Faster Processing: Less competition means quicker invitations.
Pathway to Permanent Residence: 491 → 191 after 3 years.
Quality of Life: Lower cost of living, less congestion, community feel.
Regional Areas Include:
- Adelaide, South Australia
- Gold Coast, Queensland (selective areas)
- Newcastle and Wollongong, New South Wales
- Geelong and Ballarat, Victoria
- Hobart, Tasmania
- Darwin, Northern Territory
- Perth (certain areas), Western Australia
- Most of regional Queensland, Victoria, NSW, SA, WA, TAS, NT
Metropolitan Australia Advantages
More Job Opportunities: Major cities have larger employment markets.
Higher Salaries: Generally 10-20% higher than regional equivalents.
Diverse Industries: More sectors and specializations.
Cultural Amenities: Arts, entertainment, international communities.
Education and Healthcare: Premier institutions and facilities.
Metropolitan Centers:
- Sydney, New South Wales
- Melbourne, Victoria
- Brisbane, Queensland
- Perth (CBD), Western Australia
Strategic Decision: If your occupation is competitive (accountants, IT), consider regional for easier entry. If occupation is in high demand (healthcare, engineering), metropolitan works fine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How often is the Australia skilled occupation list updated?
The lists are reviewed regularly, typically every 6-12 months. Updates can add or remove occupations based on labor market analysis. Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the current list before applying.
Q2: What if my occupation is on STSOL but not MLTSSL?
You can still apply for visas, but your options are more limited. STSOL occupations typically qualify for subclass 190 (state nomination) or 491 (regional), and employer-sponsored visas. Permanent residence pathways are available but may take longer.
Q3: Can I apply if my occupation isn’t on any list?
Generally, no for skilled migration. However, you might consider:
(1) employer-sponsored visas with occupation on STSOL,
(2) business migration visas if you’re an entrepreneur,
(3) family visas if you have Australian relatives, or (4) retraining in a listed occupation.
Q4: How long does the skilled migration process take?
From skills assessment to visa grant: 12-24 months typically. Timeline breakdown:
- Skills assessment: 2-4 months
- Expression of Interest: Immediate
- Invitation to apply: 1-12 months (depends on points and occupation)
- Visa processing: 6-12 months
Q5: Can I bring my family on a skilled visa?
Yes. Your spouse/partner and dependent children can be included in your visa application as secondary applicants. They’ll receive the same visa rights as you.
Q6: What happens if I’m granted a visa but my occupation is removed from the list later?
Once your visa is granted, removal of your occupation from future lists doesn’t affect your existing visa rights. Your visa remains valid according to its conditions.
Q7: Do I need a job offer to apply for skilled migration?
Not for subclass 189 and 190 visas. These are points-based and don’t require job offers. However, employer-sponsored visas (subclass 186, 482) do require confirmed job offers.
Q8: How competitive is skilled migration to Australia?
It depends on your occupation and points. High-demand occupations (healthcare, certain engineering) with 80+ points have good chances. Oversupplied occupations (accounting, some IT) may need 90+ points for invitation.
Q9: Can I work in a different occupation than the one I applied under?
Once you have your visa, you can generally work in any legal occupation. Your skilled occupation is for visa eligibility only. However, you must maintain employment in your skilled field to meet visa conditions (particularly for regional visas).
Q10: What if I don’t meet the English language requirement?
You must achieve required IELTS (or equivalent) scores. Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band) is minimum for most visas. Consider:
- Preparing thoroughly and retaking tests
- Professional English courses
- Alternative tests (PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT)
- Extra study time before applying
Q11: Can I apply from within Australia on a different visa?
Generally yes, depending on your current visa conditions. Tourist visas usually have “no further stay” conditions, but student visa holders, temporary work visa holders, and others can often apply for skilled visas while in Australia.
Q12: Is it worth using a migration agent?
For complex cases (unusual qualifications, employment gaps, previous visa refusals), a registered migration agent can be valuable. For straightforward applications with clear documentation, DIY is possible. Agents cost AUD $3,000-$8,000 but can improve success rates and reduce stress.
Your Pathway to Australian Skilled Migration
The Australia skilled occupation list isn’t just a bureaucratic document – it’s your roadmap to understanding Australia’s immigration priorities and positioning yourself for success. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, engineer, IT specialist, or skilled tradesperson, understanding which list your occupation appears on and what that means for your visa options is fundamental.
Here’s your strategic takeaway: skilled migration Australia is achievable if you:
1. Verify Your Occupation: Confirm your job is on MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL.
2. Maximize Your Points: Target 80-95 points through age timing, English proficiency, skilled employment, and qualifications.
3. Complete Skills Assessment: Start early with the relevant assessing authority.
4. Consider All Pathways: Don’t fixate on one visa type. Explore state nomination, regional options, and employer sponsorship.
5. Be Strategic About Location: Regional areas offer easier entry and are genuinely great places to live and work.
6. Stay Current: The Australia skilled occupation list changes. Monitor updates regularly.
7. Document Everything: Strong evidence of qualifications and employment is critical.
8. Plan Long-Term: Think beyond initial visa to permanent residence and citizenship.
The opportunities are real. Australia needs skilled workers across virtually every sector. With approximately 190,000 skilled migration places annually, your chances are substantial if you meet the criteria.
Your Australian career is waiting. The Australia skilled occupation list has shown you which doors are open. Now it’s time to walk through them.
Start your journey today by checking your occupation on the official Department of Home Affairs website, calculating your points, and beginning your skills assessment. Your future in Australia begins with that first strategic step.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about Australia’s skilled occupation lists and visa pathways. Australian immigration law and policy change regularly. This information should not be considered legal advice. For specific guidance regarding your individual circumstances, please consult the official Department of Home Affairs website (homeaffairs.gov.au) or seek advice from a registered migration agent. Visa requirements, occupation lists, points thresholds, and processing times are subject to change without notice. Always verify current information through official government sources before making immigration decisions or submitting applications.