Difference Between Various Skill Lists of Australia 2026

Why Skill Lists Matter

Your occupation's skill list determines:

• Which visas you can apply for (189, 190, 491, 482, 186)
• Permanent residency eligibility timeline
• Regional vs national sponsorship options
• Processing priorities and invitation rounds

The "Gold Standard" List

MLTSSL is the most prestigious skill list because occupations here are considered long-term strategic needs for Australia's economy. If your occupation is on MLTSSL, you have maximum flexibility and fastest PR pathways.

Temporary Skills Focus

STSOL occupations are considered short-term needs for Australia's labor market. While still valuable, these occupations have more limited PR pathways compared to MLTSSL.

Critical Difference: STSOL occupations cannot apply for Subclass 189 (Independent) visa. You MUST secure state nomination (190) or regional nomination (491) for PR pathway. This makes STSOL significantly more challenging than MLTSSL.

Regional Australia Focus

ROL was introduced in 2019 specifically for regional employer-sponsored visas. It includes occupations in high demand in regional Australia but not necessarily nationwide.

• Retail & Hospitality: Retail Managers, Café Managers, Restaurant Managers
• Agriculture: Farm Managers, Crop Farmers, Livestock Farmers
• Tourism: Caravan Park Managers, Hotel Managers (regional)
• Construction: Building Inspectors, Quantity Surveyors
• Healthcare: Dental Assistants, Enrolled Nurses (specific states)

ROL Advantage: If your occupation is NOT on MLTSSL or STSOL, but IS on ROL, you can still migrate to Australia through regional employer sponsorship. This is often the only pathway for occupations like Retail Managers or Farm Managers.

Critical Shortage Occupations

PMSOL was created during COVID-19 to fast-track critically needed occupations. While pandemic urgency has eased, PMSOL continues to influence processing priorities in 2026.

Note: PMSOL occupations are also on MLTSSL. PMSOL designation adds priority status but doesn't change fundamental eligibility. If your occupation is on PMSOL, you have the best possible scenario for Australian migration.

Important: If your occupation is removed from a list, applications submitted BEFORE the change date are usually grandfathered. However, if you haven't submitted your visa application yet, the new list applies. Monitor changes closely and consider lodging EOI before major updates.

• Check your occupation on ALL lists: Some occupations appear on multiple lists with different ANZSCO codes. Choose the list that gives you best visa options.
• Monitor list updates: Subscribe to Department of Home Affairs newsletters for advance notice of changes (usually announced December for January updates).
• Maximize points: PTE 79+ (Superior English) adds 20 points. Professional Year adds 5. State nomination adds 5-15. Every point counts.
• Consider regional: Even if on MLTSSL, 491 regional visa gives +15 points AND broader occupation acceptance by states.
• Act fast: If your occupation is being downgraded (MLTSSL → STSOL), lodge EOI before effective date to be grandfathered.

Can an occupation move between lists?

Yes. Occupations are reviewed annually and can be:

• Promoted: STSOL → MLTSSL (better PR pathways)
• Demoted: MLTSSL → STSOL (harder PR pathways)
• Removed: Off all lists (no longer eligible)
• Added: New occupations appear based on shortages

What if my occupation is not on any list?

You have limited options:

• Check alternative ANZSCO codes: Your duties might fit a different occupation on the lists
• Employer sponsorship (TSS 482): Employer can nominate ANY occupation if they prove genuine need (labor market testing)
• Business/Investor visas: 188/888 pathway if you have capital and business experience
• Partner visa: If you have Australian spouse/partner
• Study pathway: Study in Australia to change occupation or gain Australian qualifications

Do I need to choose a list when applying?

No. You choose your ANZSCO occupation code, and the government determines which list it's on. The list assignment automatically determines your visa eligibility. You cannot "apply" to be on a different list.

Are state nomination lists different from federal lists?

Yes. Each state/territory maintains its own priority occupation list for 190 and 491 visas. These are subsets of MLTSSL and STSOL but vary significantly. For example:

• Victoria: Prioritizes healthcare, engineering, ICT
• South Australia: Very broad list, easiest to get nominated
• Tasmania: Wide acceptance, especially for regional areas
• NSW: Highly selective, focuses on critical shortages

Likely to Be Added/Promoted

• Cybersecurity Specialists: Critical shortage, high demand
• Data Scientists & AI Engineers: Tech sector growth
• Aged Care Workers: Aging population driving demand
• Renewable Energy Engineers: Green energy transition
• Mental Health Professionals: Post-pandemic priority

At Risk of Removal/Demotion

• Some Accountant categories: Oversupply of graduates
• Retail Managers: May be limited to ROL only
• Marketing & Advertising roles: Domestic supply sufficient
• General Office Managers: May be downgraded to STSOL

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Related Articles

• ANZSCO Skill Lists and How It Works for Australia Immigration 2026
• Australia Subclass 189 vs 190 vs 491: Complete Comparison 2026
• Various Pathways to Immigration to Australia in 2026

Last Updated: January 2026 | Author: PTE Test India Migration Team | Sources: Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation Lists, Jobs and Skills Australia | Disclaimer: Skill lists are subject to change. Always verify current lists on official government websites before making migration decisions.