If you're an Indian professional planning Australia PR, understanding the skilled occupation list Australia is your first critical step. This official government list determines which occupations can access skilled migration pathways and which visa subclasses you're eligible for.
Since 1951, RedKnot has helped thousands secure international opportunities. Here's everything you need to know about the Australia skilled occupation list for 2026.
What Is the Australia Skilled Occupation List?
The skilled occupation list Australia is a set of four official lists published by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. These lists identify occupations Australia needs to fill labor market gaps:
Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List — 212 occupations
Short-Term Skilled Occupation List — 215 occupations
Regional Occupation List — 77 occupations
Core Skills Occupation List — 456 occupations
How Occupations Determine Your PR Pathway
Each occupation is linked to:
How Lists Relate to Visa Pathways
MLTSSL (212 Occupations)
Strongest PR Access
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) — Live anywhere in Australia
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) — State nomination + 5 bonus points
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) — Regional nomination + 15 bonus points
- Employer-sponsored permanent visas (186)
STSOL (215 Occupations)
State/Regional Nomination
- Subclass 190 (if state nominates occupation)
- Subclass 491 (regional nomination pathways)
- Not typically eligible for independent 189 visa
ROL (77 Occupations)
Regional Focus
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
- Subclass 494 (Employer-sponsored regional)
- Designed for regional Australia outside major cities
CSOL (456 Occupations)
Employer-Sponsored
- Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) temporary visa
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
- Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional)
Top In-Demand Occupations for Indian Professionals
Many Indian professionals work in occupations that frequently appear on the Australia skilled occupation list:
Healthcare (MLTSSL)
- Registered Nurses (254499) — Salary: $65,000-$120,000
- General Practitioners (253111) — Salary: $180,000-$250,000
- Aged Care Workers — Salary: $50,000-$75,000
- Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Medical Imaging Professionals
Engineering (MLTSSL)
- Civil Engineers (233211) — Salary: $85,000-$130,000
- Mechanical Engineers (233512) — Salary: $80,000-$125,000
- Electrical Engineers (233311) — Salary: $85,000-$130,000
- Industrial, Chemical & Structural Engineers
Information Technology (MLTSSL)
- Software Engineers (261313) — Salary: $104,000-$154,000
- Cybersecurity Specialists (262112) — Salary: $110,000-$140,000
- ICT Business Analysts (261111)
- Database Administrators, Network Engineers, DevOps Engineers
Skilled Trades (MLTSSL & ROL)
- Electricians (341111) — Salary: $90,000-$130,000
- Plumbers (334111) — Salary: $75,000-$110,000
- Carpenters (331211)
- Auto Mechanics, Welders, Metal Fabricators
Business & Finance (MLTSSL)
- Accountants (221111)
- Management Consultants (224711)
- Marketing Specialists (225113)
- HR Advisors (223111)
Education (MLTSSL)
- Secondary School Teachers (241411) — Salary: $65,000-$90,000
- Early Childhood Teachers (241111)
- University Lecturers
Hospitality & Services (STSOL)
- Chefs (351311)
- Hospitality Supervisors
- Café and Restaurant Managers
Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Eligibility
Match Your Occupation to ANZSCO Code
Visit the official Department of Home Affairs website and search for your job title. The ANZSCO code reflects your actual job duties, not just your title.
Critical: Job titles can be misleading. A "Project Manager" could be ANZSCO 133111 (Construction Project Manager) or 135112 (ICT Project Manager) — each with different eligibility.
Confirm Which List Your Occupation Is On
- MLTSSL: Widest visa access (189, 190, 491, employer-sponsored)
- STSOL: State/regional nomination only (190, 491)
- ROL: Regional pathways only (491, 494)
Identify Your Skills Assessing Authority
- Engineers Australia — All engineering occupations
- ACS — ICT and software roles
- AHPRA — Healthcare professions
- VETASSESS — Business, management, marketing, hospitality
- TRA — Skilled trades requiring Australian qualifications
You must obtain a positive skills assessment BEFORE submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Calculate Your Points
Australia's skilled visas operate on a points test. Minimum 65 points required to submit an EOI, but realistically you need 80-85+ points to receive an invitation.
- Age: 25-40 points
- English: 0-20 points
- Work experience: 0-20 points
- Education: 15-20 points
- State nomination: +5 (190) or +15 (491)
- Partner skills: +5-10
- Australian study/experience: +5-15
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
After skills assessment, submit your EOI through SkillSelect. This is not a visa application — it's a profile showing Australia you're eligible and ready.
Receive Invitation & Apply
If your occupation is in demand and your points are competitive, you'll receive an invitation to apply for your visa.
Understanding Australia's 2026 Migration Program
Is Your Occupation Eligible for Australia PR?
RedKnot Immigration provides expert guidance on Australia skilled occupation list eligibility, skills assessments, and PR pathways.
- Verify correct ANZSCO code for your occupation
- Prepare skills assessment applications
- Calculate and maximize your points
- Identify best visa pathway (189, 190, or 491)
- Navigate state nomination opportunities
Contact RedKnot
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Get your free occupation eligibility assessment today.