In Australia, the skilled occupation list continues to be the foundation of the skilled migration system. To respond to the workforce shortages and national economic priorities, the government makes changes to the occupation categories every year. These changes are applicable whether you are planning to apply independently, through state nomination or via employer sponsorship to work in Australia.
In this aspect, it is essential to know what skills are preferred for an Australian temporary or permanent visa application in 2026. It helps you identify your eligibility and choose the right visa pathway.
The Skilled Occupation List refers to a government list of occupations that are in high demand throughout Australia. It makes sure that migration policies are set in accordance with the nation’s labour market demands and assists in bridging the skills shortages in different industries.
All the recognised occupations fall under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). It is a professional body that assesses qualifications, work experience and professional standards to ensure that the occupation of an applicant meets the Australian workforce requirements.
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Based on the latest reports, many occupations are showing strong demand for the following Australian visa applications:
The 482 visa occupation list applies to the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa. It includes occupations like:
The list of 189 visas applies to the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa. Eligible occupations under this visa include:
The list of occupations for the 186 visa applies to the Employer Nomination Scheme visa Subclass 186. Some of the commonly accepted occupations for the 186 visa include:
To select the most suitable occupation list as per your application, you can also take help from Adelaide immigration agents.
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The skilled occupation list is divided into several categories, depending on the visa pathway and length of stay. Here is a side-by-side view of all of them:
| Occupation List | Purpose | Key Visa Subclasses | Pathway Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) | Supports long-term workforce planning. | Subclass 189, Subclass 491, Subclass 186, Subclass 187, Subclass 190, Subclass 482 and Subclass 485 |
Primarily Permanent (some provisional/temporary pathways) |
| Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) | Addresses immediate and short-term labour shortages across various industries. | Subclass 190, Subclass 482 and Subclass 491 |
Mainly Temporary (with limited PR pathways) |
| Regional Occupation List (ROL) | Supports workforce needs in regional Australia and encourages skilled migrants to live and work outside metropolitan areas. | Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 |
Regional / Provisional to Permanent |
| Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) | Supports occupations eligible under the new Skills in Demand visa program introduced in 2024. | Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 |
Temporary and Permanent Employer-Sponsored |
*To access the latest information on the availability of occupations and Australia visa requirements, refer to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website.
Eligibility of your occupation depends on classification codes, assessment authorities, and visa-specific requirements. Here is a structured process to verify your eligibility under the visa options like Temporary Graduate visa 485, Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189, Employer Nomination Scheme 186, etc.
Australia uses the ANZSCO system to categorise professions through six-digit unique codes. The code defines what the occupation includes, required skills and qualifications. You can search for ANZSCO codes for the shortage occupation list Australia on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website or the SOL portal of the Department of Home Affairs.
Every ANZSCO code consists of six digits. Here is the breakdown of each digit’s significance:
Once you identify the ANZSCO code, check which skill occupation list Australia it appears on:
If applying for the Skilled Independent visa Subclass 189, your occupation must appear on the MLTSSL. For the 190 Visa, you must check the specific state’s list, such as the South Australia skilled occupation list. Each visa subclass has its own occupation eligibility criteria, so reviewing the correct list is crucial.
Each occupation under the list of a skilled visa Australia has a designated authority. These bodies verify that your qualifications and experience match Australian standards. Some of the common assessments authorities include:
There are many assessment bodies for skilled work visa Australia, with each occupation on the SOL linked to its own particular evaluating authority. But you need to have a positive skills assessment before you can lodge an application for any of the eligible visas.
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The process of applying for a visa under the eligible occupation list generally includes eligibility tests, documentation guidelines, and, where applicable, state requirements. A regional expert, like an immigration agent in Adelaide, can provide you with complete guidance that would ensure that your application meets the current occupational requirements.
Here are a few key factors in which immigration agents can help you:
The visa occupation list serves as a policy tool that highly regulates access to skilled migration pathways. Every occupation is associated with a particular visa subclass, assessment authorities and evidentiary standards. Applicants need to prove that their credentials, as well as work experience, relate directly to the nominated ANZSCO code.
To meet all of these requirements, you can take help from experts like immigration consultants Adelaide. They can assist you with careful documentation, accurate classification, and lodge your visa application with the current legislative requirements.
The major updates are declared once a year. However, occupation lists may be revised at any moment according to the labour market data and the priorities of the government.
Validity is dependent on authority checks, although a majority of skills tests have life durations of two to three years. The skill assessment should be valid when you submit your visa application, regardless of any subclass or stream you choose.
Occupations listed on both may be eligible for different visa streams. To select the most feasible options, you can take help from migration services Adelaide, as they are proficient in evaluating the most valuable visa option as per your application.
Processing times vary for both skilled-based and sponsorship visas, but it usually takes from 4 to 12 weeks. The exact duration of the assessment depends on your application and the demand for the particular skill.
Yes, certain MLTSSL occupations permit Subclass 189 (permanent) and Subclass 482 Temporary visas simultaneously. You should also ensure that your skills assessment and documentation are updated as per the requirements of every pathway.
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