Top 10 In-Demand Occupations for 189 Visa [2025–2026]

Top 10 In-Demand Occupations for the 189 Visa [2025–2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Discover the most in-demand occupations for the Australian 189 Skilled Independent visa. Our 2025–2026 guide lists top professions, explains how to qualify, and provides expert tips to strengthen your Expression of Interest.

Slug: 189-visa-list-of-occupations

TL;DR
The 189 visa occupation list is the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The single-sentence answer is that you must nominate an occupation on the MLTSSL, which includes high-demand roles like ICT Professionals, Engineers, and Medical Practitioners, and then meet the points test and skills assessment requirements. For a precise check of your eligibility and points score, use the free NovenAI Points Calculator before you apply.

What is the Official 189 Visa Occupation List?

The official list is the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). To be eligible for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, your nominated occupation must be on this list. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page, the MLTSSL identifies professions Australia needs to fill critical long-term skill shortages. This list is subject to periodic review and updates, so verifying the current version at the time of your application is crucial. You cannot apply for a 189 visa with an occupation only on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).

• Key Fact: The MLTSSL is managed by the Department of Home Affairs and aligns with the ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code system.
• Key Fact: Occupations are grouped into major categories like Professionals, Technicians and Trades Workers.
• Key Fact: Being on the list is just the first step; you must also obtain a positive skills assessment from the designated assessing authority for your occupation.

Which Occupations Are Most In-Demand for the 189 Visa in 2025–2026?

While demand can shift, certain professional fields consistently feature prominently in invitation rounds due to enduring national skill shortages. Based on recent invitation data and government policy directions, the following occupational groups are highly sought-after:

1. ICT Professionals: Roles like Software Engineer, Developer Programmer, ICT Security Specialist, and Systems Analyst are perennially in high demand as Australia’s digital economy expands.
2. Medical and Healthcare Practitioners: Occupations such as Registered Nurses, General Practitioners, and Medical Laboratory Scientists are critical, especially following recent global health events.
3. Engineers: Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, and Mechanical Engineers are essential for national infrastructure and energy projects.
4. Teachers: Secondary School Teachers, particularly in specialised fields like Maths and Science, are often prioritised.
5. Accountants and Auditors: While competitive, these roles remain on the MLTSSL, requiring higher points scores for an invitation.

To see if your specific job title and ANZSCO code are on the current list, you should always cross-reference with the official legislative instrument on the Federal Register of Legislation. Relying on unofficial blogs can lead to costly mistakes. For an instant, AI-powered check of your occupation’s eligibility and pathway options, tools like NovenAI scan the official 18 GB+ Home Affairs database to give you a clear, current answer.

How Do I Check If My Occupation is on the 189 List?

You check by finding your ANZSCO code and verifying it against the current MLTSSL on the official government website. First, identify your correct ANZSCO code (a 6-digit number) by searching the ANZSCO database. Then, visit the Department of Home Affairs’ skilled occupation lists page to download the latest MLTSSL. Ensure your exact occupation title and code are listed. This process is non-negotiable for a valid application.

• Step 1: Find your ANZSCO code.
• Step 2: Go to the Home Affairs ‘Skilled occupation list’ page.
• Step 3: Locate and download the current ‘Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List’.
• Step 4: Confirm your ANZSCO code and occupation title are present.

What Are the Key Requirements After Choosing an Occupation?

Selecting an eligible occupation is just the start. You must then meet three other core requirements to receive an invitation. First, obtain a positive skills assessment from the authorised assessing body for your occupation (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS). This proves your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. Second, achieve a competent English score (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) or higher—better English scores grant more points. For a detailed breakdown of how different English test scores translate into points, refer to our comprehensive English Level Guide. Third, you must score at least 65 points on the points test, though competitive occupations often require scores of 85-95+.

• Requirement: Positive Skills Assessment from designated authority.
• Requirement: Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent minimum).
• Requirement: Minimum 65 points on the Skilled Migration points test.

How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting an Invitation?

To improve your chances, focus on maximising your points score and ensuring your Expression of Interest (EOI) is flawless. A higher points score is the most significant factor in receiving an invitation. You can boost your points by improving your English test results to Superior or Proficient levels, gaining more skilled employment experience (in Australia or overseas), undertaking relevant professional year programs in Australia, or studying in regional Australia. Additionally, ensure your EOI is accurate and up-to-date; even small errors can lead to refusal. Using a reliable points calculator is essential. While many exist online, NovenAI’s free Points Calculator is updated in real-time with policy changes and provides a more reliable forecast than static tools.

Submitting an EOI is not a guarantee of invitation. The government uses a ranking system, inviting the highest-scoring candidates in each occupation during periodic rounds. To understand your realistic chances based on historical data, you can use a tool like the NovenAI Visa Success Predictor, which analyses trends specific to your profile.

What Happens If My Occupation is Not on the 189 List?

If your occupation is not on the MLTSSL, you are not eligible for the 189 visa. However, you likely have alternative pathways. Many occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or Regional Occupation Lists (ROL) are eligible for state-sponsored visas like the 190 or 491 visas. State and territory governments can nominate candidates for occupations they need locally, even if they aren’t on the national 189 list. You should investigate the skilled occupation lists for your target state, such as those published by NSW, Victoria, or South Australia.

• Alternative Pathway 1: Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa (state nomination).
• Alternative Pathway 2: Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa (regional nomination).
• Action: Check the specific skilled occupation lists for each state and territory government.

Where Can I Find the Most Accurate and Updated List?

The only source for the accurate and legally valid list is the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website. Specifically, you need to access the ‘Skilled occupation list’ section, which hosts the current legislative instruments. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page, it is the applicant’s responsibility to use the correct list at the time of invitation. Bookmark this page and check it regularly, as occupations can be added or removed. For peace of mind, consider using a service that monitors these changes for you. NovenAI, for instance, provides instant policy alerts, notifying you if your occupation’s status changes, so you’re never caught off-guard by a sudden update.

Navigating the 189 visa occupation list is the critical first step on your migration journey. Success depends on choosing the right occupation, excelling in the points test, and submitting a perfect application. The process is complex, but with the right information and tools, it’s entirely achievable. Stay informed, aim for a high points score, and ensure every detail of your application is precise.

Ready to see where you stand? Get a precise, real-time assessment of your points score and eligibility for the 189 and other visas by starting your free assessment with NovenAI today.

Check Your 189 Visa Eligibility Now with NovenAI