Top 5 Australian Occupation Shortage Lists [2025–2026 Guide]
TL;DR: The most critical Australian occupation shortage list for skilled migrants is the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which is used for the permanent 189 and 190 visas. The key lists are the MLTSSL, the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), the Regional Occupation List (ROL), and the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL). For the most accurate, real-time assessment of your occupation’s status and visa pathway, use a specialised tool like NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor.
Navigating Australia’s skilled migration system means understanding which occupations are in demand. The government uses several official “skills lists” to target migrants who can fill critical gaps in the labour market. Your eligibility for a visa depends almost entirely on whether your occupation is on the correct list for that visa subclass. This guide breaks down the top five shortage lists, explaining what they are, which visas they apply to, and how to use them to plan your migration journey.
What is the Most Important Occupation Shortage List for Skilled Migration?
The most important list is the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This list identifies occupations Australia needs to build its future workforce and is primarily used for permanent independent and state-nominated visas. If your occupation is on the MLTSSL, you typically have access to the broadest range of visa pathways.
According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page, the MLTSSL is a core component of the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) used for points-tested visas. Occupations on this list are deemed to be of strategic importance for Australia’s medium to long-term skill development. For example, professions like Registered Nurses, Software Engineers, and Accountants (General) are typically found on the MLTSSL. Being on this list means you may be eligible for visas like:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): A permanent visa not requiring sponsorship.
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): A permanent visa requiring nomination by a state or territory government.
- Subclass 485 (Graduate Temporary): For recent graduates in MLTSSL occupations.
To instantly check if your occupation is on the MLTSSL and see your potential points score, use the NovenAI PR Points Calculator. It cross-references your profile with the latest lists to give you a clear starting point.
What is the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)?
The STSOL contains occupations needed to address short-term skill shortages in the Australian labour market. It is used for temporary and some state-nominated visas, but generally does not lead directly to permanent residency without an additional step.
Where do you sit in the EOI pool?
Enter your occupation and score to see how many EOIs are ahead of you.
The STSOL is designed to fill immediate gaps. Occupations here are often eligible for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482). However, a pathway to permanency via the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is usually only available if the occupation is also on the MLTSSL. Common STSOL occupations might include Chefs, Hotel Managers, or Massage Therapists. Key facts:
- Primary Visa: Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa.
- Pathway to PR: Often requires the occupation to be on the MLTSSL for a permanent employer-sponsored visa (subclass 186).
- State Nomination: Some states may nominate STSOL occupations for the subclass 190 or 491 visas if they have a specific need.
What is the Regional Occupation List (ROL)?
The ROL is a specialised list of occupations in demand across Australia’s designated regional areas. It is used exclusively for visas that encourage migration to regions, such as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
The ROL is broader than the MLTSSL and STSOL and includes many trades and community service roles critical to regional economies. According to state migration websites, like those for South Australia or Western Australia, states can have their own variations or additional requirements for ROL occupations. This list is key for the popular subclass 491 visa, which offers a pathway to permanent residency (subclass 191) after living and working regionally for a few years. Occupations might include Agricultural Technicians, Diesel Mechanics, or Social Workers.
- Primary Visa: Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) and subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional).
- Goal: To support development in areas outside major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
- State-Specific: Always check the specific regional list for the state or territory you are targeting.
What Was the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)?
The PMSOL was a temporary list created during the COVID-19 pandemic to prioritise critical occupations for border exemptions and visa processing. It is now officially retired and no longer in effect.
Introduced to help Australia’s economic recovery, the PMSOL included 44 occupations like Chief Executives, Construction Project Managers, and various medical and engineering roles. While it is no longer active, understanding its history is important as it shows how the government can rapidly respond to crises by adjusting migration priorities. Its functions have been largely absorbed into the standard skilled occupation lists and processing priorities.
- Status: Retired as of 2022.
- Legacy: Demonstrated the government’s ability to create targeted lists for specific economic needs.
- Current System: Focus has returned to the MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL.
How many invitations does your occupation get?
Enter your occupation to see invitations per round and per financial year.
How Do I Find Which List My Occupation is On?
You find your occupation’s status by searching the official Australian Government skills lists and consulting state nomination pages. The process involves checking your ANZSCO code against the consolidated lists for each visa subclass.
First, identify your correct ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code. Then, use the Department of Home Affairs’ Skilled Occupation List tool to see which lists apply. This is a manual and often confusing process, as you must cross-reference multiple sources. For a streamlined, accurate analysis, tools like NovenAI automate this search. By entering your occupation, NovenAI’s system instantly checks it against all current federal and state lists, tells you which visas you qualify for, and even predicts your likelihood of success—saving hours of research. Steps include:
- Find your ANZSCO code (e.g., 261313 - Software Engineer).
- Check the Home Affairs skilled occupation list for relevant visa subclasses.
- Investigate the specific occupation lists for your target state or territory.
- Assess your points score, including for English language proficiency. For help understanding the required English test scores, see our English Level Guide.
Choosing the right occupation list is the foundational step in your Australian skilled migration journey. The landscape is complex, with lists changing in response to economic needs. While the MLTSSL offers the most direct path to permanency, the regional lists provide fantastic opportunities for those willing to live outside major cities. Success depends on precise, up-to-date information.
Don’t navigate these shifting lists alone. Let NovenAI be your 24/7 migration mentor. Our platform, powered by a massive, continuously updated policy database, gives you real-time insights into occupation demand, calculates your exact points, and provides a clear, personalised visa pathway. Start your journey with confidence.