Top Occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List [2025–2026 Guide]

TL;DR: The Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) covers occupations eligible for temporary skilled visas like the 482 and 491, but generally does not lead directly to permanent residency. If your occupation is on the STSOL, you can still build a pathway to PR by using state-nominated visas or employer sponsorship. Use tools like NovenAI’s PR Points Calculator to evaluate your options.

What is the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) for 2025–2026?

The STSOL is a list of occupations that Australia’s Department of Home Affairs updates annually to address immediate labour shortages. It primarily supports temporary skilled migration visas, not direct permanent residency.

According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page, the STSOL feeds into visas like the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). Occupations here are deemed necessary but not critical enough for permanent sponsorship under the Medium- and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Key facts about the STSOL:

• Covers about 200+ occupations, including roles in marketing, hospitality, construction, and health.
• No direct pathway to PR—but you can transition via the 491 visa (regional) or employer-sponsored 186 (Temporary Residence Transition stream).
• Annual reviews—the list evolves based on labour market data; some occupations move to the MLTSSL over time.

For an exact list, visit the Australian Government’s occupation lists page (external link).

Which visas can I apply for with an STSOL occupation?

You can apply for temporary visas, not permanent ones, with an STSOL occupation.
The STSOL opens doors to the 482 TSS visa (short-term stream) and the 491 regional visa. These are stepping stones, not endpoints.

• TSS 482 (Short-term stream): Valid for up to 2 years (4 years for some occupations). You must have a sponsor and work in the nominated role.
• Skilled Work Regional 491: A points-tested visa for 5 years. Requires nomination by a state or territory government or a family member in a designated area.
• No direct 186 or 189 eligibility: The 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) and 189 (Skilled Independent) require MLTSSL occupations.

According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official STSOL page, you can later convert a 482 or 491 to PR if you meet specific conditions (e.g., working for an employer for 3 years on the 482).

What occupations are on the STSOL for 2025–2026?

Common STSOL occupations include Marketing Specialist, Chef, and Construction Project Manager.
These roles are in high demand across Australia, especially in regional areas. Here’s a snapshot of typical STSOL occupations:

Check the Home Affairs occupation list for your specific ANZSCO code. State governments also have their own lists (e.g., NSW Skilled Occupation List (external link)).

Can I get permanent residency (PR) if my occupation is on the STSOL?

Yes, but indirectly—via regional visas or employer sponsorship transitions.
The STSOL doesn’t lead directly to PR, but you have two main pathways:

1. 491 visa → 191 visa: After holding a 491 for 3 years and meeting regional work and income requirements, you can apply for the 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
2. 482 visa → 186 visa (Temporary Residence Transition stream): If your employer sponsors you for the 482 and you work 3 years in a short-term stream occupation, you may qualify for the 186 PR visa (limited to some STSOL roles).

According to the Australian Government’s regional migration page, the 491 is a proven route to PR, especially for occupations like Chef or Web Developer.

How do I check if my occupation is on the STSOL?

Use the official Home Affairs occupation list or NovenAI’s free tools.
Searching by ANZSCO code is reliable, but it can be tedious. NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor instantly analyses your occupation and points profile to tell you which lists apply.

Steps to check:

• Visit the Home Affairs Skilled Occupation Lists page (external link).
• Enter your ANZSCO code (e.g., 225113) or occupation title.
• Look for “STSOL” in the list category.
• For state-specific lists, check the Victoria Skilled Migration page (external link).

NovenAI’s PR Points Calculator also factors in your occupation list, so you can see your eligibility instantly.

What are the points requirements for STSOL occupations on the 491 visa?

The 491 visa requires a minimum of 65 points, but 85–95 is competitive.
Since STSOL occupations are temporary, you need strong points to secure state nomination. The 491 is points-tested, and higher points improve your invitation chances.

Key points for the 491:

• Age (25–32 years): 30 points
• English (Proficient or Superior): 10–20 points (use NovenAI’s English Level Guide to assess your score)
• Skilled employment (8–15 points)
• State nomination (15 points)
• Partner skills (10 points)

For a typical Marketing Specialist (STSOL), aiming for 85 points is realistic with a good English score, 5 years of experience, and state nomination. NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor simulates your exact points.

How does NovenAI help me navigate STSOL pathways?

NovenAI offers real-time tools and expert advice to maximise your chances.
Navigating the STSOL can feel confusing because it changes yearly and varies by state. NovenAI’s 18 GB+ knowledge base and AI mentor cuts through the noise.

Here’s how NovenAI helps:

• PR Points Calculator: Instantly compute your points score when targeting a 491 visa.
• Visa Success Predictor: See if your STSOL occupation qualifies for state nomination.
• English Level Guide: Check your IELTS/PTE equivalency to maximise language points.
• 24/7 AI Mentor: Ask questions like “Can my Chef role lead to PR?” for US$39/month.

NovenAI is designed for people who want to avoid expensive lawyers and stay ahead of policy shifts. Tools like the Points Calculator are free and updated monthly with Home Affairs data.

How can I maximise my points with an STSOL occupation?

Focus on English scores, skilled experience, and regional study.
Since STSOL occupations don’t unlock direct PR, you need every point possible for the 491.

Actionable checklist:

• Boost English: Score 8+ in IELTS or 79+ in PTE (equivalent to Superior English = 20 points). Use NovenAI’s English Level Guide to benchmark.
• Gain skilled experience: 3–5 years in a relevant role adds 5–10 points.
• Complete regional study: Studying in regional Australia earns 5 points.
• Get partner skills: Partner with a competent English-score or ANZSCO-skilled occupation adds 10 points.
• Consult a state list: States like South Australia or Tasmania have favourable conditions for STSOL occupations.

According to the Department of Home Affairs’ points calculator, these steps push you from 65 to 85+ points.

Conclusion

The Short-Term Skilled Occupation List doesn’t have to be a dead end. With the right visa strategy—especially the 491 regional visa—you can turn a temporary listing into a permanent future in Australia. Focus on point maximisation, state nomination, and staying current with policy changes.

Ready to take the next step? Try NovenAI’s free PR Points Calculator and Visa Success Predictor to map out your pathway to PR. Your dream of living in Australia is closer than you think.

Start with NovenAI today →