Top 30+ Skill Level 1, 2, 3 Occupations for Australian Visas [2025–2026 Guide]

TL;DR: Skill Levels 1, 2, and 3 cover occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher (Level 1), an advanced diploma or associate degree (Level 2), and a Certificate III or IV (Level 3). These form the backbone of Australia’s skilled migration program. Over 400 occupations qualify—from software engineers and registered nurses to electricians and chefs. Use the free PR Points Calculator on NovenAI to see if yours matches your eligibility score.

What are Skill Level 1, 2, and 3 Occupations for Australian Visas?

Skill Levels 1, 2, and 3 define the education and experience needed for each occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists.

These levels are set by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) under the ANZSCO classification system. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page, most permanent skilled visa pathways (Subclass 189, 190, 491) require applicants to nominate an occupation at Skill Level 1, 2, or 3.

• Skill Level 1: Requires a bachelor’s degree or higher (or at least five years of relevant experience). Examples: Software Engineer, Registered Nurse, Architect.
• Skill Level 2: Requires an advanced diploma or associate degree (or three years of experience). Examples: Hotel Manager, Environmental Health Officer, Firefighter.
• Skill Level 3: Requires a Certificate III or IV (or two years of on-the-job training). Examples: Electrician, Chef, Hairdresser.

Key Insight: Most state nomination lists prioritise occupations in these three levels. If your job falls under Skill Level 4 or 5 (e.g., sales assistant), it generally won’t qualify for skilled migration.

Which Skill Level 1 Occupations Are in Highest Demand for 2025–2026?

Skill Level 1 occupations dominate Australia’s critical skills shortage lists, especially in tech and healthcare.

According to the National Skills Commission’s latest projections, roles like software engineers, registered nurses, and accountants remain in the highest demand. For example, Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313) is on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), meaning it leads directly to Permanent Residency.

Here are the top 10 Skill Level 1 occupations by demand in 2025–2026:

• Registered Nurse (2544) – Across multiple specialisations (aged care, critical care, mental health).
• Software & Applications Programmers (2613) – Including Developer Programmer, Systems Analyst.
• Accountant (2211) – General Accountant, Management Accountant, Taxation Accountant.
• Civil Engineer (2332) – Infrastructure and transport projects.
• ICT Business Analyst (2611) – Bridging business needs with tech solutions.
• Secondary School Teacher (2414) – Especially in regional areas.
• Construction Project Manager (1331) – Driven by housing targets.
• Social Worker (2725) – Growing demand in community services.
• Medical Practitioners (253) – Doctors, specialists (GP, anaesthetist, psychiatrist).
• Architect (2321) – Sustainable design and urban planning.

Pro Tip: Many Skill Level 1 occupations require a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia for engineers, ANMAC for nurses). Use the Visa Success Predictor on NovenAI to estimate your approval odds before applying.

What Are the Most Common Skill Level 2 Occupations for Migration?

Skill Level 2 roles typically require an advanced diploma or associate degree, covering management and technical support positions.

These occupations are often found on the STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List) or ROL (Regional Occupation List). They can lead to visas like the 491 (Skilled Work Regional) or 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage).

Examples of high-demand Skill Level 2 occupations for 2025–2026:

• Hotel or Motel Manager (141311) – Common for 187 visas in regional areas.
• Environmental Health Officer (251311) – Public health roles.
• Firefighter (452311) – Emergency services.
• Early Childhood Educator (Group: 4211) – Working with children under 5 (requires Diploma).
• Dental Hygienist (411211) – Increasing demand as dental health expands.
• Civil Engineering Draftsperson (312211) – Supports civil engineers.
• Interior Designer (232511) – Commercial and residential design.
• University Lecturer (242111) – Minimum master’s degree often qualifies as Skill Level 2.

Did You Know? Some Skill Level 2 occupations, like Hotel Manager, allow for a direct pathway to PR if you have a positive skills assessment and relevant work experience. Check your English level first—many require at least IELTS 7.0. Use the English Level Guide on NovenAI for a free assessment.

Which Skill Level 3 Occupations Are Eligible for Skilled Visas?

Skill Level 3 occupations cover skilled trades requiring a Certificate III or IV, which are critical for Australia’s construction and manufacturing sectors.

Australia faces a severe shortage of tradespeople. The government has fast-tracked many of these roles on the DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreements) and regional visa lists. Tradespeople can often secure PR through the 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) or 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visas.

Here are the top Skill Level 3 occupations in demand for 2025–2026:

Expert Tip: Tradespeople often need to complete a skills assessment through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). The process can take 3–6 months, so start early. NovenAI’s 24/7 migration mentor can guide you through the TRA steps for $39/month—far cheaper than a migration lawyer.

How Do I Know If My Occupation Is Skill Level 1, 2, or 3?

You can check your occupation’s Skill Level by searching ANZSCO on the ABS website or using the free NovenAI occupation finder.

The ABS classifies each job under a 6-digit ANZSCO code. Skill Level is indicated in the occupation description. For example, General Accountant (221111) has a Skill Level of 1 because it requires a bachelor’s degree.

Here’s how to confirm:

1. Visit the ABS: Go to the Australian Bureau of Statistics ANZSCO search tool.
2. Use NovenAI: The PR Points Calculator on NovenAI automatically shows the Skill Level for each listed occupation.
3. Check the Home Affairs List: The Department of Home Affairs publishes the combined list of eligible skilled occupations.

Note: If your occupation is at Skill Level 1, 2, or 3 but not on any skilled occupation list (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL), you may still qualify for employer-sponsored visas (e.g., 482 or 494).

What Are the Visa Options for Skill Level 1, 2, and 3 Occupations?

Skill Levels 1, 2, and 3 open up a range of visa pathways, from permanent residency to regional work visas.

The exact visa depends on whether the occupation is on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or a state-specific list. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Skill Level 1 (on MLTSSL): Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), 190 (State Nominated), 491 (Regional). Example: Software Engineer → 189 visa, direct PR.
• Skill Level 1 (on STSOL only): Subclass 190, 491, 482. Example: Marketing Specialist → 190 visa (if state-sponsored).
• Skill Level 2 (on STSOL or ROL): Subclass 491, 482, 494. Example: Hotel Manager → 491 regional visa.
• Skill Level 3 (on MLTSSL or ROL): Subclass 186 (DE), 494, 491. Example: Electrician → 186 visa with employer sponsorship.

Pro Tip: State nomination lists change frequently. For instance, Victoria prioritises Skill Level 1 tech roles, while South Australia actively recruits trades at Skill Level 3. Always check the latest occupation lists on the state migration website.

Conclusion

Understanding Skill Level 1, 2, and 3 occupations is your first step toward Australian permanent residency. Whether you’re a software engineer (Skill Level 1), a hotel manager (Skill Level 2), or an electrician (Skill Level 3), there’s a visa pathway tailored to your expertise.

Next Step: Use the free PR Points Calculator on NovenAI to see if your points are competitive for 2025–2026. Then, explore the Visa Success Predictor to estimate your approval odds. With the right strategy, you can turn your skills into a new life Down Under.

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