[189 Visa Occupation List]: Complete Guide to MLTSSL Changes and Trends

The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) forms the foundation of Australia's Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa program. This comprehensive guide examines the current MLTSSL, recent changes, future trends, and strategies for navigating this crucial occupation list.

What is the MLTSSL?

The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) is the official occupation list that determines eligibility for the 189 visa. This list identifies occupations that are in high demand across Australia, requiring skilled migrants to fill persistent workforce gaps.

Key features of the MLTSSL include:

• Contains approximately 200+ occupations across various sectors

• Updated periodically based on labor market research

• Each occupation is linked to specific ANZSCO codes and skill levels

• Determines eligibility for multiple skilled visa pathways, including 189

Current MLTSSL Occupation Categories

The MLTSSL encompasses occupations across numerous sectors:

For the complete, up-to-date list, refer to the Department of Home Affairs official website.

Recent Changes to the MLTSSL

The MLTSSL has undergone significant changes in recent years, reflecting Australia's evolving economic needs:

2024-2025 Updates

Several notable changes were implemented in the latest MLTSSL update:

• Additions: Software Quality Assurance Engineers, Cybersecurity Specialists

• Removals: Several management positions with oversupply

• Restrictions: Increased assessment requirements for accounting professionals

• Priority Processing: Healthcare and critical infrastructure occupations

Transition to Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

From December 7, 2024, the MLTSSL will be incorporated into the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This represents a major shift in Australia's skilled migration framework, with the CSOL replacing multiple existing lists including the MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL.

The CSOL will:

• Include 456 occupations in total

• Apply to Skills in Demand (SID) visa and subclass 186 (Direct Entry stream)

• Simplify the currently complex system of multiple occupation lists

• Maintain many MLTSSL occupations but with revised assessment criteria

Occupation Trends and Analysis

High-Demand Occupations

Based on recent invitation rounds, certain MLTSSL occupations consistently receive more invitations:

1. Software and Applications Programmers: Remains Australia's top demand occupation

2. Registered Nurses: Critical shortages continue across all specializations

3. Civil Engineers: Infrastructure development driving sustained demand

4. Electricians: Essential trades with consistent shortages

5. Allied Health Professionals: Growing demand in physiotherapy and occupational therapy

Declining Occupations

Some occupations, while still on the MLTSSL, face decreased invitation rates:

1. Accountants: Extremely high competition with increasing points thresholds

2. Management Consultants: Reduced demand with higher assessment scrutiny

3. Marketing Specialists: Limited invitations with higher points requirements

MLTSSL Occupation Assessment Requirements

Each MLTSSL occupation requires assessment by a designated authority:

Case Study: Ryan's Journey Through MLTSSL Changes

Ryan, a 29-year-old IT professional from Singapore, initially struggled with understanding the MLTSSL and its implications for his 189 visa application. His occupation (Software Engineer) was on the list, but he wasn't sure about assessment requirements.

Ryan's Challenges

• Uncertainty about whether his qualifications would meet ACS requirements

• Confusion about changing occupation ceilings and invitation numbers

• Difficulty interpreting SkillSelect data for his occupation

How NovenAI Helped

NovenAI provided Ryan with:

• Clear explanation of the ACS assessment process for his specific circumstances

• Occupation-specific invitation trends showing points thresholds specifically for Software Engineers

• Customized preparation guide for skills assessment documentation

With this guidance, Ryan successfully obtained his skills assessment and received an invitation with 95 points, despite ongoing changes to the occupation list.

Strategies for MLTSSL Occupation Selection

Researching Occupation Stability

Before committing to a migration pathway based on the MLTSSL, consider do the following:

Alternative Pathways for MLTSSL Occupations

MLTSSL occupations often qualify for multiple visa pathways:

• State-nominated 190 visa: Potentially lower points threshold with state priority

• Regional 491 visa: Additional 15 points advantage for regional commitment

• Employer-sponsored options: Direct pathway via 186 visa if you secure employment

How NovenAI Assists with MLTSSL Navigation

Staying current with MLTSSL changes is challenging when relying solely on:

• Government websites that offer general information without personalized guidance

• Migration agents who may not specialize in your specific occupation category

• Forums with anecdotal and sometimes outdated advice

NovenAI provides specialized support for MLTSSL-based applications:

1. Occupation Matching: Precise alignment of your experience with MLTSSL requirements

2. Assessment Authority Guidance: Specific documentation requirements for your occupation's assessing body

3. Invitation Trend Analysis: Data-driven insights into your occupation's competitive landscape

4. Migration Strategy Planning: Custom roadmaps accounting for MLTSSL stability factors

5. CSOL Transition Support: Guidance on navigating the upcoming list changes

Future of the MLTSSL and CSOL

The upcoming transition to the CSOL represents a significant evolution in Australia's skilled migration framework. Based on policy announcements and migration trends, we anticipate:

• Increased specificity: More detailed occupation requirements and assessments

• Regional focus: Greater incentives for MLTSSL occupations in regional areas

• Digital emphasis: Growing preference for tech and digital transformation skills

• Healthcare priority: Continued expansion of healthcare occupation pathways

• Regular reviews: More frequent updates to respond to labor market changes

Conclusion

The MLTSSL is a dynamic, evolving list that forms the foundation of Australia's 189 visa program. Staying informed about changes and trends is essential for successful migration planning.

For personalized guidance on your occupation's status, assessment requirements, and migration strategy, explore NovenAI's specialized MLTSSL tools.

For official information, always refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for the most current occupation list and requirements.