Skilled Occupation List 2026: A Guide for International Students in Australia

If you’re thinking about the next best step to your permanent residency in Australia, you need to make sure that your job is included in the Skilled Occupation List.

This helps you know your eligibility for temporary or permanent visas.

So, is your job still in demand?

Here are the key things you need to know about Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.

• What is the Skilled Occupation List?

• Australia State-Specific SOL 2025-26 Updates

• What jobs are in demand in Australia in 2026?

• Skilled Occupation List 2026: Top Occupation Groups

• Skilled Occupation List 2026: State-specific updates

• What visas can you apply for if your job is on the Skilled Occupation List?

• Understand your visa options

• The Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List 2025

• FAQs

The Skilled Occupation List is a list of jobs for which Australia needs more workers. 

If your job is on this list, it means Australia needs your skills, and you may be eligible to apply for a skilled visa.

But it’s not just one simple list. The SOL is made up of different streams, visa options, and even state-specific lists. Let’s break it down simply! 

What are the different Skilled Occupation Lists (Streams)?

The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) isn’t just one big list. 

It’s made up of three main streams. Each stream is linked to different types of skilled visas.

Here’s what they mean:

Below is a comprehensive table showcasing the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), including selected key occupations, along with their corresponding ANZSCO codes and ANZSCO Skill Levels.

Source: Department of Home Affairs

The Skilled Occupation List isn’t just one list. It’s made up of:

• Different jobs for different visa types (189, 190, 491, 482, and more)

• Separate lists for each state and territory (like VIC, NSW, QLD, etc.)

• Multiple streams like MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL (meaning there’s a list for jobs that Australia needs long-term, some for short-term, and some per region). 

Plus, these lists are constantly updating, so it’s hard to rely on one list to know about your job and qualifications. 

The best thing to do?  

Ask our MARA agents if your job is still in the SOL

Because it’s such a large and complex list, and it changes often, it’s best to speak to IDP’s migration expert to check your exact job.

They can help you:

• Check which list (MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL) your job is on

• Understand which visas you’re eligible for

• Get personalised advice on the best migration pathway for your role and long-term goals

I want to ask about my job and visa options

The Skilled Occupation List is massive.

Some jobs lead to permanent residency. Others only open doors in regional areas. Some change categories faster than you can Google “ANZSCO.”

But you don’t have to figure it out alone.

At IDP, we help you:

• Understand the requirements behind your occupation

• Check your visa eligibility

• Choose the right migration pathway for your goals

• Plan your steps toward permanent residency

We’ve helped thousands of international students take the next right step toward their future in Australia.

We understand the migration system, but more importantly, we understand you. Your worries. Your questions. Your goals.

And we do our best to help you take that first real step: understanding which visas suit your job, your background, and your chances, before you spend a dollar on the wrong one.

Because sometimes, the hardest part isn’t the paperwork. It’s knowing where to begin.

Talk to an IDP migration expert about your job and visa options

What happens if my occupation is removed from the list?

If your application or nomination is pending, you won’t be impacted by the removal of any occupation from the skilled occupation lists. The same also applies if you already hold a skilled visa unless there are changes in your circumstances which require the submission of a new nomination application.

If you’re changing your occupation or employer, and your occupation is no longer on the combined list of eligible skilled occupations, it may impact your application. Feel free to book an appointment with us if you require guidance and support.

What are the top courses for permanent residency?

Top courses for PR in Australia are:

• Accounting

• Engineering

• Social Work

• Nursing

• Education and teaching

• Automotive

• Building and construction

How does the points-based system work for skilled migration and state nomination?

Both types of migration are points-based systems assessing factors like:

• Age - more points are allocated to the younger age bracket versus older

• English level - The higher score achieved on the English test, the more points you can gain

• Skilled employment (months worked) - your experience working in the occupation you will apply for, outside of Australia

• Specialist qualification

• Australian study requirement (degree/postgraduate) course with an Australian-approved provider

• Other factors such as studying in regional areas, partners' qualifications and level of English, single applicants and professional year in Australia

Should I study in regional Australia?

It’s highly recommended to consider regional opportunities given the introduction of the 491 Visas and the fact that more points are awarded for living in regional areas, and there is priority processing on regional visas. However, it’s also important to consider that the occupation you’re applying for would be available in the regional area where you will live.

If you’re following an academic pathway, you can consider Visa 189, where you can live anywhere in Australia (metro and regional options).

However, consider that at least 80 points should be earned (this keeps changing with every invitation round), and you want to try and score as many points as possible.

It’s recommended to also consider Professional Year, NAATI and obtaining a high level of English to be successful.

Does your level of study meet the skilled occupation list?

Ensure that what you’re studying is high enough level of study for the occupation you plan to work in. For example, if you want to become a teacher, at least a bachelor’s degree will be required.

What is the course length?

If you want to apply for a 491 or 494, you need to ensure your course length is at least 2 years.

This needs to be 2 years of continuous study in the skilled occupation. Post your study, you will have 3 years of working rights. This will give you valuable time to satisfy the work experience requirement needed for the permanent residency visa.

What rights do I have once I am a permanent resident in Australia?

• Invite a family member or a relative to Australia

• Obtain a Medicare health card

• Travel to and from Australia up to 5 years

• Unlimited work rights

• Social security benefits

• Financial opportunities (First Home Buyer benefits, home/bank loan)

Ready to take the next step towards your Australian dream? Start by checking if your occupation is on the SOL, then research the visa options that best suit your skills and experience. Remember, professional advice can help you navigate the process smoothly and avoid costly mistakes.

Latest visa news:

• Latest Australian Visa News

• Australia’s 2025–26 Skilled Migration full allocations

Articles that can help you when lodging your EOI: 

• Skilled Occupation List 2025: A Guide for International Students in Australia

• How to Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Australian Visas

• New English Requirements for Australian Visas - August 2025

Want to check the SOL and migration program guides for other states and territories? 

• New South Wales Skilled Occupation List 

• Victoria Skilled Occupation List 

• Queensland Skilled Occupation List 

• South Australia Skilled Occupation List 

• Western Australia Skilled Occupation List 

• Tasmania Skilled Occupation List 

• Australian Capital Territory Skilled Occupation List