Skilled Occupation List Australia 2026: In-Demand Jobs & PR Visa Eligibility
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) Australia 2026 is the foundation of every skilled migration journey. If your occupation is not on the list, most skilled visa pathways are simply unavailable. Updated regularly by the Department of Home Affairs based on real labour market data, the SOL determines which professions qualify for the Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visa programs — and ultimately, your route to Australian permanent residency.
The three key occupation lists in 2026
Australia operates three primary lists, each serving a different migration purpose. The Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) covers occupations of long-term strategic importance and unlocks the widest range of visa options, including the Subclass 189, 190, and 491. The Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) covers roles in shorter-term demand; these are generally ineligible for the 189 but can qualify through specific state 190 or 491 nomination programs. The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) — introduced under the Skills in Demand framework — applies primarily to employer-sponsored visas and uses the updated ANZSCO 2022 classification system.
Highest-demand occupations on the SOL in 2026
Australia's healthcare sector leads demand, driven by an ageing population and a projected shortfall of more than 70,000 full-time equivalent nurses by 2035. Registered Nurses appear on the MLTSSL and all state occupation lists simultaneously. The technology sector follows closely — IT professionals including software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and data scientists are consistently in demand, with tech roles offering average salaries of AUD $90,000+. Civil and structural engineers, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and early childhood teachers round out the highest-demand categories in 2026.
How to use the Skilled Occupation List for your PR strategy
Start by identifying your ANZSCO occupation code — a numerical identifier that links your role to the correct assessment authority and visa options. Confirm whether your occupation appears on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or CSOL (or multiple lists). Then identify your designated skills assessing authority: Engineers Australia for engineers, ACS for ICT professionals, ANMAC for nurses, CPA/CAANZ for accountants, and VETASSESS for a broad range of other professions.
Once your occupation is confirmed and your skills assessment is positive, submit your EOI in SkillSelect. Your profile remains active for two years, waiting for invitation rounds that match your points score to the current demand for your occupation. Checking the Skilled Occupation List Australia is always the essential first step — everything else in the skilled migration process follows from here.
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