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Skilled occupations list
Eligible skilled occupations for Australian visas
The Department of Home Affairs has identified certain occupations that, subject to other eligibility requirements and assessment, are able to qualify for some form of skilled visa within Australia. An Australian Migration Lawyer can assist in the process of understanding the skilled occupation lists and selecting the most appropriate visa for your circumstances, as different occupations may provide a wide range of options and pathways.
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What is the skilled occupations list?
As a result of various skill shortages in the Australian labour market, the Australian Government has recognised various industries and circumstances where an influx of skilled foreign workers is required. In doing so, the Australian Government attempts to balance the need to address skill shortages with safeguarding local employment opportunities, conditions and wages for the same or similar occupation types. These occupations are listed by the Department and change regularly.
The three lists for skilled occupations in most skilled visas are the Short-term Skilled Occupation List, the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and the Regional Occupation List. These lists identify the occupation, its Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code, the relevant visa types and the skills assessment authority or any caveats that apply.
The most common skilled visa types that utilise an occupation list ranked by popularity are:
- Employer-Sponsored Visas (186, 482, 494)
- State/Territory Nominated Visas (190)
- Regional Skilled Work Visas (491)
- Business Innovation & Investment Visas (188)
- Global Talent (Independent) Visas (858)
- Skilled Independent Visas (189)
Full list of Australian skilled occupations list
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Occupation
ANZSCO code
List
Visa subclass (streams or type)
Occupation:
Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec
ANZSCO code:
141999
List:
STSOL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
190, 407, 491 (S/T), TSS (S), 494
Occupation:
Accountant (General)
ANZSCO code:
221111
List:
MLTSSL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
186*, 189 (PT), 190, 407, 485 (GW),491 (F), 491 (S/T), TSS (M)*, 494
Occupation:
Actuary
ANZSCO code:
224111
List:
MLTSSL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
186, 189 (PT), 190, 407, 485 (GW),491 (F), 491 (S/T), TSS (M), 494
Occupation:
Acupuncturist
ANZSCO code:
252211
List:
STSOL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
190, 407, 491 (S/T), TSS (S), 494
Occupation:
Advertising Manager
ANZSCO code:
131113
List:
STSOL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
190, 407, 491 (S/T), TSS (S), 494
Occupation:
Advertising Specialist
ANZSCO code:
225111
List:
STSOL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
190, 407, 491 (S/T), TSS (S), 494
Occupation:
Aeronautical Engineer
ANZSCO code:
233911
List:
MLTSSL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
186, 189 (PT), 190, 407, 485 (GW),491 (F), 491 (S/T), TSS (M), 494
Occupation:
Aeroplane Pilot
ANZSCO code:
231111
List:
Regional
Visa subclass (streams or type):
407, 491 (S/T), TSS (M)*, 494
Occupation:
Agricultural Consultant
ANZSCO code:
234111
List:
MLTSSL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
186, 189 (PT), 190, 407, 485 (GW),491 (F), 491 (S/T), TSS (M), 494
Occupation:
Agricultural Engineer
ANZSCO code:
233912
List:
MLTSSL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
186, 189 (PT), 190, 407, 485 (GW),491 (F), 491 (S/T), TSS (M), 494
Occupation:
Agricultural Scientist
ANZSCO code:
234112
List:
MLTSSL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
186, 189 (PT), 190, 407, 485 (GW),491 (F), 491 (S/T), TSS (M), 494
Occupation:
Agricultural Technician
ANZSCO code:
311111
List:
Regional
Visa subclass (streams or type):
407, 491 (S/T), TSS (M)*, 494
Occupation:
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
ANZSCO code:
334112
List:
MLTSSL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
186, 189 (PT), 190, 407, 485 (GW),491 (F), 491 (S/T), TSS (M), 494
Occupation:
Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
ANZSCO code:
342111
List:
MLTSSL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
186, 189 (PT), 190, 407, 485 (GW),491 (F), 491 (S/T), TSS (M), 494
Occupation:
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics)
ANZSCO code:
323111
List:
STSOL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
190, 407, 491 (S/T), TSS (S), 494
Occupation:
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical)
ANZSCO code:
323112
List:
STSOL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
190, 407, 491 (S/T), TSS (S), 494
Occupation:
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures)
ANZSCO code:
323113
List:
STSOL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
190, 407, 491 (S/T), TSS (S), 494
Occupation:
Ambulance Officer
ANZSCO code:
411111
List:
STSOL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
190, 407, 491 (S/T), TSS (S), 494
Occupation:
Amusement Centre Manager
ANZSCO code:
149111
List:
Regional
Visa subclass (streams or type):
407, 491 (S/T), TSS (M)*, 494
Occupation:
Anaesthetic Technician
ANZSCO code:
311211
List:
STSOL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
190, 407, 491 (S/T), TSS (S), 494
Occupation:
Anaesthetist
ANZSCO code:
253211
List:
ROL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
482 (ROL), 187, 407, 494
Occupation:
Analyst Programmer
ANZSCO code:
261311
List:
MLTSSL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
186, 189 (PT), 190, 407, 485 (GW),491 (F), 491 (S/T), TSS (M), 494
Occupation:
Animal Attendants and Trainers nec
ANZSCO code:
361199
List:
STSOL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
190, 407, 491 (S/T), TSS (S)*, 494
Occupation:
Apiarist
ANZSCO code:
121311
List:
STSOL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
190, 407, 491 (S/T), TSS (S)*, 494
Occupation:
Aquaculture Farmer
ANZSCO code:
121111
List:
STSOL
Visa subclass (streams or type):
482(ROL), 187, 407, 494
{visa type} visa checklist
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Skilled occupations by state/territory
For the State and Territory Skilled Nominated Visas (subclass 190) and Regional Skilled Work Visas (subclass 491), it is often required that an Australian State or Territory nominates an applicant. Applicants are typically invited to fill out a nomination request where the applicant has a positive skills assessment (from a relevant assessing authority) in an occupation identified on the eligible skilled occupation list, meets the minimum points requirement in SkillSelect and has filled out an expression of interest for nomination. While different states have varying policies to determine how the nomination process is carried out, typically expressions of interest are prioritised where an applicant’s occupation falls into a target sector. The following section will identify the occupations in demand within each State and Territory at the time of writing.
Victoria
In Victoria, the current target sectors for skilled immigration are:
- Health
- Medical Research
- Life Sciences
- Digital
- Agri-Food
- Advanced Manufacturing
- New Energy, Emissions Reduction and Circular Economy
New South Wales
In New South Wales, the current target sectors for skilled immigration are:
- Health
- Education
- Information and Communication Technology
- Infrastructure
- Agriculture
ACT
In the Australian Capital Territory there are over 350 occupations listed on the critical skills list. The following categories are the broad areas of occupations contained on that list
- Management and Administration
- Professional Services
- Creative and Design
- Healthcare and Medical
- Education and Training
- Technical and Trade
Tasmania
In Tasmania, there are over 150 occupations listed on the Tasmanian Government’s occupation list. The following categories are the broad areas of occupations contained on that list:
- Agriculture and Livestock Management
- Management and Administration
- Finance and Accounting
- Marketing and Advertising
- Design and Creative Services
- Engineering and Technical
- Healthcare and Medical
- Education and Training
- Information Technology
- Technical and Trade
- Hospitality and Personal Services
South Australia
The South Australian government has listed over 200 different occupations. The following categories represent the broad areas of occupations listed:
- Healthcare
- Information and Communication Technology
- Engineers
- Professional Services
- Education and Childcare Services
Western Australia
In Western Australia, there are over 300 occupations listed by the Western Australian Government as priority occupations. The following categories are the broad areas of occupations listed as priorities:
- Building and Construction
- Education and Training
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Hospitality and Tourism
Northern Territory
In the Northern Territory, there are over 80 occupations listed as priority occupations by the Northern Territory government. The following categories are the broad areas of occupations listed as priorities:
- Healthcare Professionals
- Education Professionals
- Skilled Trades
- Hospitality and Food Services
- Management and Administration
- Engineering and Technical Roles
- Miscellaneous Services
Queensland
In Queensland, there are over 300 occupations listed as eligible occupations for nomination by the Queensland Government. The following categories are the broad areas of occupations listed:
- Agriculture and Horticulture
- Business and Management
- Construction and Building Trades
- Education
- Engineering
- Environmental and Science
- Health and Medical
- Information and Communication Technology
- Social and Community Services
- Technical and Trades
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How the skilled occupation process works
The skilled occupation process is established and maintained by the Department of Home Affairs. The Department, in conjunction with the Australian Government, identifies occupations which are eligible to be filled by eligible skilled migrants. Once these occupations have been identified, these occupations are added to the Department’s Skilled Occupation List. This list specifies the ANZSCO code for each occupation that provides relevant information about the occupation, caveats that exclude the use of the occupation in certain circumstances, what specific list the occupation belongs to and the assessing authority for any skill assessments. This list is used by state and territory governments as well as prospective sponsoring employers and applicants to assess an applicant's eligibility for different visa types.
To make this assessment, an applicant's occupation should be compared to the Skilled Occupation List. Once an appropriate occupation is identified on this list, the applicant’s experience and qualifications should be compared against the relevant ANZSCO criteria. Should an applicant meet this criteria (and any related caveats), an applicant will be preliminarily eligible for the visa specified on the list.
Priority migration of skilled occupations
On top of the previously mentioned state and territory priority occupations, the Department does process some applications according to government policy priorities. These priorities are outlined in Ministerial Direction No. 105 and listed in the following order of priority they are:
- For employer-sponsored visas, applications in relation to occupations in designated regional areas
- Applications in relation to healthcare or teaching occupations
- For employer-sponsored visas, applications where the applicant is nominated by an Approved sponsor with Accredited Status
- For permanent and provisional subclasses, applications that count towards the migration program (excluding the subclass 188 visa)
- All other visa applications
Where not referenced within Ministerial Direction No. 105, applications are assessed in order of date of lodgement
Short-term skilled visas
Applicants should be aware that some skilled visas are short-term visas and do not offer permanent residency. This can be for a variety of reasons. If an applicant wishes to pursue permanent residency, they should explore other visa options or contact an Australian Migration Lawyer who can provide them assistance in this process. Some short-term visas may also provide a direct pathway to permanent residency by making you eligible to apply for a permanent visa after holding a short-term visa for a period of time.
From the aforementioned list of the most common and popularly applied for visas the following are short-term temporary skilled visas
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
- Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188)
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Benefits of using an immigration lawyer
There are several benefits to using migration agents and lawyers such as Australian Migration Lawyers. At Australian Migration Lawyers, we have profound experience and knowledge in assisting applicants with a range of visa applications including skilled occupation visa applications. As this page has identified, there are a range of potential visas that may be available to applicants. Assessing the appropriateness of these options can be challenging for any applicant alone, however an Australian Migration Lawyer can provide guidance and advice tailored to an applicant's unique circumstances.
This extends to the whole of the application process and includes confirming an applicant's eligibility, assisting with the collation and lodgement of the visa application form and relevant documentation, communicating with the Department on an applicant’s behalf and advising applicants on the outcome of their visa application.
- Our team of qualified Australian lawyers draw on their knowledge of legislation, case law, and policy, to give clear and accurate advice on all requirements and strategies relevant to your matter
- As lawyers, we have an obligation to ensure that your application meets all legislative requirements, which greatly improves your chance of success
- We assist in all stages of the process, including the preparation of all necessary applications all the way through to the grant of the visa, including working with you to action any additional requests from the Department of Home Affairs
Visa application process
Applying for a visa to Australia can be complex. With help from an Australian Migration Lawyer, we can untangle this complexity, and help you apply for the right visa.
1. Consultation and engagement
Organise a consultation time to speak with one of our lawyers. You can meet with us in person, via Zoom or telephone. Following this, we will send you paperwork that confirms our engagement to represent you.
2. Preparation and support
We will prepare written submissions in support of your visa application. This will be based on your individual circumstances, and supported by evidence where appropriate.
3. Submission and communication
We submit your application to the relevant body (Department of Home Affairs, courts or tribunal). We will continue to update you concerning the status of your application.
4. Representation and success
We will keep you informed about your application, and notify you of the outcome. If you receive an unfavourable outcome and we can reapply, we will!
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Processing times and conditions
Due to the range of visa options available and the varying eligibility requirements for each visa type, it can be difficult to provide an exact estimate of how long it will take for any application to be processed. Furthemore, the varying demand and availability of visa allocations can also impact how long a visa takes to process. Applicants should be aware that avoidable delays often arise where there are mistakes in an application, applications are incomplete and where applications lack relevant documentation. If applicants are having difficulty in making sure their application is complete to minimise any potential delays, an Australian Migration Lawyer can assist them during the application process.
Applicants should also be aware that on the Department’s website, they provide a provisional processing time guide for various different skilled application types. This will provide information on how long 50% of applications take and how long 90% of applications take. Applicants should be aware that these form a guide and as visas are determined on a case-by-case basis, different factors, like those mentioned above, can affect processing times.
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We offer professional migration advice and support, no matter where you are based. Those located in Australia have the choice of meeting with us at one of our offices or online, and for those offshore, we are available to you online.
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Learn moreFrequently asked questions
Learn more about skilled work visas
What counts as a skilled worker in Australia?
In Australia, a ‘skilled worker’ is someone whose occupations are identified on the Department’s skilled occupation list. An individual who is qualified to work or train in an eligible occupation identified on this list will provisionally be deemed to be a skilled worker.
Which skilled worker is in the highest demand in Australia?
The demand for skilled workers in Australia will shift depending on the skill shortages that are being experienced within the Australian labour market. In the post above, Australian Migration Lawyers have detailed the varying priorities and critical areas of different states and territories for skilled workers.
What skills is there a shortage of in Australia?
The skills that there is a shortage of in Australia differs depending on the demands of the Australian labour market. Therefore, the skills required change often. This post provides some information on the different areas and skills which are in demand around different areas of Australia.
What’s the difference between work and skilled visas?
While both work and skilled visas use the skilled occupation list in assessing eligibility, the difference between them relates to who is paying for the visa and what benefits are provided to the visa holder. More information about these differences can be found on the Department's website or by contacting Australian Migration Lawyers
Can I apply for a PR after a skilled work visa?
While some Skilled Work visas provide permanent residency or a pathway to permanent residency, not all visa types do. Thus, if permanent residency is a priority for any applicant, careful consideration of the appropriate visa type to apply for is required. To discuss this further, please contact an Australian Migration Lawyer who can help assess applicants’ eligibility and provide advice on the process moving forward with an application.
About the content author
Perry Q Wood is National President of the Australian Institute of Administrative Law and one of Australia’s leading administrative and migration lawyers. To date, he has been involved in 1,000+ migration and refugee matters.
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