Dreaming of living and working in Australia? Boost your chances of immigrating to Australia with the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)! Find out if your occupation is in-demand and what visas you qualify for with our SOL Australia guide.

The Australian government has developed policies designed to attract migrants with experience in areas where there is a skill shortfall through its skilled migration program. It’s designed to appeal to those who can contribute to the Australian economy and fill roles where no local workers are available.

If you aim to live and work in Australia permanently, it's beneficial to be aware of the most in-demand jobs. Improve your chances of getting a permanent residency by completing a course that will offer you great career prospects in the fields that are highly sought after in Australia.

Ready to talk to an expert about Australia's Skilled Occupation List and how it can help you extend your stay? Contact us today.

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Australia State-Specific SOL 2024-25 Updates

State​

Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa

Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa

ACT

1,000

800

NSW

3,000

2,000

NT

800

800

QLD

600

600

SA

3,000

800

TAS

2,100

760

VIC

3,000

2,000

WA

3,000

2,000

Total

16,500

9,760

If you are looking for state specific updates for the skilled occupation list in Australia, then we have pulled together the latest 2024-2025 occupation list updates below:

Still need more detail around the SOL? We have pulled together everything you will need to know as an international student in Australia below:

The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) combines all eligible skilled occupations in Australia and it includes the following:

  • The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code for each occupation. The ANZSCO offers details on the skill level of jobs, qualifications and/or experience needed to work in occupations

  • specifies if the occupation is included on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)*, the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)**, the Regional Occupation List (ROL) or the ***Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) ROL List.

  • the assessing authority for skills assessments

  • conditions: which exclude the use of the occupation in certain circumstances (applies to the ENS and TSS visas only)

*Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): Nominate an occupation from this list to qualify for skilled migration

**Short term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL): Your occupation should be on this list to apply for a state or territory government nomination

***The RSMS ROL list is a separate list of occupations that applies to the RSMS visa only

Working in Australia - Visa Types

Here are the visas available for you if you have the skills and experience to work or train in one of Australia's eligible skilled occupations and meet all the necessary requirements:

Eligibility for these visas differ so we recommend you check on all requirements thoroughly after you’ve determined which visa is ideal for you. Generally, to be eligible for the above visas above you need to:

  • be over 18 and under 45 years old

  • Be invited to apply

  • meet the points test

  • meet the study/skill requirements

  • work experience in the skilled occupation

  • have competent English

  • meet the Australian health requirement

  • meet the character requirement

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:

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

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

  • Age - more points are allocated to 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 study in regional areas, partners qualifications and level of English, single applicants and professional year in Australia

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View the full breakdown of points:

Nomination/sponsorship

  • nomination/sponsorship (where required)

  • nomination by state or territory government (visa subclass 190 only)- 5 points

  • nomination by state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member to reside and work in a specified/designated area- 15 points (an increase of 5 points, it was 10 points previously)

English Level

  • Proficient English - 10 points

  • Superior English - 20 points

Other factors

  • STEM (Master’s by Research or PhD- min two years’ study) – 10 points, (increase of 5 points since the last update)

  • Partner – if your partner has a valid positive skill assessment outcome from the occupation list you are using and competent English, 10 points awarded (was previously only 5 points)

  • a single applicant is now awarded 10 points

  • partners with competent English but no skills to claim are awarded 5 points

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 that you will live in.

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 earnt (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 residency in Australia?

  • Invite a family member or a relative to Australia

  • Obtain 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.