Planning to migrate to Australia as a skilled worker? Then the SOL Skilled Occupation List is the first thing you need to understand.

The SOL is the official list of jobs that qualify for skilled migration. It tells you which visas you can apply for. It also shows whether you have a real path to permanent residency (PR).

This guide explains what the SOL is, how it works, and which jobs can lead to PR. We also explain how Arch Migration can help you every step of the way.

This article is part of other series: Permanent Residency Australia: Complete Guide to Australian PR Pathways, Eligibility & Visa Options in 2026.

What Is the SOL Skilled Occupation List?

The SOL Skilled Occupation List is published by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). It lists jobs that Australia needs skilled workers to fill.

Each job on the list has an ANZSCO code. This is a standard code used across Australia and New Zealand to classify occupations. Every ANZSCO code is also linked to a skills assessment authority. That authority checks whether your qualifications meet Australian standards.

Think of it this way: if your job is on the SOL, Australia wants your skills. That opens the door to a skilled visa — and eventually, to permanent residency.

If your job is not on the list, your options become very limited. That is why checking the SOL should always be your first step.

The SOL Is Made Up of Four Key Lists

The SOL Skilled Occupation List is not one single document. It has four parts. Each part applies to different visa types and migration pathways. Knowing which list your job is on matters a great deal.

1. Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

This is the most important list for people seeking PR. It covers jobs Australia needs for the long term. If your job is here, you can apply for the Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491 visas. The MLTSSL currently includes over 200 occupations. Engineering, healthcare, IT, and teaching roles are well represented.

2. Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

This list covers jobs needed in the short to medium term. It does not open the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) pathway. But you can still access Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 through state or regional nomination. This means PR is still possible — just through a different route.

3. Regional Occupation List (ROL)

The ROL is for jobs in demand in regional Australia. It gives access to the Subclass 491 provisional visa. After three years in a regional area, you can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residency visa. This is a great option if you are open to living outside major cities.

4. Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

The CSOL is used mainly for employer-sponsored visas. This includes the Skills in Demand (SID) visa and the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). In 2026, the CSOL added many new roles. Cybersecurity, aged care, construction trades, and digital marketing roles are among the latest additions.

Which Jobs on the SOL Skilled Occupation List Can Lead to PR?

Many skilled workers across a wide range of industries can reach PR through the SOL. The jobs with the best chances are those on the MLTSSL. But state nomination and employer sponsorship also open PR pathways for STSOL and CSOL roles.

Here are the sectors with the strongest demand in 2026:

Healthcare and Nursing

Australia has an ageing population. That means nurses, GPs, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and aged care workers are always in demand. These roles appear on multiple SOL lists. They are available in both cities and regional areas.

Engineering and Construction

Civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers are all on the MLTSSL. Australia’s housing shortage has also put construction trades into priority brackets on the CSOL. If you work in engineering or construction, your path to PR is strong.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Software engineers, network specialists, ICT project managers, and cybersecurity analysts all feature on the MLTSSL and CSOL. The 2026 SOL updates reflect a strong government focus on digital skills, AI roles, and data security.

Education

Science, maths, and technology teachers remain on the MLTSSL. Early childhood educators and special needs teachers are in demand too. Many states include these roles on their own occupation lists for nomination.

Accounting and Finance

Accountants, auditors, and finance managers are listed on both the MLTSSL and STSOL. Even if your occupation is only on the STSOL, you can still reach PR through state nomination or the regional visa pathway.

How to Use the SOL Skilled Occupation List: Step by Step

Using the SOL does not have to be confusing. Here is a simple overview of the process:

Step 1 — Find your ANZSCO code. Match your job title and daily duties to the right ANZSCO code on the DHA website.

Step 2 — Check which list your job is on. Is it MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL, or CSOL? This tells you which visas you can apply for.

Step 3 — Identify your skills assessment authority. Examples: Engineers Australia, ACS for ICT, AHPRA for healthcare, CPA or CAANZ for accounting.

Step 4 — Calculate your points score. Points are awarded for age, English level, work experience, qualifications, and more. You need at least 65 points.

Step 5 — Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI). Lodge your EOI through SkillSelect. Indicate whether you want state or territory nomination.

Step 6 — Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). If your score is competitive and an invitation round opens, you will get an ITA to lodge your visa application.

The SOL and Your Points Score: Both Matter

Being on the SOL is just the start. Australia’s skilled migration system is points-based. This means applicants are ranked by points. The highest scorers get invited first.

The minimum points score is 65. But in practice, most Subclass 189 applicants in 2026 need 80 or more points to receive an invitation. That makes every point count.

Arch Migration helps clients find every point they are entitled to. This includes partner skills, Australian study bonuses, and professional year completions.

Want to know more about invitation rounds? Read other article: 189 Invitation Round Updates: Latest Invitation Trends, Points Scores & PR Opportunities.

How Arch Migration Helps You With the SOL

At Arch Migration, our registered agents help skilled workers at every stage of the SOL process. No matter where you are in your journey, we can help you move forward with confidence.

Here is what we do:

  •       Check your ANZSCO code and confirm which list your occupation is on
  •       Prepare your skills assessment application for the right authority
  •       Calculate your full points score and find ways to maximise it
  •       Lodge your EOI through SkillSelect for Subclass 189, 190, or 491
  •       Advise on state nomination options across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and regional areas
  •       Manage your full visa application from lodgement to grant

Is Your Occupation on the SOL?

Not sure if your job qualifies? Our agents can check your occupation, assess your points, and map your PR pathway. No obligation, no guesswork.

➡  Book your free consultation: https://archmigration.com.au/contact-us/
Address:-Como Centre, Level 19, 299 Toorak Road, South Yarra, VIC 3141
Email: enquire@amaes.com.au

Contact:+61 426 628 875

Helping skilled workers reach Australia — one visa at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the SOL Skilled Occupation List?

The SOL is Australia’s official list of jobs eligible for skilled migration. If your job is on it, you may qualify for a skilled visa and a pathway to permanent residency. The Department of Home Affairs publishes and updates it regularly.

2. How often does the SOL change?

The SOL is reviewed on a regular basis. Jobs can be added or removed based on what the labour market needs. Always check the current version before you plan your migration. A migration agent can help you stay up to date.

3. My job is on the STSOL, not the MLTSSL. Can I still get PR?

Yes, you can. STSOL jobs do not qualify for the Subclass 189. But you can still reach PR through state nomination (Subclass 190) or the regional pathway (Subclass 491 leading to Subclass 191). Talk to a migration agent to find the best route for your situation.

4. What is the difference between the SOL and the Skills Priority List?

The SOL lists jobs eligible for skilled visas. The Skills Priority List (SPL) is a separate tool that identifies which jobs are currently in shortage. The government uses the SPL to guide updates to the SOL. Checking the SPL can give you a sense of which occupations are likely to get better invitation outcomes.

5. Do I need a migration agent to use the SOL?

You do not have to use one. But the process is complex. Matching the wrong ANZSCO code or choosing the wrong skills authority can delay or sink your application. A registered agent helps you avoid costly mistakes. Arch Migration offers a free initial consultation to get you started.

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