The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is crucial for securing Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia. It highlights occupations in demand across key industries like healthcare, engineering, IT, and trades, offering pathways for skilled professionals to contribute to Australia's workforce.
Eligible occupations on the SOL play a major role in PR visas such as Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491, including opportunities for state nomination and regional sponsorship. Aligning your profession with these in-demand roles improves eligibility and boosts your chances of a successful PR application.
What is the Skilled Occupation List?
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is an official list published by the Australian Government to identify occupations in high demand across the country. It helps skilled professionals migrate to Australia by meeting the workforce needs in areas like healthcare, IT, engineering, and trades.
The SOL is essential for securing PR visas such as:
- Subclass 189: Skilled Independent Visa
- Subclass 190: State-Nominated Visa
- Subclass 491: Regional Skilled Work Visa
The list is divided into categories based on demand and regional needs. These categories ensure occupations are matched with the right migration pathways, which we'll explore next.
Types of Skilled Occupation Lists for PR in Australia (2025)
Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is divided into three main categories to address workforce shortages and guide PR applicants. Each list aligns with specific visa pathways and regional needs.
1. Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
The MLTSSL includes occupations in high demand across Australia for long-term growth.
- Eligible Visas:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)
- Subclass 491 (Regional Skilled Work Visa)
- Key Occupations:
- Registered Nurses
- Software Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Electricians
2. Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
The STSOL focuses on occupations needed to meet short-term skill shortages, primarily at the state or territory level.
- Eligible Visas:
- Subclass 190 (State-Nominated Visa)
- Employer-Sponsored Work Visas
- Key Occupations:
- Chefs
- Marketing Specialists
- Graphic Designers
- Early Childhood Educators
3. Regional Occupation List (ROL)
The ROL addresses occupations critical to regional Australia, supporting economic growth in smaller towns and areas.
- Eligible Visa:
- Subclass 491 (Regional Skilled Work Visa)
- Key Occupations:
- Agricultural Technicians
- General Practitioners
- Secondary School Teachers
- Surveyors
Top In-Demand Occupations on the Skilled Occupation List (2025)
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) highlights professions that are in high demand across Australia. These occupations offer pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) through visas like Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491.
Here are the top industries and occupations most sought-after in 2025:
1. Healthcare and Medical Occupations
Australia faces a strong demand for healthcare professionals due to workforce shortages and an aging population.
Key Occupations:
- Registered Nurses
- General Practitioners (GPs)
- Physiotherapists
- Medical Diagnostic Radiographers
- Aged Care Workers
Why It Matters: Healthcare occupations appear on both the MLTSSL and ROL, offering national and regional PR opportunities.
2. Information Technology (IT) Occupations
With the rapid growth of Australia's tech industry, IT professionals are among the most in-demand occupations for PR.
Key Occupations:
- Software Engineers
- ICT Business Analysts
- Cyber Security Specialists
- Systems Administrators
- Web Developers
Why It Matters: IT occupations are prioritized on the MLTSSL, making applicants eligible for visas like the Subclass 189.
3. Engineering Occupations
Engineers play a vital role in Australia's infrastructure and development projects, creating strong demand across disciplines.
Key Occupations:
- Civil Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Mining Engineers
Why It Matters: Engineering roles are featured on the MLTSSL and are ideal for independent and regional PR pathways.
4. Trades and Skilled Worker Roles
Trades are critical for Australia's construction, mining, and manufacturing industries.
Key Occupations:
- Electricians
- Carpenters
- Plumbers
- Welders
- Motor Mechanics
Why It Matters: Skilled trades are listed on both the STSOL and ROL, making them ideal for state-sponsored and regional PR visas like the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491.
5. Education Occupations
The education sector faces shortages, especially in regional and remote areas.
Key Occupations:
- Secondary School Teachers
- Early Childhood Educators
- Special Education Teachers
Why It Matters: Education roles are prioritized on the ROL, attracting PR applicants to work in regional Australia.
Why Choosing In-Demand Occupations on the Skilled Occupation List Matters for PR"
Pro Tip: Consider pursuing PR eligible courses in healthcare, IT, engineering, or trades to align with occupations on the Skilled Occupation List and improve your visa eligibility.
How to Check Your Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
To see if your profession qualifies for PR, visit the official Australian Skilled Occupation List on the Department of Home Affairs portal. Search for your occupation by name and visa subclass to confirm eligibility.
Conclusion
The Skilled Occupation List is your gateway to securing Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia. Aligning your skills with occupations in demand across industries like healthcare, IT, engineering, and trades increases your eligibility for visas such as Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491.
Take the next step by checking if your occupation qualifies on the official Skilled Occupation List and plan your pathway to PR today.
