Australia Skilled Occupation List Changes 2025: What You Need to Know

If you're planning to apply for a skilled visa — a subclass 189, 190, or 491 — one of the first things you need to check is whether your occupation is on the right list. In 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has made notable changes to both the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Here's a clear breakdown of what's changed and what it means for your migration pathway.

What Is the Skilled Occupation List?

Australia's skilled migration program is occupation-based. Before you can lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, your occupation must appear on one of the following lists:

• MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List): Required for the subclass 189 independent visa and most 491 state-nominated streams. Occupations on this list are considered in longer-term demand.

• STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List): Used primarily for the subclass 190 state-nominated visa and certain employer-sponsored streams. These occupations are considered in demand but for shorter strategic periods.

• Regional Occupation List (ROL): Used specifically for the subclass 491 visa in certain regional sponsorship streams.

Each occupation is identified by its ANZSCO code (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations). If your ANZSCO code is not on the relevant list, you are not eligible to apply through that particular visa stream.

Key Changes to the Skilled Occupation Lists in 2025

Occupations Added

The 2025 update reflects Australia's evolving workforce priorities, particularly in healthcare, technology, construction, and clean energy. Notable additions include roles in cybersecurity, renewable energy engineering, aged care, and certain allied health professions. The government has also responded to ongoing labour shortages in regional areas by expanding the ROL.

Occupations Removed

Several occupations that were previously on the STSOL have been removed entirely or moved to a lower-priority category. This typically happens when the government determines that domestic supply is now sufficient. If your occupation has been removed, you may no longer be eligible for the 190 visa, and you should immediately review your alternative options.

Occupation Ceilings and Points Thresholds

Beyond list inclusion, the Department of Home Affairs controls how many invitations are issued per occupation per invitation round. Some occupations that remain on the list have extremely low invitation numbers, meaning even applicants with 90+ points may wait many months for an invitation. Our agents monitor these trends and advise clients on realistic expectations for their specific occupation.

How to Check If Your Occupation Is Affected

1. Go to the Department of Home Affairs website and search the current MLTSSL and STSOL.

2. Identify your ANZSCO code — this is usually confirmed by your skills assessing body.

3. Check which visa streams your occupation qualifies for.

4. If your occupation has moved lists or been removed, book a consultation immediately to reassess your pathway.

It's important not to rely on information from third-party websites or forums. Occupation lists are updated without fanfare, and acting on outdated information can result in wasted application fees, invalid skills assessments, or lodgement of ineligible applications.

What If My Occupation Was Removed from the List?

Don't panic — but do act quickly. If your occupation is no longer on the relevant list, you may still have options:

• Alternative visa streams: Some occupations removed from the GSM lists may still be eligible for employer-sponsored pathways (482, 186) or regional visa options.

• Reclassification: Some workers qualify under a different ANZSCO code that does appear on the list. A registered migration agent can assess whether your actual duties align with an alternative occupation code.

• State-specific lists: Some states publish their own occupation lists that go beyond the national MLTSSL/STSOL. Your occupation may still qualify for a state-nominated 190 or 491 in certain jurisdictions.

• Skills assessment pathway review: If you haven't yet obtained a skills assessment, the assessing body you choose — and the occupation code you apply under — can make a significant difference.

What This Means for Your SkillSelect EOI

If you already have an active EOI in SkillSelect and your occupation has been removed or changed status, your EOI may need to be updated or withdrawn. EOIs are valid for 2 years, but the occupation list status at the time of invitation is what determines eligibility — not the status when you first lodged. A registered migration agent can review your current EOI position and advise on whether any changes are needed.

Get Expert Advice Before You Act

The skilled occupation list is one of the most frequently changed aspects of Australia's migration system. Acting on old advice — even advice that was correct 12 months ago — can lead to serious problems. MigrationSquare's MARA-registered agents stay current with every list update and can give you an accurate assessment of your options today.