Australian Skills Shortage List
Australian Skills Shortage List: The Key to Working and Migrating to Australia
Are you a skilled professional considering work or migration to Australia? Understanding the Australian skills shortage list is a crucial first step. This list highlights occupations that are in high demand across the country and forms the foundation of Australia's skilled migration program.
In this article, we’ll break down what the skills shortage list is, why it matters, how it's used for visas, and what occupations are currently in demand.
What Is the Australian Skills Shortage List?
The Australian skills shortage list—also known as the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)—is a government-compiled list of occupations experiencing a shortage of local workers. It is used to invite skilled foreign workers to fill critical roles in Australia’s workforce.
These lists are reviewed regularly based on labor market research and are used to guide eligibility for various skilled visa subclasses.
Why Is the Skills Shortage List Important?
The skills shortage list directly impacts your eligibility for several Australian visa pathways, including:
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa
Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
Subclass 186 – Employer Nominated Scheme
Being on the list means your occupation is in demand and gives you a higher chance of being invited to apply for a skilled visa.
Types of Skills Shortage Lists in Australia
Australia uses several occupation lists, depending on the visa type and stream:
Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
For permanent and long-term skilled visas like 189, 190, and 482 (Medium-Term stream)
Includes occupations like engineers, doctors, ICT professionals, and tradespeople
Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
For temporary visas like the 482 (Short-Term stream)
Includes roles like marketing specialists, hospitality managers, and graphic designers
Regional Occupation List (ROL)
For visas targeting regional areas (e.g., 491, 494)
Includes niche occupations needed in rural and regional Australia
Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) (may be updated or replaced)
Aimed at filling urgent labor shortages, especially during COVID recovery
Sample In-Demand Occupations on the Australian Skills Shortage List
Here are examples of high-demand occupations currently listed:
Note: Lists are updated regularly. Check the latest version from the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
How to Use the Skills Shortage List for Migration
Check if your occupation is listed
Visit the official Skilled Occupation List and filter by visa type
Check visa eligibility
Your occupation determines which visas you're eligible for
Skills assessment
You’ll need to be assessed by the relevant assessing authority
Apply for Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit an EOI through SkillSelect for certain points-tested visas
Receive an invitation to apply
If selected, you can proceed with the full visa application
Who Benefits From the Skills Shortage List?
International professionals seeking to work in Australia
Graduates of Australian institutions with skills in demand
Employers needing to fill vacancies in high-skill sectors
Regional employers looking to attract overseas talent
Recent Trends in Skill Shortages
Ongoing demand in healthcare, IT, construction, and aged care
Increased focus on regional employment to support population growth outside major cities
Strong opportunities for tradespeople, nurses, and software developers
Final Thoughts
The Australian skills shortage list plays a vital role in shaping the country’s immigration policies and workforce development. If your occupation is listed, you may have a valuable opportunity to live and work in Australia through a skilled visa pathway.
To improve your chances, consider consulting with a migration agent to help you navigate your eligibility, documentation, and visa options.
