Many people dream of working in or moving to Australia. But it is also vital to understand the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). This guide will help you to understand the world of ANZSCO codes, including the differences between STSOL and MLTSSL, the points system, and the visa pathways available to STSOL-eligible professionals.
⏳ What is Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)?
The STSOL is a list of currently in-demand professions in Australia. It has 215 occupations that play a vital role in Australia’s skilled migration program, particularly for state or territory-nominated, employer-sponsored, and regional visas. The STSOL is designed for occupations that are in high demand in the short term, supporting temporary migration, and also offers pathways to permanent residence at some points. The list is reviewed and updated often to meet Australia’s evolving labour market needs.
📋 The Skill Assessment for STSOL Occupations
A skills assessment evaluates whether your qualifications and professional experience meet the Australian requirements for your nominated occupation. It is a compulsory requirement for most skilled migration visas and is conducted by official assessment bodies authorised by the Department of Home Affairs. Usually, you need to provide:
- Verified work experience and qualifications
- Proof of English proficiency
- Identity documents
- Sometimes, licensing or registration is required for your field.
🆚 STSOL vs. MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List)
| Feature | STSOL | MLTSSL |
| Full name | Short-term Skilled Occupation List | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List |
| Typical visa types | Subclass 190 (state-nominated PR)Subclass 482 STSubclass 491 (regional) | Subclass 189 (independent PR) Subclass 482 MT Subclass 491 |
| Pathway to PR | Limited, often state/territory nomination required | Broader, includes independent skilled migration |
| Focus | Short-term labor shortages, and some regional needs | Long-term, high-demand occupations across Australia |
| Employer sponsorship | Required for many STSOL visas | Not always required |
If your occupation is on the STSOL, you generally need state/territory nomination or an employer sponsor.
In contrast, MLTSSL occupations can access independent (points-tested) visas and often have a wider pathway to permanent residency.
🧾 Who Assesses Your Occupation for Skilled Migration?
| 🏛️ Assessing Authority | 👨💼 Who It’s For | 📚 Examples of Occupations Covered | 🔍 Notes |
| VETASSESS(Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services) | General professional & trade occupations not handled by others | Marketing Specialists, Management Consultants, Interior Designers | ✅ Covers a wide range of STSOL occupations ✅ One of the largest assessing bodies |
| ACS(Australian Computer Society) | ICT & Tech Professionals | Software Engineers, Web Developers, Systems Analysts | 🔒 Prioritises ICT qualifications and relevant work experience |
| Engineers Australia | Engineering Professionals | Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Mechanical Engineers | 🛠️ Requires academic & competency assessments |
| TRA(Trades Recognition Australia) | Most trade-based occupations | Carpenters, Electricians, Chefs | 🔧 Often linked with skills assessments & job-ready programs |
| ANMAC(Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council) | Nurses & Midwives | Registered Nurses, Midwives | 🩺 Includes English language and qualification checks |
| AITSL(Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership) | School Teachers | Primary Teachers, Secondary Teachers | 🎓 Focuses on teaching qualifications + supervised teaching practice |
| CPA Australia,CAANZ,IPA | Accountants & Auditors | Accountants (General), External Auditors | 📈 All three bodies recognised; pick one to assess your profile |
| ACWA(Australian Community Workers Association) | Welfare & Community Services | Welfare Workers, Community Service Managers | 🤝 Often for those in social care or non-clinical support roles |
| Legal Admissions Authorities(of States or Territories) | Legal Professionals | Solicitors, Barristers | ⚖️ Each state/territory has its own legal admissions board |
| Medical Board of Australia(MedBA) | Doctors & Medical Specialists | General Practitioners, Anaesthetists | 🩻Assessment linked with AMC & AHPRA registration pathways |
⚖️ The Role of ANZSCO Codes
The ANZSCO code establishes the standard job definitions, skill levels, and required qualifications for professions in demand in Australia. ANZSCO codes appear in front of its occupation on the STSOL and are essential for eligibility, skills assessment, and aligning your work history with Australian immigration requirements. Always check the correct ANZSCO code for your nominated occupation to ensure a valid application.
⭐ Why the STSOL Matters
- Facilitates skilled entry: It helps address immediate labor shortages in key industries.
- Gateway for temporary workers: Enables skilled candidates to work in Australia and, sometimes, pursue longer-term goals.
- Regional development: Supports regional employers and helps develop less populated areas.
- Keeps the Australian economy competitive by bringing in global talent when it’s needed most.
🙋 General Eligibility Criteria for STSOL Occupations
It is important to know whether you are eligible to apply for Australian visas through the STSOL assessment:
| Criteria | What It Means for You | Details You Should Know |
| 🧑💼 Occupation on STSOL | Your job must be on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List | Check the official STSOL for your occupation.Always check your occupation before applying. |
| 📜 Skills Assessment | You need a positive assessment from the right authority | Get your skills assessed from a designated authority |
| 🗣️ English Language Proficiency | Show you have competent English | Most STSOL visas require a minimum of IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent.Requirements may change based on visa subclass. |
| 🎂 Age | Must be under 45 years old at time of invitation | This applies to points-tested visasAge is not usually a factor for employer-sponsored temporary visas, such as subclass 482. |
| 👩🔧 Work Experience | Relevant experience strengthens your application | Usually, a minimum of 1–3 years is required depending on occupation and assessing body. |
| 🩺 Health & Character | Must meet health and police checks | Mandatory medical exam and police clearances from any country where you’ve lived for 12+ months in the last 10 years. |
| 📄 Expression of Interest (EOI) | Submit an EOI through SkillSelect | For points-tested visas (e.g., subclass 190/491), an EOI is the first step. Your profile is ranked by points. |
| 🎯 Points Test | Aim for 65+ points to be considered | Points come from age, English, education, work experience, partner skills |
| 🗺️ State/Territory Nomination | Required for 190/491 visas | Each state/territory has its own nomination criteria. |
| 🧑💼 Employer Sponsorship | Needed for TSS subclass 482 | You must secure a valid job offer from an eligible Australian employer who can sponsor your visa. |
🧮 Skilled Migration Points Test (2025) – Visa Subclasses 190 & 491
📌 Minimum to lodge EOI: 65 Points
🎯 Higher score = better chance of invitation (ITA)
💡 Scroll through the table sections below to see how points are calculated!
👶 AGE: How Old Are You at Time of Invitation?
| Age Group | Points | Tips |
| 18 – 24 years | 25 pts | Great age to get started! |
| 25 – 32 years | ⭐ 30 pts (Max) | Ideal age for maximum points. |
| 33 – 39 years | 25 pts | Still competitive. |
| 40 – 44 years | 15 pts | Compensate with English or work points. |
| 45+ years | ❌ 0 pts | Not eligible for points-tested skilled visas. |
🗣️ ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
| Level | IELTS / PTE Equivalent | Points | Remarks |
| Competent | IELTS 6.0 / PTE 50 | 0 pts | Minimum required, but no bonus. |
| Proficient | IELTS 7.0 / PTE 65 | 10 pts | Solid boost to your profile. |
| Superior | IELTS 8.0 / PTE 79 | ⭐ 20 pts (Max) | High English = High points. |
👨🔧 WORK EXPERIENCE – SKILLED EMPLOYMENT
🌍 Overseas Experience (Last 10 years)
| Experience | Points |
| < 3 years | 0 pts |
| 3 – 4 years | 5 pts |
| 5 – 7 years | 10 pts |
| 8+ years | 15 pts |
🇦🇺 Australian Experience (Last 10 years)
| Experience | Points |
| < 1 year | 0 pts |
| 1 – 2 years | 5 pts |
| 3 – 4 years | 10 pts |
| 5 – 7 years | 15 pts |
| 8+ years | ⭐ 20 pts (Max) |
🔄 Max points from combined work experience = 20
🎓 EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
| Qualification | Points | Notes |
| PhD / Doctorate (Aus or recognised overseas) | 20 pts | Highest academic award. |
| Bachelor / Master (Aus or recognised overseas) | 15 pts | Most applicants fall here. |
| Diploma / Trade Certificate (Aus-recognised) | 10 pts | Especially good for tradies! |
🧑🎓 EXTRA STUDY-RELATED BONUSES
| Category | Points | Eligibility |
| 🎓 Australian Study Requirement | 5 pts | Completed 2+ academic years (92 weeks) in Australia |
| 🧬 Specialist STEM Masters/PhD | 10 pts | Research-based degree in STEM/ICT |
| 💼 Professional Year (PY) | 5 pts | In Accounting, IT or Engineering, completed in Australia |
| 🈯 Credentialed Community Language | 5 pts | NAATI accredited interpreter/translator |
| 🏞️ Study in Regional Australia | 5 pts | Lived & studied in a designated regional area |
❤️ PARTNER SKILLS OR MARITAL STATUS
| Scenario | Points |
| Single OR Partner is Aus citizen/PR | ⭐ 10 pts |
| Partner <45 + Competent English + Skills Assessment | 10 pts |
| Partner with Competent English only | 5 pts |
| Partner doesn’t meet above criteria | 0 pts |
🏛️ STATE/TERRITORY NOMINATION OR FAMILY SPONSORSHIP
| Pathway | Visa Subclass | Points |
| State Nomination | Subclass 190 | 5 pts |
| State Nomination or Family Sponsorship in Regional Area | Subclass 491 | ⭐ 15 pts |
🧾 Summary & Bonus
| Total Points Needed | Minimum: 65 |
| Competitive Score | 75+ (varies by occupation and round) |
📈 Tip: Focus on English proficiency, gain local experience, and get the state nomination to stand out in crowded competition.
💡 Employer-Sponsored Visa Pathways through the STSOL:
🕒 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482); Short-term Stream:
✨ Overview and Purpose
The Subclass 482 TSS visa is a short-term visa that lets Australian employers sponsor international professionals in job roles listed in the STSOL to address skill gaps. It’s designed for temporary employment in Australia, where suitable local talent isn’t available.
✨ Employer Sponsorship Requirements
- Only employers with a Standard Business Sponsor are liable for sponsoring employment.
- Businesses must demonstrate genuine need, financial viability, and compliance with immigration laws.
- Sponsorship is generally valid for 5 years.
✨ Nomination Process
- The employer nominates an eligible position listed on the STSOL.
- Proof of genuine role and labour market testing may be required.
- The nominated salary must meet minimum thresholds.
✨ Duration and Conditions
- The TSS short-term stream is granted for up to 2 years (renewable once expired, or in some cases, for up to 4 years).
- You can only work for your sponsor in your nominated occupation.
- Must maintain health insurance and meet visa conditions.
✨ Pathways to Permanent Residency
- PR opportunities are limited for STSOL occupations.
- After working on a TSS visa, some may transition to the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) PR visa under specific conditions.
- Some states offer additional PR options via regional or state nomination.
💫 Other Relevant Employer-Sponsored Visas and STSOL Linkages
STSOL occupations can be relevant for:
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): in some streams.
- Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional)
- Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence, if meeting specific conditions).
🛤️ STSOL Occupations and Regional Nomination
🌟 State/Territory Nomination Requirements and Processes
- States/territories maintain their own “in-demand” lists, which often include STSOL occupations.
- Always visit the official government migration websites for each state/territory for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Applicants must meet both federal and state/territory requirements for nomination, such as skilled work experience, English, and intent to live in the nominating state.
- Application and invitation processes differ by state.
🌟 Benefits of Regional Migration
- More flexible criteria and broader occupation lists.
- Priority in visa processing.
- Additional points for regional nomination.
- Pathways to PR through Subclass 491 and, eventually, Subclass 191.
🌟 Pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191)
After at least three years on a regional provisional visa (491 or 494), and meeting income and residence requirements, you may go further to apply for PR through Subclass 191.
🌟 STSOL and State Nomination (190 Visa)
Some states/territories may nominate STSOL occupations for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa if there’s local demand. Always check state lists as some prioritize or restrict certain occupations.
🌟 Differences from the 491 Visa
The 491 visa is specifically for regional migration (5-year provisional, subsequent PR through 191). The 190 visa is a permanent visa based on state/territory nomination, not restricted to regional areas.
🌐 Accessing and Interpreting the Current STSOL List
- The official, updated list is on the Department of Home Affairs skill occupation list page.
- Find your occupation, ANZSCO code, assessing authority, and any caveats listed.
- Legislative instrument (LIN 19/051) prescribes the occupations and requirements.
🔍 Understanding Occupation Caveats
Caveats are restrictions or warnings for specific occupations. They might limit visa eligibility by:
- Geographic location (e.g., only regional areas)
- Minimum salary
- Business type or size
- Excluding certain industries
Carefully read the caveats in the current STSOL for full eligibility.
❗ Importance of State/Territory Specific Occupation Lists
- Individual states/territories tailor lists to meet their needs, sometimes restricting or expanding opportunities for STSOL applicants.
- You must check your nominated state’s requirements before proceeding.
🤔 When and Why to Consult a Professional Migration Agent
- Rules are complex and frequently change.
- Skilled migration agents can help you choose the best occupation, improve your points, and avoid costly mistakes or refusals.
- Seek advice if your situation is complicated or your occupation has caveats, or if you’re considering employer sponsorship.
🧠 If you need any help or information, connect with the most trusted Immigration Consultant: Visas Adviser
📞 Contact Details: +91 8744852222
📧 Email Address: VisasAdviser@gmail.com
🤔 Most Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs) About the STSOL
❓ What happens if my occupation is removed from the STSOL?
✅ Pending visa applications are not generally affected, but future visa eligibility may be impacted.
❓ Can I move to a different employer on an STSOL-linked visa?
✅ You must submit a new nomination and sometimes a new visa application with the new sponsor.
❓ Can my family join me on an STSOL visa?
✅ Yes, most STSOL-related visas allow family members to be included as dependents.
❓ Are STSOL occupations eligible for permanent residency?
✅ Primarily via state/territory or regional nomination. Direct PR pathways are limited compared to MLTSSL.
✈️ Maximize Your Chances with an STSOL Occupation
To give yourself the best shot:
- Check the official STSOL and state/territory lists frequently.
- Ensure you meet all eligibility and assessment criteria.
- Carefully read and comply with occupational caveats.
- Consider regional options and discuss pathways with an experienced migration agent.
- Keep records and documentation in perfect order.
By staying informed and proactive, you can turn an STSOL occupation into a successful Australian migration story!