Skilled Occupation Lists Explained: Which List Applies to Which Visa

Short answer: there is no single "skilled occupation list". For most points-tested visas, the law uses three lists set out in one instrument: the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and the Regional Occupation List (ROL). Which list counts depends on the visa, and for the 190 and 491 on whether a state or territory nominates you. Employer-sponsored visas use separate instruments, including the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) for the 482.

This guide explains which list applies to which visa, how to check your occupation properly, and what to watch for. It does not copy the lists themselves. Always read the current list at source, because the lists change by instrument.

Where the lists come from

The Migration Regulations define a "skilled occupation" as an occupation the Minister specifies in a written instrument, and which applies to the person in line with that specification (Migration Regulations 1994, reg 1.15I(1), vol 1 p 45, compilation 289, 2 Oct 2026).

For the 189, 190, 491 and 485, that instrument is the Migration (LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Relevant Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019. The version read for this guide is Compilation No. 5, compilation date 28 March 2026 (F2026C00265, registered 1 April 2026). Section 4 defines the three lists, and sections 8, 9 and 10 set them out (LIN 19/051, ss 4, 8–10, pp 5–25).

The Department of Home Affairs publishes a combined list that shows, for each occupation, its ANZSCO code, which of the CSOL, MLTSSL, STSOL or ROL it is on, and its assessing authority. The Department points readers to each visa's legislative instrument for the current list (Home Affairs, Skilled occupation list, read 28 Oct 2026).

Which list applies to which visa

Section 7 of LIN 19/051 has a table that matches each group of applicants to their "applicable lists" (LIN 19/051, s 7(1)–(2), pp 6–7). In plain terms:

Two points readers often miss:

• The 494 has its own lists. LIN 19/219 contains its own MLTSSL and ROL tables, made under reg 2.72C(11) (LIN 19/219, ss 3, 5–7, compilation No. 3, 14 Dec 2024). They are not simply a copy of the LIN 19/051 tables, so check the 494 instrument itself.
• For the 485, the list matters only in one stream. The Department says the 485 has different streams. For the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, you must nominate an occupation on the MLTSSL, hold an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification closely related to it, and have your skills assessed as suitable by the relevant assessing authority. You cannot change the occupation after you lodge. You must give a valid skills assessment with your application, or evidence that you have applied for one (Home Affairs, 485 Post-Vocational Education Work stream, read 28 Oct 2026; LIN 19/051, s 7(1) item 2).

How to check your occupation properly

Finding your job title on a list is only the start. Work through these steps:

1. Match the duties, not the title. Each list entry has an ANZSCO code. The occupation applies to you only if the work you do matches the tasks of that code. LIN 19/219 says this directly for the 494 (s 5(1)(c), p 6), and reg 1.15I(1)(c) requires the occupation to be applicable to you.
2. Use the right ANZSCO version. The Department uses the 2022 version of ANZSCO for the 186 and 482 (including the CSOL), and the 2013 version for other skilled visas, including the MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL (Home Affairs, Skilled occupation list, read 28 Oct 2026).
3. Check the right list for your visa. Use the table above. An occupation on the STSOL is not available for a 189.
4. Find the assessing authority. LIN 19/051 also names the relevant assessing authority for each occupation (ss 10AA and 11, pp 29–52). You need a suitable skills assessment from that body before you can be invited for most points-tested visas.
5. Read any exclusions next to your occupation. Some entries carry a stated circumstance that removes the occupation for certain positions (see below).
6. Check state lists if you need nomination. For the 190 and nominated 491, the federal list is the floor, not the whole story.
7. Check the date. Confirm the instrument version in force when you are invited or apply, not when you first looked.

Exclusions and caveats

Some list entries are qualified. LIN 19/051 s 7(7) says that where a circumstance in s 8(2) applies to an MLTSSL item, that occupation does not apply to the person. For example, s 8(2) excludes one MLTSSL item where the position is an exotic dancer (LIN 19/051, ss 7(7), 8(2), pp 8 and 18). The CSOL instrument has a similar mechanism through an "Applicable Circumstances List" (Subclass 482 Occupations Instrument 2024, s 4 definition and s 7).

The practical point: read the full entry and any linked conditions, not just the occupation name.

State and territory lists sit on top

For the 190 and the state-nominated 491, you must be nominated by a state or territory government agency (LIN 19/051, s 7(1) items 3 and 4). Each state and territory decides which occupations it will nominate from the federal lists, and adds its own criteria such as residence, work history or job offers. Those state lists are policy, not legislation, and they can change at short notice.

If you are looking at Queensland, see our Queensland state nomination guide and QLD 190 vs 491.

When the lists change

The lists change when the Minister amends or replaces the instrument. LIN 19/051 itself has been amended several times (it is now at Compilation No. 5). Each class in the s 7 table is framed around when a person is invited or applies "on or after the day this instrument commences", so timing matters.

The Department says pending nomination and visa applications will not be adversely affected if an occupation is later removed from the lists. If you already hold a skilled visa, you are not affected unless your circumstances change and your employer needs to make a new nomination; you may be affected if you change your occupation or employer and your occupation is no longer on the list (Home Affairs, Skilled occupation list, read 28 Oct 2026).

That statement covers lodged applications and nominations. It does not mention Expressions of Interest. An EOI is not a visa application, so do not assume the same protection applies before you are invited.

Employer-sponsored visas: CSOL and the 186

The 482 Skills in Demand visa uses a different instrument: the Migration (Specification of Occupations—Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2024, made under reg 2.72(9). It sets out the Core Skills Occupation List for Core Skills stream nominees (s 4 and s 6(3); Compilation No. 3, 7 Nov 2025, F2025C01064). The CSOL does not apply to the 189, 190 or 491.

The 186 also has its own occupations instrument (Subclass 186 Occupations and Assessing Authorities Instrument 2024, compilation date 28 March 2026). The Department notes that the Temporary Residence Transition stream of the 186 has no occupation list: eligibility is based on the occupation from your most recently held temporary skilled visa (Home Affairs, Skilled occupation list, read 28 Oct 2026). We cover the CSOL in detail in a separate guide. See the 482 Skills in Demand visa, the 186 Employer Nomination visa and the 482 to 186 pathway.

Where to go next

• Points: the points test explained and our points calculator.
• Invitations: the EOI Explorer shows past SkillSelect invitation data by occupation.
• Visa pages: 189, 190, 491, 494.

Frequently asked questions

Is my occupation on the list?

Check two things: whether your occupation and ANZSCO code appear on the list that applies to your visa, and whether your actual duties match that code. The current lists are in LIN 19/051 (and LIN 19/219 for the 494) on the Federal Register of Legislation, and in the Department of Home Affairs combined list.

What is the difference between the MLTSSL and the STSOL?

They are two separate lists in LIN 19/051. The MLTSSL is the only list for the 189 and the family-sponsored 491. The STSOL is only available when a state or territory nominates you for a 190 or 491 (LIN 19/051, s 7(1)).

Which list does the 190 use?

The MLTSSL and the STSOL, for applicants nominated by a state or territory government agency (LIN 19/051, s 7(1) item 3). The state may then narrow this down with its own list.

Does the CSOL apply to the 189?

No. The CSOL is set out in the 482 occupations instrument and applies to the 482 Core Skills stream. The 189 uses the MLTSSL under LIN 19/051.

What happens if my occupation is removed after I lodge an EOI?

The Department's published protection covers pending nominations and visa applications, not EOIs. If your occupation is removed while you are still waiting for an invitation, check the amending instrument and get advice before you rely on that EOI.

Talk to us before you commit

Picking the wrong occupation, or the wrong list, can waste a skills assessment fee and months of time. If you want an honest view of which occupation and visa fit your history, book a skilled eligibility assessment.

Related guides: Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) explained; Skills assessment: which assessing authority.

Reviewed by Dr Asad Muhammad Khan, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 2619525. Last reviewed: 28 October 2026.

Figures current as at 28 October 2026 (LIN 19/051 Compilation No. 5, 28 March 2026; LIN 19/219 Compilation No. 3, 14 December 2024; Subclass 482 Occupations Instrument 2024 Compilation No. 3, 7 November 2025; Home Affairs pages read 28 October 2026); confirm with the Department of Home Affairs before lodgement.

This article is general information only and is not legal or migration advice for your circumstances. Migration law and occupation lists change often. Speak to a registered migration agent before you act.