Migration Overseas
Understand the MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL and CSOL occupation lists. Find your ANZSCO code, see which list each visa uses, and identify the right skills assessment body.
Australia uses different occupation lists for different visa pathways. Your occupation must be on the relevant list for your visa type.
The primary skills list for skilled migration visa pathways.
A second list used by state-nominated visas. It no longer governs the 482.
For regional visa categories with regional requirements.
The list for employer-sponsored Core Skills 482 visas and the 186 Direct Entry stream, in force since 7 December 2024.
The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List was a COVID-19 measure and ceased in 2022. Processing priority is no longer set by an occupation list. Since 19 September 2026 Ministerial Direction 121 (temporary skilled visas) and Ministerial Direction 122 (provisional and permanent skilled visas) rank applications by sector and by whether the applicant was in Australia when they lodged. The priority sectors are construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and resources, and law enforcement and defence interests.
ANZSCO is the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. Each occupation has a unique 6-digit code.
ANZSCO codes are 6-digit numbers that uniquely identify occupations in Australia and New Zealand. The format is: XYZ ABC
Example: 261313 - Software Engineer
Code versions: Home Affairs shows ANZSCO 2022 codes for the 186 and 482 and ANZSCO 2013 codes for other visas. The codes on this page are the ANZSCO 2013 codes.
OSCA: The Australian Bureau of Statistics has published the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) to replace ANZSCO. Home Affairs pages still use ANZSCO codes as at November 2026.
Step 1: Open the skilled occupation list on the Department of Home Affairs website. ANZSCO itself is published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (www.abs.gov.au)
Step 2: Search for your job title or occupation in the search box
Step 3: Find the exact match - read the detailed description
Step 4: Note the 6-digit ANZSCO code (e.g., 261312)
Step 5: Verify your occupation is on the required list (MLTSSL, STSOL, etc.)
Option 1 - Find a Similar Code: Your job might be listed under a different title. For example, "Software Developer" and "Programmer" may have separate codes.
Option 2 - Employer Sponsorship: If your occupation isn't on the list for the visa you want, you may still qualify for an employer-sponsored Skills in Demand 482 visa. It uses the CSOL (Core Skills) or ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 with pay at or above AUD 146,576 (Specialist Skills).
Option 3 - Wait for Updates: Occupation lists are updated regularly. Your occupation may be added in future updates.
Option 4 - Regional Nomination: Some occupations are on regional lists (ROL) but not the main MLTSSL list.
Examples with their ANZSCO codes and assessing bodies. Being on a list does not mean you will be invited. In the 15 October 2026 SkillSelect round, no 189 invitations were issued for Software Engineer, Developer Programmer, Accountant (General), Civil Engineer or Mechanical Engineer, while carpenters and plumbers were invited at 65 points, registered nurses at 70 and secondary school teachers at 80.
Designs, develops and tests software. On the MLTSSL and the CSOL. Not invited in the 15 October 2026 round.
Web, mobile and application developers. On the MLTSSL and the CSOL. Not invited in the 15 October 2026 round.
Aged care, hospital and community nursing roles. On the MLTSSL and the CSOL. Invited at a minimum score of 70 in the 15 October 2026 round.
On the MLTSSL and the CSOL. Invited at a minimum score of 70 in the 15 October 2026 round.
On the MLTSSL and the CSOL. Not invited in the 15 October 2026 round.
On the MLTSSL and the CSOL. Not invited in the 15 October 2026 round.
On the MLTSSL and the CSOL. Invited at a minimum score of 65 in the 15 October 2026 round.
On the MLTSSL and the CSOL. Invited at a minimum score of 65 in the 15 October 2026 round.
On the MLTSSL and the CSOL. Not invited in the 15 October 2026 round.
Each occupation group has a specific assessing authority that must conduct your skills assessment.
| Occupation Group | Assessment Body | Indicative Timeline | Indicative Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT Professionals Software Engineer, Developer, Analyst |
ACS (Australian Computer Society) | 4-8 weeks | $530-630 |
| Engineers Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc. |
Engineers Australia | 4-8 weeks | $600-800 |
| Trades Carpenter, Plumber, Electrician |
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) | 4-12 weeks | $400-800 |
| Nurses & Midwives Registered Nurses, Midwives |
ANMAC (Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council) | 6-12 weeks | $700-1000 |
| Accountants Accountant, Auditor |
CAANZ, CPA Australia or IPA | 4-8 weeks | $700-1000 |
| Doctors and Dentists General Practitioner, Dentist |
Medical Board of Australia (doctors), Australian Dental Council (dentists) | 8-16 weeks | $800-1500 |
| Teachers Primary, Secondary, Special Ed |
AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership) | 6-12 weeks | $600-900 |
| General Occupations Other occupations |
VETASSESS or TRA | 8-12 weeks | $500-1000 |
Single Assessment Body: Most occupations have only one authorized assessment body. You must use the official body for your occupation.
Positive Assessment Required: You need a positive skills assessment to proceed with visa applications. A negative assessment means you don't qualify.
Assessment Validity: Validity depends on the assessing authority, so check the expiry date on your outcome letter.
Fees and Timelines: The timelines and fees in the table are indicative only. Each assessing body sets and changes its own, so confirm them on its website before you apply.
Document Requirements: Have your qualifications, work experience letters, and employment records ready before applying.
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about occupation lists and codes.
The MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) is the main list for skilled migration. The STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List) is a second list that state-nominated visas can use. The 189 uses the MLTSSL only. The 190 uses the MLTSSL or STSOL. A state-nominated 491 uses the MLTSSL, STSOL or ROL. Since 7 December 2024 the 482 Core Skills stream and the 186 Direct Entry stream use the separate Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), not the MLTSSL or STSOL.
No, the 189 requires an occupation on the MLTSSL, and an occupation is generally on one of the two lists, not both. If your occupation is only on the STSOL, you may still qualify for a state-nominated 190 or 491. You may also qualify for the 482 Core Skills stream if the occupation is on the CSOL, but not for the 189.
The Government can change the lists at any time, and occupations can be added, removed or moved between lists. The CSOL took effect on 7 December 2024. Check the skilled occupation list page on the Home Affairs website for the current version before you rely on any list.
You need to find the closest match based on your actual job duties and responsibilities, not just the job title. Read the detailed descriptions of ANZSCO codes carefully and choose the one that best matches what you actually do in your role.
You can only nominate one occupation in your EOI and visa application. However, you can obtain multiple skills assessments and submit different EOIs for different occupations if you meet the criteria for more than one.
A positive skills assessment means the assessing authority has verified that your qualifications and experience meet the standards for your nominated occupation. It is required for the points-tested 189, 190 and 491 and for most 186 Direct Entry applicants. For the 482, Home Affairs asks for one only if your occupation requires it.
Skills assessments are typically valid for 3 years from the date of issue. You should obtain your assessment shortly before applying for an invitation to ensure maximum validity during your visa processing period.
You must have a positive skills assessment before you can receive an invitation to apply for the visa. However, you can submit your EOI before receiving the assessment, but you'll need it before being invited to lodge the full application.
The official lists are available on the Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). You can search by occupation name or ANZSCO code. Always verify the current lists directly from the official source.
If your occupation is removed from the list before you receive an invitation, you won't be invited. This is why it's important to monitor the lists and apply as soon as you're eligible. If your occupation is removed after you're invited, you can usually still proceed with your application.
Our expert team can help you find the right occupation code, verify eligibility, and guide you through the skills assessment process. Get a free consultation today.
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