Australia has long been a top destination for skilled professionals seeking better job opportunities, a high quality of life, and the chance to live in a diverse and welcoming country.
One of the key pathways for skilled migration to Australia is through the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), often referred to as the Skill Shortage List.
But who exactly qualifies for this list? How do you know if your profession makes the cut? Let’s break it down.
What Is the Skill Shortage List?
Australia’s Skill Shortage List is a collection of occupations that are in high demand across the country or in specific regions. These lists are designed to address labor market gaps by allowing employers to sponsor foreign workers and providing migrants with visa options to work in those areas.
There are several types of shortage lists used for different visa programs:
- Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): For skilled workers eligible for permanent residency and long-term visas.
- Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL): For occupations in temporary demand; applies to temporary visas.
- Regional Occupation List (ROL): Targets skill shortages in regional areas of Australia.
- Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL): A temporary list prioritizing critical occupations (especially in sectors like healthcare and IT) due to national emergencies like COVID-19.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify under any of these lists, an individual must meet several eligibility requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the general qualifications needed:
- Your Occupation Must Be on the List
First and foremost, your occupation must appear on one of the official lists. The government regularly updates these lists based on industry feedback, labor market analysis, and migration trends. Commonly included occupations are:
- Healthcare: Nurses, General Practitioners, Physiotherapists, Aged Care Workers
- Construction & Trades: Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, Bricklayers
- Engineering & IT: Software Engineers, Civil Engineers, Network Administrators
- Education: Secondary School Teachers, Special Needs Teachers
- Hospitality & Tourism: Chefs, Bakers, Hotel Managers
Tip: Visit the Australian Government’s occupation list website to check the current status of your profession.
- Skills Assessment
If your occupation is listed, you must undergo a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. Each profession has its own authority, such as:
- Engineers Australia for engineers
- AHPRA for nurses and midwives
- ACS for IT professionals
- TRA for tradespeople
This process evaluates your qualifications, training, and work experience to determine if they meet Australian standards.
- Meet Visa Requirements
You also need to meet the eligibility criteria for a specific visa subclass. Popular visa options include:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): For high-demand occupations on the MLTSSL; does not require employer or state nomination.
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): Requires state or territory government nomination.
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): Targets regional areas; requires state nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative in regional Australia.
Key requirements for these visas include:
- Age under 45 years (in most cases)
- Competent English (typically IELTS score of 6.0 in each band or equivalent)
- Health and character requirements
- Sufficient points on the points test (based on age, education, experience, English level, etc.)
- Work Experience and Qualifications
Having a relevant qualification (such as a degree or diploma) in your field is typically essential. Moreover, work experience — often at least 1–3 years — is expected and can boost your points score significantly.
- Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the SkillSelect system. This is not a visa application but a way of letting Australian authorities know you’re interested in migrating. Based on your EOI, you may receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for a visa.
Bonus: What If You’re Not on the List?
If your occupation isn’t currently in demand, don’t lose hope. Consider these alternatives:
- Study in Australia in a high-demand field to become eligible later.
- Employer sponsorship: Some companies can sponsor workers directly, even in niche or less common fields.
- Regional migration programs: Some regional areas have their own demand lists and more flexible pathways.
Final Thoughts:
Qualifying for Australia’s Skill Shortage List opens a gateway to exciting opportunities — both professionally and personally. Whether you’re a nurse from the Philippines, a software developer from India, or a chef from Italy, Australia needs skilled professionals across a variety of sectors.
Make sure to do your homework: check the lists, get your qualifications assessed, and talk to a registered migration agent if needed. With the right preparation, Australia’s shores might not be as far off as you think.
