Breaking Down the STSOL List: Top In-Demand Occupations for Australia Immigration

The STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List) is a list of occupations that are considered in demand in Australia for the 190 General Skilled Migration visa and the temporary visa subclass, namely the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. The STSOL list is designed to respond to the short-term labor market needs of the country.

The STSOL is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the changing demands of the Australian labor market. It is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A lists occupations that are subject to a caveat, which means that additional requirements apply for visa eligibility. Part B lists occupations that do not have a caveat.

Eligibility for a Subclass 482 TSS visa

• have a relevant occupation on the STSOL
• meet the English language requirement
• meet the relevant skills and qualification requirements for the occupation
• meet the character and health requirements
• have a sponsor who is an approved Australian employer

Eligibility for a Subclass 190 Australia visa

• have a relevant occupation on the STSOL
• meet the English language requirement
• have a positive skill assessment
• score a minimum 65 points
• meet the relevant skills and qualification requirements for the occupation
• meet the character and health requirements
• lodge an expression of interest
• receive an invitation to apply from a State or Territory

STSOL occupation additions and removals

Occupations are added or removed from the STSOL based on the findings of the Department of Jobs and Small Business. This department monitors the labor market conditions in Australia and identifies which occupations are experiencing labor shortages.

The STSOL is designed to prioritize occupations that require a high level of skill and are in demand in the short-term. The list is reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that it remains relevant and up-to-date.

Applications for the 190 visa and the TSS visa are often made in good faith when an occupation is listed on the STSOL as in-demand. What often happens is that during the course of an application the occupation gets removed from the list. In this instance of you have already been invited to apply for your visa then your application will continue.

On the other hand, if you have not received your invitation to apply then your expression of interest will stay live although with no chance of receiving an invitation to apply unless the nominated occupation is re-added to the STSOL list.

STSOL vs State Lists

The STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List) is different from the state occupation lists in Australia. While the STSOL is a national list of occupations that are considered to be in demand across the country, the state occupation lists are specific to each state or territory in Australia.

State occupation lists are designed to address the specific needs and demands of each state or territory. These lists may include occupations that are not on the STSOL but are still considered to be in demand in that particular state or territory.

Some states or territories also have their own visa programs such as the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491). These programs may have their own occupation lists which are separate from the STSOL.

It is important for applicants to check both the STSOL and the relevant state occupation list to determine if their occupation is in demand and eligible for a particular visa program. The eligibility criteria and requirements may vary between different visa programs and state occupation lists. An easy way to do this check is by taking a Free Visa Assessment.

Full STSOL List

STSOL List vs MLTSSL List

The STSOL is different from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The MLTSSL is a list of occupations that are considered to be in demand in the long-term and is used for a range of skilled migration visas, including the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa and the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa. Occupations on the STSOL are only considered for the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa or the TSS vsia.

There are additional requirements that must be met for occupations listed in Part A of the STSOL. These requirements may include a minimum salary level, a specific work experience or qualification or a requirement for the position to be located in a specific regional area.

Applicants who have an occupation on the STSOL may be eligible for a Subclass 482 TSS visa with a validity period of up to two years. This visa may be renewed once, for a further two years, if the occupation remains on the STSOL.

The STSOL is subject to change at any time. It is important for applicants to check the list regularly to ensure that their occupation is still eligible for a Subclass 482 TSS visa.

If you have questions about the STSOL and your eligibility to immigrate to Australia take a Free Visa Assessment