Many skilled professionals planning to migrate to Australia are unsure whether their occupation is eligible under the MLTSSL. Understanding the list can be challenging due to changing occupation requirements, ANZSCO codes, assessing authorities, and different skilled visa pathways. Choosing the wrong occupation or relying on outdated information can delay your migration plans and affect your visa application.
The Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) Australia 2026 helps applicants identify occupations that are in long-term demand and may be eligible for skilled migration visas. Knowing your occupation’s ANZSCO code, the correct assessing authority, and the applicable visa subclasses is an important step before starting the migration process.
This guide explains the MLTSSL, its role in skilled migration, eligible visa subclasses, occupation categories, and ANZSCO codes.
What is the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)?
The Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List is a list of skilled occupations that Australia needs to support its long-term economic and workforce demand. It includes a wide range of skilled professions across engineering, ICT, healthcare, construction, trades, and other industries facing ongoing skill shortages.
For skilled migration applicants, the MLTSSL helps identify occupations that may be eligible for selected Australian skilled visa pathways. Each listed occupation is assigned an ANZSCO code and a designated assessing authority, making it important to select the correct occupation and complete the required skills assessment.
What are the Benefits of an Occupation Listed on the MLTSSL?
The benefits of having an occupation listed on the MLTSSL include access to more skilled migration opportunities, support long-term PR planning, and a wider range of eligible visa pathways.
- Opens Skilled Migration Opportunities
If your occupation is listed on the MLTSSL, it can help skilled professionals explore different Australian visa pathways. It allows applicants to nominate an eligible occupation and apply for skilled visas if they meet the required criteria.
- Supports Long-Term PR Planning
MLTSSL occupations are often linked with skilled visa options that may lead to permanent residency. This helps applicants plan their future in Australia with more clarity and choose a pathway that supports long-term settlement.
- Gives Clear Skills Assessment Direction
Each MLTSSL occupation is connected with a specific assessing authority. This helps applicants know where to apply for their skills assessment and what documents or skills they need to prepare.
- Improves Career Opportunities
Occupations on the MLTSSL are linked to areas where Australia needs skilled workers. This can help professionals access better employment opportunities, career growth, and industry exposure in Australia.
- Support Employer Sponsorship
Some MLTSSL occupations may also be suitable for employer-sponsored visa pathways. This allows skilled workers to be nominated by Australian employers if they meet the role, skills, and visa requirements.
Latest MLTSSL Occupation List Australia
The Department of Home Affairs currently lists 212 occupations on the MLTSSL that are considered important for Australia’s long-term workforce. They are shown below:
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Assessing Authority | Skill Level | Visa Types / Subclass |
|---|
No occupations match your search or filter.
How to Apply After Finding Your Occupation on the MLTSSL?
After finding your occupation on the MLTSSL, check whether your qualifications, work experience, and job duties match the selected ANZSCO occupation. You should also confirm the assessing authority, eligible visa subclass, and required documents before starting your application.
Check the occupation title, ANZSCO code, and job description. Your nominated occupation should match your actual work duties.
Find the relevant assessing authority for your occupation and review its eligibility criteria, document checklist, and assessment process.
Collect your academic records, employment letters, payslips, resume, identity documents, English test results, and professional registration evidence if required.
Apply for a skills assessment through the correct authority. A positive skills assessment is required for most skilled visa pathways.
Check which visa subclass suits your profile. Common MLTSSL-related options include subclass 189, 190, 491, 485, 495, and 494.
For points-tested visas, submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. For nominated or sponsored visas, follow the state, territory, or employer nomination process.
After receiving an invitation, nomination, or sponsorship approval, submit your visa application with all required documents, including your skills assessment, English result, health checks, and character documents.
Which Visa Options are Available for MLTSSL Occupations in Australia?
MLTSSL occupation visa options in Australia include subclasses 189, 190, 491, 485, 495, and 494. Eligibility depends on the applicant’s occupation, skills assessment, points score, nomination, sponsorship, and visa requirements.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 is a permanent visa for invited skilled workers who have skills Australia needs. Applicants generally need to nominate an eligible occupation, obtain a suitable skills assessment, meet points requirements, and receive an invitation to apply.
This is one of the most popular visa options for applicants with MLTSSL occupations because it does not require state, territory, or employer sponsorship.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190 is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and meet the occupation, points, skills assessment, and nomination requirements.
This pathway is useful for MLTSSL applicants whose occupation is in demand in a specific Australian state or territory.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. Applicants may be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member.
It can be a good option for MLTSSL occupation holders who are open to regional migration and want a pathway that may later support permanent residence through the subclass 191 visa.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485 Post-Vocational Education Work stream is available for eligible international students who recently completed an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification relevant to an occupation Australia needs.
For this stream, applicants must nominate an occupation on the MLTSSL and meet the relevant skills assessment requirements.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa allows regional employers to sponsor skilled workers when they cannot find a suitably skilled Australian worker. Applicants must be nominated by an approved sponsor, have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list, and meet skills assessment and visa requirements.
This option may suit skilled workers whose occupation is eligible for regional employer sponsorship.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187)
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa was designed for skilled workers nominated by employers in regional Australia. The Direct Entry stream is closed to new applications, but the Temporary Residence Transition stream may still be relevant for some eligible applicants who meet transitional requirements.
This pathway is now limited for new applicants, but it may still apply in specific transitional cases.
Skills Assessment for MLTSSL Occupations
A skills assessment is an important requirement for most occupations listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). It verifies whether your qualifications, education, and work experience match the requirements of your nominated occupation under Australian standards. In most cases, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority before applying for a skilled migration visa.
To complete a skills assessment, applicants are generally required to submit supporting documents that verify their qualifications and work experience. Commonly required documents for EA skill assessment include:
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Employment reference letters
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume
- Identity documents (such as a passport)
- English language test results (if required)
- Project reports or work samples (for applicable occupations)
- Occupation-specific documents requested by the relevant assessing authority
Common Assessing Authorities for MLTSSL Occupations
The assessing authority depends on your nominated occupation. Below are some of the most common assessing authorities for occupations listed on the MLTSSL.
| Assessing Authority | Occupations Assessed |
| Engineers Australia (EA) | Engineering occupations |
| Australian Computer Society (ACS) | ICT and computing occupations |
| VETASSESS | Professional, technical, and trade-related occupations |
| Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) | Trade occupations |
| Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) | Nursing occupations |
| Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) | Social work occupations |
| CPA Australia / Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) / Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) | Accounting occupations |
| Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) | Medical science occupations |
| Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) | Physiotherapy occupations |
| Australian Dental Council (ADC) | Dental occupations |
What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Using the MLTSSL?
The common mistakes when using the MLTSSL include selecting the wrong occupation, relying on outdated occupation lists, choosing an incorrect ANZSCO code, and overlooking visa or skills assessment requirements.
- Choosing an Occupation by Job Title Only
Do not select an occupation only because the title sounds similar to your current job. Your actual duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and experience should match the ANZSCO description of the occupation.
- Ignoring the Correct ANZSCO Code
Each occupation has a specific ANZSCO code. Choosing the wrong code can affect your skills assessment, EOI, and visa application. Always confirm that the code matches your work profile.
- Applying Without Checking the Assessing Authority
Every MLTSSL occupation has a relevant assessing authority. Applying to the wrong authority or ignoring its document requirements can delay or weaken your application.
- Assuming MLTSSL Listing Guarantees Visa Approval
Having an occupation on the MLTSSL does not guarantee visa approval. You still need to meet the skills assessment, English, points, health, character, nomination, sponsorship, and visa subclass requirements.
- Not Checking Eligible Visa Options
Many applicants focus only on whether their occupation is listed on the MLTSSL and overlook the available visa options. Before starting your application, confirm which skilled visa subclasses are available for your nominated occupation and check that you meet their eligibility requirements.
- Using Outdated Occupation List Information
Do not rely on outdated versions of the MLTSSL when planning your skilled migration. Occupation lists and visa requirements may change over time. Always check the latest MLTSSL and current migration requirements before choosing your nominated occupation or starting your application.
Key Takeaways
- The Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) is a list of skilled occupations recognised by the Australian Government for long-term workforce needs.
- Having an occupation on the MLTSSL may provide access to more skilled visa pathways and improve migration opportunities.
- The latest MLTSSL helps you confirm whether your occupation is currently eligible for Australian skilled migration.
- After confirming your occupation, choose the correct ANZSCO code, complete a skills assessment, and apply for the appropriate skilled visa.
- A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is required for most MLTSSL occupations before applying for a skilled visa.
- Common mistakes when using the MLTSSL include selecting the wrong occupation, relying on outdated occupation lists, choosing an incorrect ANZSCO code, failing to check visa eligibility requirements, and applying through the wrong assessing authority.
FAQs
Who is Eligible to Nominate an MLTSSL Occupation in Australia?
Applicants may nominate an MLTSSL occupation if their job role, qualifications, skills, and work experience match the selected ANZSCO occupation. They must also meet the visa requirements, obtain a suitable skills assessment, and apply through an eligible skilled visa pathway.
Can I apply for permanent residency through an MLTSSL occupation?
Yes, an MLTSSL occupation may support permanent residency through skilled visa pathways such as subclass 189 and 190, or through regional pathways like subclass 491 leading to subclass 191. However, you must meet the skills assessment, points, invitation, nomination, health, character, and visa requirements.
Can the MLTSSL change over time?
Yes, the MLTSSL can change over time based on Australia’s labour market needs and skilled migration priorities. Applicants should always check the latest official skilled occupation list before choosing an occupation, submitting an EOI, or applying for a visa.
Is a skills assessment required for MLTSSL occupations?
Yes, most skilled visa applicants need a positive skills assessment for their nominated MLTSSL occupation. The assessment must be completed by the relevant assessing authority before submitting an EOI or applying for many skilled visa pathways.
How often does the MLTSSL get updated?
The MLTSSL does not have a fixed update schedule. It is updated by the Australian Government when skilled migration policy, labour market needs, or occupation demand changes. Always check the latest occupation list before applying for a skilled visa.