Understanding Australia’s In-Demand Skilled Occupation Lists in 2025

If you’re a skilled professional looking to move to Australia in 2025, you need to confirm if your job is on the in-demand skilled occupation list. It’s your golden ticket to understanding which careers Australia is actively recruiting for and whether yours makes the cut.

So, what’s the deal with these lists?

Australia Doesn’t Have Just One Skilled List—It Has a Few

Australia’s approach to skilled migration is quite strategic. It doesn’t rely on a single occupation list but instead maintains several targeted lists, depending on the visa type and the region. Here’s a quick rundown.

1. Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

This is the big one. If your occupation is on the MLTSSL, you could be eligible for permanent visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

Think of this list as Australia saying, “We really need you here, long-term.” And yes, if you’re a psychiatrist, good news, your skill is very much in demand.

Other jobs on this list include:

• Software Engineer

• General Practitioner (GP)

• Mechanical Engineer

• Secondary School Teacher

• Construction Project Manager

• Midwife

• Medical Laboratory Scientist

2. Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

This list covers occupations needed in the short term. It’s more applicable to temporary visa pathways like the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) and the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) (which does lead to PR, if you’re nominated). While these jobs are important, they’re not always pathways to permanent residency unless additional criteria are met.

Example occupations on the STSOL:

• Marketing Specialist

• Graphic Designer

• Conference and Event Organiser

• Customer Service Manager

• ICT Support Technician

• Urban and Regional Planner

• Enrolled Nurse

3. Regional Occupation List (ROL)

Australia’s regional areas are crying out for skilled workers, and that’s where the ROL comes in. This list supports visas like the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) and Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494). If you’re open to living outside the big cities, this could be your best route in.

Some roles on the Regional Occupation List include:

• Anaesthetist

• Dental Technician

• Agricultural Engineer

• Primary School Teacher (regional areas only)

• Audiologist

• Real Estate Representative

• Nursing Support Worker

4. Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)

Although it changes with national priorities, this list was introduced to fast-track visa processing during COVID and is still relevant when critical needs arise. Think healthcare, IT, and engineering. Psychiatrists have been featured here too, which isn’t surprising given the current mental health workforce crisis in Australia.

Other occupations that have appeared on PMSOL:

• Registered Nurse (Aged Care)

• Medical Practitioner (General)

• Resident Medical Officer

• Software Engineer

• ICT Security Specialist

• Social Worker

• Construction Project Manager

Why This Matters

Knowing where your profession sits across these lists can determine:

• What visa(s) you are eligible for

• Whether you need state/territory nomination or employer sponsorship

• If you’ll be invited sooner (or at all)