The MLTSSL is the occupation list that determines which Australian visas you can access. Here's what it is, how it differs from the STSOL, and how to check your occupation.
What Is the MLTSSL and Is Your Occupation On It?
When you research Australian immigration, you will quickly encounter two acronyms: MLTSSL and STSOL. These are the two occupation lists that determine which Australian skilled visas you can access and which pathways are open to you.
What Is the MLTSSL?
The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) is Australia's most important occupation list for immigration purposes. It contains occupations that the Australian government has determined are needed in the economy over the medium to long term.
Occupations on the MLTSSL can access:
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) — the main independent PR visa
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
Subclass 482 (TSS) — Medium-term stream (up to 4 years and pathway to 186 PR)
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) — permanent residency via employer
What Is the STSOL?
The Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) contains occupations in demand but assessed as shorter-term needs. Occupations on the STSOL can access:
Subclass 190 (but NOT the 189)
Subclass 491 (but NOT the 189)
Subclass 482 — Short-term stream only (2 years maximum, no direct PR pathway)
The distinction matters enormously. If your occupation is only on the STSOL, you cannot apply for the Subclass 189 permanent visa and your sponsored work visa options are limited.
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How Do I Check My Occupation?
The official lists are maintained by the Australian government and updated periodically. You can search by your ANZSCO code — a five- or six-digit number assigned to each occupation. Your assessing authority will tell you which ANZSCO code your occupation falls under.
Common MLTSSL occupations include:
Software Engineer (261313)
Registered Nurse (254499 and others)
Civil Engineer (233211)
Accountant (221111, 221112)
Mechanical Engineer (233512)
Physiotherapist (252511)
Speech Pathologist (252711)
Secondary School Teacher (241411)
Social Worker (272511)
Chef (351311) — some subclasses only
Can Occupations Move Between Lists?
Yes. The lists are reviewed by the Australian government, typically at the start of each financial year. Occupations can be added, removed, or moved between lists based on labour market conditions and national skill priorities. An occupation on the MLTSSL today may not be there in 12 months.
This is one reason why timing matters in Australian immigration. If your occupation is currently on the MLTSSL, it is worth acting before a potential removal.
What If My Exact Occupation Is Not Listed?
The lists contain specific ANZSCO codes. If your job title does not appear, it may still be captured under a broader or related ANZSCO code. For example, many software-related roles fall under the Software Engineer or ICT Business Analyst codes.
A migration agent can assess which ANZSCO code best fits your actual role and experience, and whether that code appears on the MLTSSL or STSOL. Getting this right at the start avoids complications with your skills assessment and EOI.