The Australia Skilled Occupation List, or SOL, is integral to the Australian immigration system. It provides a platform for skilled professionals worldwide to live and work in Australia. As per its purpose, the list is intended to fill up some of the vacancies in a few specific labor shortages the country faces regarding the qualifications and experience of skilled migrants whose attributes match high-demand industries in Australia.

This exhaustive guide will present the Australia Skilled Occupation List, how it works, and why it is essential for many applying for permanent residency in Australia. Finally, we will consider some of the visa options falling under SOL and how to approach them.

What is the Australia Skilled Occupation List (SOL)?

The Australia Skilled Occupation List (SOL) indicates the occupation in demand in the Australian labor market. SOL is paramount to the skilled migration programs in Australia as it identifies professions that can fill skill shortages. 

Such programs contain a wide range of visas that allow individuals to immigrate to Australia either permanently or temporarily so that they can work in an occupation specified.

It gets updated regularly to ensure the list refreshes to depict changing needs in the labor market. Hence, it sometimes changes from year to year, depending on which ones are facing shortages.

Categories of Skilled Occupation Lists

There are three main categories of the Skilled Occupation List in Australia:

  1. Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): Most occupations are in demand in Australia, and professionals in these occupations can apply for several visa options for permanent residency. Several occupations are included in the MLTSSL, such as engineers, IT professionals, medical practitioners, etc.
  2. Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL): The STSOL involves jobs that are in demand but are short-term priorities. These lists are typically used for people intending to apply for a temporary visa, like the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa. Occupations on the list include chefs, hotel managers, and tradespeople. 
  3. Regional Occupation List (ROL): ROL is for people who are content and willing to remain and work in regional Australia. The occupations on this list may not necessarily be in demand in the cities but might be needed in regional locations. The 491 Skilled Work Regional visa is available for this list.

Why the Skilled Occupation List Matters

Australia has a strongly selective immigration system that attracts skilled professionals to contribute to its economy and help bridge some of the gaps in its labor market. There is eligibility at the base, the Skilled Occupation List, for several visa categories. Opportunities for selection to an immigration program are much higher if your occupation is on the SOL.

For professional and technical workers, being on the SOL means having the skills needed in Australia, thereby improving your chances of getting a visa, especially for permanent residency (PR). States and territories in Australia may also have their specific lists drawn from the national SOL but tailored to fix the local labor shortages.

Visa Options Under the SOL

Several visa pathways are available to skilled workers whose occupations are listed on the SOL. These include:

1. Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa (PR)

The subclass 189 visa is a points-based permanent residency visa for skilled workers. It allows you to live anywhere in Australia. You don't need your employer or any state/territory government sponsorship. Considering the point requirement, this visa option is open to professionals with the required skills. However, your occupation has to be on the MLTSSL for you to be qualified for this visa.

2. Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa (PR)

Another permanent residency visa is the Subclass 190 visa; however, it does involve state/territory government nomination. The in-demand occupations list varies from state to state/territory, and a successful nomination will add 5 points to your points test score. You may be eligible to apply if your occupation is listed on the state's list or the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL.

3. Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The subclass 491 visa is a points-based visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. Your occupation needs to be on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL. 

You have to be nominated by the state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in the area that is designated as a regional area. A pathway to permanent residency is available after working and living in regional Australia for three years.

4. Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

The subclass 482 visa enables the employer to sponsor skilled workers so that the post is filled if no skilled Australian workers are available. For that purpose, it may be either for STSOL or MLTSSL jobs and, in that scenario, may land an individual who meets specific conditions in permanent residency.

Points System and Skilled Occupation List

The Australian system of immigration is points-based, and being on the SOL gives you an added advantage in terms of amassing the points you need to get a visa. Points are awarded based on several factors:

  • Age: Maximum points awarded for those candidates falling between 25 and 32 years. 
  • English Language Proficiency: High scores in IELTS- the language tests- will give you some excellent points.
  • Work Experience:  You earn points depending on the relevant work experience you have in particular, especially in that occupation you nominated.
  • Education: Higher education is qualified as an addition to your points tally by holding either a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
  • State Nomination: If the state or territory nominates you, it adds extra points.

Your total points are what will qualify you to be considered to be invited to apply for a visa. And the minimum points that you may reach stand at 65, while high points heighten your chance of selection.

How to Apply Through the SOL

The following steps include the application procedure for the skilled migration visa under the Skilled Occupation List:

  1. Check if Your Occupation is on the List: Check if Your Occupation is included in the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL. You must verify whether your occupation is included in the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL.
  2. Complete a Skills Assessment: You must have your skills assessed by an appropriate assessing body relevant to your profession. All professions have an appropriate assessing body - Engineers Australia or VETASSESS. You will also need to provide evidence of your qualifications and work experience.
  3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): You apply through the SkillSelect system, submitting an EOI outlining your qualifications, work experience, and other details. It does not guarantee an invitation to apply but places you in the pool for selection.
  4. Wait for an Invitation: If you have lodged an EOI and attained a score of high enough points, you may be invited to lodge a visa application. For state/nominee visas, you will usually also need to apply separately to the state or territory for nomination. 
  5. Apply for a Visa: You can also apply for a visa after getting an invitation. All your documents, such as police clearance, health clearance, and proof of work experience, must be submitted.

Conclusion

The Australia Skilled Occupation List is one of the few tools skilled migrants use to help migrants realize their goals and those of the country. Whether it is an engineer in health care, IT, or any other high-demand area, it opens the door to multiple visa options and permanent residency.

Knowing how the SOL works and aligning your qualifications and experience with the demands placed in Australia raises a very good chance of migration success.

For more details about the Australia Occupation List, contact Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com