MLTSSL vs CSOL: Australia's Two Skilled Occupation Lists Explained
Australia runs two separate skilled occupation lists, not one — the MLTSSL for points-tested visas and the CSOL for employer sponsorship. This explains which list governs which visa, how big each one is, and what to do if your occupation is on neither. Figures as at September 2026.
Read the full guide, with official sources →
Watch
Chapters
- 0:00 There is no single
- 0:15 MLTSSL: 216 occupations
- 0:36 7 December 2024:
- 0:50 Subclass 189 draws
- 1:05 What the CSOL
- 1:19 ROL: 220 occupations
- 1:32 Match your visa
- 1:50 Your occupation code fixes
- 2:01 A future classification isn't
- 2:16 Not listed doesn't mean
- 2:31 Where to read more
Transcript
Searching for the Australian skilled occupation list? There isn't one. Since 7 December 2024 there are two separate systems, and they govern completely different visas.
The MLTSSL — the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List — has 216 occupations, for subclass 189, subclass 190 and subclass 491. The CSOL, the Core Skills Occupation List, has 458, for subclass 482 and subclass 186.
Before 7 December 2024, employer sponsorship ran on the MLTSSL plus a second list, the STSOL. The Skills in Demand visa replaced that split with one list: the CSOL.
Subclass 189 is strict. It draws only from the MLTSSL, with no exceptions. If your occupation isn't on it, the independent 189 pathway isn't available to you at all.
The CSOL governs subclass 482, Core Skills stream, and subclass 186, Direct Entry stream. It does not cover the 482 Specialist Skills stream, or the 482 Labour Agreement stream.
A third list, the Regional Occupation List, adds 220 more occupations. It mainly widens eligibility for the subclass 494 and subclass 491 regional pathways.
Put it side by side. Subclass 189 needs the MLTSSL alone. Subclass 190 and 491 need the MLTSSL plus a state list. Subclass 482 Core Skills and subclass 186 Direct Entry need the CSOL.
A listing alone isn't enough. Most skilled visas also need a positive skills assessment from the authority fixed to your ANZSCO code — you can't choose a different one.
A note on what's coming. The ABS released a new classification, OSCA, in December 2024 to eventually replace the current system. As of 2026, Home Affairs still uses the old one for migration.
Not on the MLTSSL or the CSOL? Check the Regional Occupation List, a state list, a Designated Area Migration Agreement, or the salary-based 482 Specialist Skills stream before assuming you're stuck.
The full guide, with the official sources, is on migratio.com.au. The link is in the description.
Short versions
- MLTSSL and CSOL are not the same list (0:35)
- Your occupation is on the CSOL — can you get a 189? (0:27)
- Occupation not on any list? Here's what's left (0:26)
Talk it through with a registered agent
Every agent on Migratio is on the official OMARA register. Compare agents and their consultation fees.