The MLTSSL Occupation List: Which Jobs Are Eligible for the 189 Visa?

The MLTSSL stands for the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. In practice, just think of it as Australia’s “long-term skills list.” It’s a curated collection of professions the Australian government has identified as critical for the country’s ongoing economic health, answering the key question: Is my occupation in demand in Australia long-term?

If you’ve searched online for how to work in Australia, you’ve probably hit a wall of confusing acronyms. What on earth is an ‘MLTSSL’? Is it important? In short, yes, it’s one of the most important concepts for your migration journey. This guide will translate it into plain English and show you why understanding it is a powerful first step.

To grasp its role, imagine Australia has two main shopping lists for skills. The MLTSSL is for pantry staples that are always needed, like nurses and engineers, which can open doors to long-term visas. In contrast, the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) is for special ingredients needed for a single project, often linked to temporary stays. Knowing the difference is crucial.

How to Check If Your Occupation is on the MLTSSL in 3 Simple Steps

Wondering how to check if your profession is on Australia’s most-wanted list? It’s more straightforward than you might think. The key is knowing exactly what to look for and where to find it. Forget sifting through forums and confusing articles; there is a single source of truth for this information.

Here’s your simple, three-step guide to get a clear answer.

1. Find Your ANZSCO Code: The Australian government uses a specific code for every profession, known as an ANZSCO code. Think of it as a unique ID for your job title. The easiest way to find yours is to search online for “[Your Job Title] ANZSCO code.” For example, a Registered Nurse is 254411.
2. Visit the Official List: The only place to get a guaranteed, accurate answer is the Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation list. This official government website lists every single eligible occupation.
3. Search the List: Once on the page, you’ll see a search bar. Type either your ANZSCO code or your official job title into this box to see if it appears.

[Image: A simple screenshot of the Australian Department of Home Affairs website’s search bar for the legislative instrument, with a clear red arrow pointing to the search box and the text “Search Here” overlaid.]

If your occupation appears in the search results, congratulations! That’s a huge and positive first step on your potential journey to Australia. It means your skills are officially recognised as being in demand for the country’s longer-term needs.

But finding your job on the MLTSSL is just the beginning. The next question is, what doors does this actually open?

My Job Is on the List! Which Visa Could I Be Eligible For?

Seeing your profession on that long-term skills list is fantastic news because it’s the key that unlocks some of Australia’s most direct routes to living and working there. The most significant of these is the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). Think of this as the premier pathway for skilled professionals, leading directly to permanent residency without needing a specific job offer lined up in advance.

The real magic of the 189 visa is right in its name: “Independent.” For this visa, you don’t need an employer to sponsor you or a state to nominate you. Instead, you are invited to apply based entirely on your own skills, experience, and qualifications. It’s Australia’s way of saying that your profession is so valuable to its long-term goals that your skills alone make you a desirable candidate.

On top of that, the MLTSSL is also the foundation for several other visa options for MLTSSL occupations, including those sponsored by an Australian state or family member. But no matter which path you explore, finding your job on the list is just the first checkpoint. Your next step is to understand what’s required to turn that eligibility into a successful application.

What Are the Next Steps After Finding Your Occupation on the List?

Finding your profession on the list is a huge first step, but the journey doesn’t end there. Before you can apply for most skilled visas, Australia needs to confirm that your qualifications and experience are genuine and meet its standards. This crucial verification process is called a Skills Assessment, where an official body reviews your credentials to give them the green light.

Beyond a successful skills assessment, your eligibility for these visas also depends on a Points Test. Think of this not as a pass/fail exam, but as a scorecard where you collect points for factors like your age, English language ability, and years of work experience. You’ll need to meet a minimum score to be considered for an invitation to apply.

So, the path forward has two main hurdles: getting your skills formally assessed and then scoring enough points to be a competitive candidate. While tools like a points test calculator for skilled migration are important later, your very next mission is to understand that initial skills assessment.

You’ve Mastered the MLTSSL: What’s Your Next Move?

What was once a confusing acronym is now a clear starting point. You’ve cut through the jargon and can see the MLTSSL occupation list for what it is: a signpost showing which professional skills Australia is seeking for the long term. You’re no longer guessing—you’re interpreting official information.

Your immediate next step is a crucial one. Take a moment to find your profession on the official list. This single action provides the first solid piece of data for your journey, moving your dream from abstract hope to a concrete research project.

This knowledge is the foundation of any good guide to Australian General skilled migration. Whether your job is listed or not, you can now confidently research your path, including potential alternatives to skilled independent visa options. You’ve successfully navigated the first, most confusing part of the map.

Conclusion 

Finding your occupation on the MLTSSL is more than just checking a box; it is the moment your migration journey shifts from a “maybe” to a “mission.” By confirming that your profession is on Australia’s long-term radar, you have effectively validated that your skills are a national priority. This single piece of information clears away the fog of confusing acronyms and reveals a direct path to the most coveted visa options, including the independent Subclass 189. You now have the assurance that the Australian economy needs you not just for a short project, but for the long haul.

However, recognising your opportunity is only the beginning. The distance between spotting your job on a list and actually holding a visa grant is filled with critical tasks: navigating a strict skills assessment, calculating a competitive points score, and timing your Expression of Interest perfectly. The MLTSSL is your green light to start, but it doesn’t drive the car for you. To turn this eligibility into a reality, you need a precise, professionally managed strategy that ensures every document and every point counts. The Migration doesn’t just process visas; we build the bridge to your new life. You’ve found your job on the list now. Book your consultation, and get your name on a visa.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What happens if my job is on the STSOL instead of the MLTSSL? 

If your occupation is on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), you generally cannot apply for the independent Subclass 189 visa. Instead, you will likely need to look at state-nominated or employer-sponsored options.

• Visa Options: Focus on the Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 visas.
• State Nomination: You will need a specific Australian state to nominate you.
• Temporary vs Permanent: Some STSOL pathways may initially be temporary, leading to PR later.

Does being on the MLTSSL guarantee I will get a visa? 

No, being on the list simply makes you eligible to apply; it does not guarantee a visa. You must still pass the points test, get a positive skills assessment, and receive an invitation from the government.

• Competition: You are competing against thousands of others in the same occupation.
• Points Matter: High points (often 85+) are usually needed for an invitation.
• Requirements: You must still meet health, character, and age requirements.

Can I apply for a 190 or 491 visa if my job is on the MLTSSL? 

Yes! Even if your job is on the MLTSSL (which opens up the 189 visa), you can still apply for state-nominated visas like the 190 or 491. In fact, this is often a smart strategy to increase your chances.

• More Options: You have access to both independent and state pathways.
• Extra Points: Applying for a 190 or 491 gives you bonus points (5 or 15 points).
• Strategy: Many applicants lodge EOIs for all three visa subclasses to maximise success.

How often does the MLTSSL occupation list change? 

The Department of Home Affairs reviews and updates the skilled occupation lists periodically, usually annually or when there is a significant economic shift. It is crucial to lodge your application while your occupation is still listed.

• Updates: Lists can change at the start of the Australian financial year (July 1st).
• Risk: Occupations can be removed if the government decides there is no longer a shortage.
• Advice: If you are eligible now, start your process immediately to “lock in” your status.

What is an ANZSCO code, and where do I find mine? 

ANZSCO stands for the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. It is a unique 6-digit code that officially defines your job title, duties, and required qualifications.

• Importance: You must choose the correct code that matches your actual daily work duties.
• Mismatch: Choosing the wrong code is a common reason for skills assessment failure.