Skilled Occupations List for migration to Australia

The Skilled Occupations List (SOL) and the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO)

The skilled migration stream is the major component of Australia's migration program. Within that stream, the major categories have traditionally been the independent and "Australian-linked" visa classes, all of which require the applicant to have recognised skills in an occupation on the SOL. It seems likely that in the future these classes will become far less significant and will be overtaken by employer nominated visa classes (ENS and RSMS).

There are currently several versions of the SOL and related lists in force. Each occupation is awarded either 40, 50 or 60 points on the skilled migration points test.

• Skilled migration applications lodged before 1 July 2010 - pdf file
• Skilled migration applications lodged by people who held or had applied for a subclass 485 visa on 8 February 2010 - pdf file
• New SOL applicable from 1 July 2010 - pdf file
• Skilled migration applications nominated by a State or Territory government agency under a State Migration Plan - pdf file
• List of occupations for Employer Nomination Scheme applications (ENSOL) - pdf file
• ANZSCO website

Relevant Assessing Authorities

Whether you got your qualifications in Australia or overseas, you must submit them for assessment by the "Relevant Assessing Authority" listed on the SOL for your occupation. Each authority has its own fees, application procedures and criteria.

It is essential that you have your occupation assessed by the relevant authority BEFORE you lodge your permanent visa application. Applications lodged without an assessment will be treated as invalid.