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 there are several visa subclasses with varying requirements, depending on whether the applicant is onshore or offshore and is applying independently or with a sponsorship from an Australian State or Territory government or a local employer.

With the exception of the RSMS (Regional Sponsorsed Migration Scheme), all skilled migration categories require the primary applicant to nominate an occupation on the relevant SOL (Skilled Occupations List). Before applying, the applicant must submit his or her qualifications and work experience for assessment by the relevant assessing authority for that occupation (see below).

The occupations on the SOLs are defined according to the ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations).

For offshore applications lodged on or after 1 July 2011, the following versions of the SOL apply:

Onshore applicants use either the current SOL for the equivalent visa subclass, or may be able to use an earlier version depending on whether  they come within the various transitional provisions. For more information, contact our office.

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.

• Assessing authorities by occupation