Australia Skilled Occupation List 2026: Everything UAE Professionals Must Know

If you are a skilled professional living in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE and planning to migrate to Australia, the first thing you must check is the Skilled Occupation List Australia. This list decides whether your job is eligible for Australian skilled migration programs, including the 189, 190, and 491 visas. 

It is one of the most searched queries from UAE based workers, and it is the starting point for any permanent residency application. 

This complete guide breaks down how the Skilled Occupation List works, who qualifies, how occupations are selected, and how professionals in Dubai can take advantage of the list in 2026. 

1. What is the Skilled Occupation List

The Skilled Occupation List is an official set of lists published by the Australian Government. These lists identify occupations that are needed in the Australian labour market. Each occupation is tied to an ANZSCO code and an assessing authority.

Australia uses four main occupation lists:

• MLTSSL Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List
• STSOL Short Term Skilled Occupation List
• ROL Regional Occupation List
• CSOL Core Skills Occupation List

Each list is linked to different migration streams.

2. How the Lists Relate to Skilled Visas

Australia applies each list differently depending on the visa pathway.

• MLTSSL occupations are commonly eligible for general skilled visas including subclass 189, 190 and 491, along with some employer sponsored permanent pathways.
• STSOL occupations are used for certain state nomination programs and selected employer sponsored permanent pathways. STSOL occupations are not typically used for the independent 189 stream.
• ROL occupations are intended for regional Australia and are used mainly for regional pathways such as the 491 Skilled Work Regional visa.
• CSOL is a broader occupation list used for a range of employer nominated permanent pathways. It includes occupations that may not appear on MLTSSL or STSOL.

Always check the current legislative instrument and the ANZSCO version that applies to your intended visa pathway.

3. How to Check if Your Occupation Qualifies

1. Match your job to an ANZSCO code
   The occupation lists are organised by ANZSCO codes. Choose the code that reflects your actual duties.
2. Check which list your occupation is on
   The list determines which visa streams may be available.
3. Identify your assessing authority
   Examples include:
   • Engineers Australia for engineering
   • ACS for ICT and software roles
   • AHPRA for many health professions
   • VETASSESS for professional

You normally need a positive skills assessment before lodging an Expression of Interest.

4. Points, EOIs and Invitation

Skilled visas such as subclass 189, 190 and 491 operate on a points test.
You must have a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest.
However, scoring 65 does not guarantee an invitation. Invitations depend on:

• Occupation demand
• Your ranking against other applicants
• State nomination availability
• Annual quotas

Higher points improve your competitiveness.

5. Popular Occupations for UAE Professionals

Many UAE based professionals work in occupations that frequently appear on the Skilled Occupation List. Examples include:

• Civil, Mechanical and Software Engineers
• Cybersecurity Specialists
• ICT Business Analysts
• Software Developers
• Registered Nurses
• Accountants
• Electricians
• Auto Mechanics
• Carpenters
• Early Childhood Teachers
• Chefs and Hospitality Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Marketing Specialists and HR Advisors

Always verify the exact ANZSCO title, as sometimes even small difference in the ANZSCO code can affect eligibility.

6. How Often the Lists Change

The Australian Government updates the occupation lists based on labour market analysis and policy priorities. Updates may occur annually or in response to labour shortages.

Because occupations can move between lists, UAE applicants should always check the most recent version before submitting an EOI.

7. Tips for UAE Based Skilled Applicants

• Start with the correct skills assessment
• Map your ANZSCO code carefully based on duties, not job titles
• If your points are not competitive for subclass 189, consider 190 or 491 state nomination pathways
• Check each state’s occupation list, as state criteria differ
• Seek advice from a registered migration professional if your case is complex

8. Step by Step Checklist for Skilled Migration

1. Confirm your occupation and ANZSCO code
2. Complete your skills assessment
3. Calculate your points
4. Review state nomination opportunities
5. Lodge an Expression of Interest
6. Receive invitation
7. Lodge your visa application

FAQs

1. What is the Skilled Occupation List?
A set of lists that outline which occupations are eligible for different skilled migration pathways in Australia.

2. How do I know if my occupation qualifies?
Match your job duties to an ANZSCO code on the skilled occupation list and confirm its eligibility for your intended visa.

3. Does the Skilled Occupation List change every year?
Yes. Changes happen regularly based on economic and workforce needs.

4. Can I apply for a skilled visa if my occupation is not on the list?
For points tested visas such as subclass 189, 190 and 491, your occupation must be on a relevant list. Other visa categories have different rules.

5. Which list is best for UAE applicants?
It depends on your occupation and points. MLTSSL offers the widest access, but many applicants succeed through STSOL or ROL via state nomination.