How skilled occupation lists work
Occupation lists determine which nominated occupations are eligible for which visa subclasses. They are reviewed and changed by the Australian Government, sometimes with real consequences for people mid-pathway.
Aarish Haider · Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2619656
Updated 2026-10-22 · General information · Official-source check 2026-10-22
Key facts
| Purpose | Match ANZSCO-coded occupations to eligible visa subclasses |
|---|---|
| Who maintains them | The Australian Government, informed by labour market analysis |
| Update frequency | Reviewed periodically, not fixed — occupations can be added or removed |
| State lists differ | Each state/territory maintains its own supported-occupation list, separate from the national list |
Who this is relevant to
Anyone confirming whether their occupation is currently eligible for a particular pathway.
Requirements
Start with the intended visa and stream, then find the applicable occupation instrument, classification version, assessing authority and caveats. Check state selection requirements separately. A new general Australian occupational classification does not automatically replace the classification used in migration law.
Process
- Describe actual duties and qualification content rather than choosing a code by job title.
- Check the occupation entry and authority for the intended visa.
- Read any caveats and confirm the classification version used by that program.
- Recheck before nomination, EOI or visa steps when the applicable rules require it.
Evidence
Keep a record of the occupation entry and date checked, together with role descriptions, qualifications and assessment evidence supporting the choice.
Common issues
National occupation eligibility and state nomination selection are different filters. Inclusion on one list does not establish availability under every skilled or employer-sponsored visa, or professional licensing rights.
Official sources
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