MLTSSL: Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List Explained
The MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) is one of several occupation lists used in Australian skilled migration. It contains occupations assessed as being in sustained demand across the Australian economy over the medium to long term. The MLTSSL is the key list for the subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa and remains relevant for the 190 and 491 pathways. Since December 2024, the new CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List) has partially superseded the MLTSSL for employer-sponsored visas, but the MLTSSL continues to be the gatekeeper for independent skilled migration.
What the MLTSSL Covers
The MLTSSL lists occupations where Australia has identified a sustained need for skilled workers that can't be met through the domestic labour market alone. These are typically occupations requiring:
- Higher education qualifications (bachelor's degree or above)
- Extensive training or apprenticeship (trades)
- Specialist expertise with significant experience requirements
The list is more restrictive than the combined CSOL, focusing on occupations with demonstrated long-term demand rather than short-term or cyclical needs.
Occupations commonly found on the MLTSSL include:
- Engineers (civil, mechanical, electrical, mining)
- IT professionals (software engineers, analysts, network specialists)
- Healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists)
- Accountants and auditors
- Teachers (secondary, special education)
- Trades (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics)
- Scientists and researchers
- Architects and surveyors
How It Differs From Other Lists
MLTSSL vs CSOL
The CSOL was introduced in December 2024 with the Skills in Demand visa reforms. The key differences:
| Feature | MLTSSL | CSOL |
|---|---|---|
| Number of occupations | ~215 | ~450+ |
| Primary visa use | 189, 190, 491 | 482 (SID Core Skills stream) |
| PR pathway | Yes (direct for 189/190) | Yes (via 186 TRT) |
| Managed by | Department of Home Affairs | Jobs and Skills Australia |
| Update frequency | Periodic (less frequent) | Designed for more frequent updates |
The CSOL is broader, meaning it includes occupations not found on the MLTSSL. If your occupation is on the CSOL but not the MLTSSL, you can access employer-sponsored pathways but not the independent skilled pathway (189).
MLTSSL vs STSOL
The Short-term Skilled Occupation List contains occupations with a shorter-term need or lower priority for migration.
| Feature | MLTSSL | STSOL |
|---|---|---|
| Visa access | 189, 190, 491, 485, old 482 medium-term | Old 482 short-term (no longer active), some state nominations |
| PR pathway | Yes | Limited (was no under old TSS) |
| Duration of visas | Longer (4 years for work visas) | Shorter (was 2 years under old TSS) |
| Scope | Occupations with sustained demand | Occupations with short-term or cyclical demand |
Since the SID reforms, the STSOL has diminished in practical relevance. Most of its occupations have either been absorbed into the CSOL or removed from active lists.
MLTSSL vs ROL
The Regional Occupation List adds occupations specifically for regional visa pathways:
| Feature | MLTSSL | ROL |
|---|---|---|
| Visa access | 189, 190, 491, plus others | 491, 494 only |
| Geographic requirement | None | Must live/work in regional area |
| Scope | Broader economy | Regional workforce needs |
If your occupation is on the ROL but not the MLTSSL, you can only access regional visa pathways (not the 189).
Which Visas Use the MLTSSL
| Visa | Subclass | MLTSSL Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent | 189 | Yes (points-tested stream) |
| Skilled Nominated | 190 | Yes (but states can also draw from STSOL/ROL) |
| Skilled Work Regional | 491 | Yes (plus ROL) |
| Temporary Graduate (Graduate Work) | 485 | Yes |
| Skills in Demand | 482 | No (uses CSOL) |
| Employer Nomination | 186 | Direct Entry uses MLTSSL or CSOL |
For the subclass 189, the MLTSSL is non-negotiable. Your occupation must be on this list. For the 190 and 491, states have more flexibility and can nominate from the MLTSSL, STSOL, and in some cases their own supplementary lists.
How to Check If Your Occupation Is on the MLTSSL
- Identify your ANZSCO code using the ANZSCO guide
- Search the MLTSSL on the Department of Home Affairs website or through the legislation (Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 1)
- Note the assessing authority listed next to your occupation
- Check for caveats — some occupations have specific conditions or limitations
You can also use the Department's online visa finder tool, which asks about your occupation and tells you which lists it appears on and which visas are available.
The Assessing Authority Connection
Every occupation on the MLTSSL has a designated assessing authority. You must obtain a positive assessment from this authority before you can apply for the visa. You cannot choose a different authority.
Common assessing authorities for MLTSSL occupations:
- ACS: ICT occupations
- Engineers Australia: Engineering occupations
- VETASSESS: General professional occupations
- TRA: Trade occupations
- CPA/CAANZ/IPA: Accounting occupations
- ANMAC: Nursing and midwifery
- AITSL: Teaching occupations
The assessment confirms that your qualifications and work experience are suitable for the nominated occupation at the required skill level. It doesn't assess your English, age, or other points test factors; those are assessed separately.
How the MLTSSL Is Reviewed
The MLTSSL is reviewed through a process involving:
- Labour market analysis by the Department and Jobs and Skills Australia
- Stakeholder consultation with industry bodies, state/territory governments, and unions
- Economic modelling of projected skills needs
- Ministerial decision on final changes to the list
Changes can include adding new occupations, removing occupations, or changing the caveats attached to existing entries. Changes are typically announced with the annual migration program settings, though mid-year adjustments can occur.
When an occupation is removed from the MLTSSL, existing visa applications are generally not affected (they're assessed under the rules at the time of lodgement). However, new EOIs and applications can no longer use that occupation.
FAQ
My occupation was on the MLTSSL last year but has been removed. Can I still apply? If you've already been invited and lodged a visa application, you're generally assessed under the rules in effect when you applied. If you haven't been invited yet, you can no longer receive an invitation for the 189 using that occupation.
Is the MLTSSL the same as the SOL? The SOL (Skilled Occupation List) was the predecessor to the MLTSSL. The SOL was replaced by the MLTSSL and STSOL in 2017 when the government restructured the occupation lists. You may still see "SOL" referenced in older resources, but the current list is the MLTSSL.
Can I use the CSOL instead of the MLTSSL for a 189 visa? No. The subclass 189 (points-tested stream) specifically requires an MLTSSL occupation. The CSOL is only used for employer-sponsored pathways (482/SID).
How often does the MLTSSL change? There's no fixed schedule, but major updates typically align with annual migration program announcements. Minor adjustments can happen at any time. Always check the current version before making decisions.
