Curious about moving to Australia? Your profession might be one of the 212 occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) that could open doors to Australian permanent residency.
The MLTSSL is a chance to get permanent skilled visas without sponsorship. You’ll need to score at least 65 points and be under 45 years old. This strategic list is the life-blood of Australia’s skilled migration programme. It helps attract talented professionals who boost the country’s economy.
This article covers all you need to know about the MLTSSL for 2025. You’ll find detailed information about eligibility criteria, how to apply, and the latest changes that could affect your Australian residency experience.
Understanding MLTSSL Basics
Australia’s skilled migration programme relies on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) as its life-blood. This strategic list, which was earlier called the Consolidated Skilled Occupational List (SOL), now has 212 occupations that Australia sees as vital to its future economic growth.
What is MLTSSL and why it matters?
The MLTSSL serves as a complete guide for skilled migration visas. It targets occupations that states and territories of all sizes need for the medium to long term. This list also helps determine if someone qualifies for temporary and permanent skilled migration pathways.
Skilled migrants can access several visa options through MLTSSL:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa (Subclass 491)
The Australian government updates the MLTSSL regularly based on changes in labour market needs. These updates will give the list ongoing relevance to Australia’s changing economic requirements.
Key differences from other skilled lists
The MLTSSL stands out from other occupation lists in several ways. We looked at the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) with its 215 occupations and the Regional Occupation List (ROL) that has 77 occupations. The MLTSSL offers better benefits for skilled migrants than both these lists.
Your occupation’s presence on the MLTSSL instead of other lists creates a clear path to permanent residency. STSOL occupations usually need sponsorship for visa applications, but MLTSSL occupations often lead straight to permanent residency.
The Australian government uses two versions of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) for different visa programmes:
- The 2022 version works for the Employer Nomination Scheme visa and Skills in Demand visa
- The 2013 version applies to all other skilled visa subclasses
The Department of Home Affairs confirms that existing nominations and visa applications stay valid even if an occupation leaves the skilled occupation lists. In spite of that, changes that require new nomination applications might affect current visa holders.
MLTSSL Changes for 2025
The most important updates to the MLTSSL in 2025 show how Australia’s workforce needs are changing, with big changes in many sectors. These changes want to fix skill shortages while keeping skilled migration standards high.
New occupations added
The MLTSSL now includes more than 70 new occupations. The new additions cover a variety of professional fields, and we focused on science, technology, and creative industries.
Key additions to the list comprise:
- Science and Research: Biochemist, Biotechnologist, Botanist, Chemist, Marine Biologist, Meteorologist
- Technology: Data Analyst, Cyber Security Engineer, DevOps Engineer
- Creative Arts: Artistic Director, Arts Administrator, Music Director
- Sports: Tennis Coach, Footballer
- Education: University Lecturer
Removed occupations
Some occupations moved from the MLTSSL to the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). The changes mostly affect trades and technical roles:
- Automotive Electrician
- Motorcycle Mechanic
- Locksmith
- Painting Trades Worker
- Wall and Floor Tiler
- Cabinetmaker
The list also no longer includes roles like Café and Restaurant Manager, ICT Support Engineer, and Graphic Designer.
Updated skill requirements
The Department of Home Affairs uses two different ANZSCO versions for different visa programmes:
- The 2022 version applies to the Employer Nomination Scheme visa and Skills in Demand visa
- The 2013 version covers all other skilled visa subclasses
The MLTSSL updates happen twice every year:
- 3rd January for mid-year modifications
- 1st July for annual revisions
People whose occupations are no longer on the list won’t see changes to their pending nominations and visa applications. But these changes might affect current visa holders who need to submit new nomination applications because their circumstances changed.
The current MLTSSL includes 212 occupations and offers paths through various visa subclasses. These mainly include the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional Provisional visa (subclass 491).
Checking Your Eligibility
Starting your Australian immigration experience through the MLTSSL pathway requires you to understand the eligibility criteria first. A full picture of your qualifications and experience will help determine your chances of success.
Occupation assessment
Your nominated occupation must appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, which currently has 212 occupations. Each occupation connects to a designated skills assessing authority that will assess if your qualifications meet Australian standards.
Skills evaluation process
Authorised assessing authorities will conduct a complete review of your qualifications and work experience. Different authorities follow their own procedures and timeframes. You need to get this assessment before receiving an invitation to apply for your visa.
To qualify for permanent migration visas, you need:
- A skills assessment that meets permanent migration requirements
- Valid assessment at the time of invitation
- Assessment completed within three years of issue date
English language requirements
You must prove your English proficiency through approved secure test centres using one of these tests:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Cambridge English (CAE)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
Home-based or online versions of these tests are not accepted for Australian migration purposes. In spite of that, certain passport holders from Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, and the USA may not need to take English tests.
Age and experience criteria
Your skilled migration visa application requires you to:
- Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation
- Score a minimum of 65 points on the points test
- Have full-time employment in your nominated occupation for at least three years
Skills assessments usually remain valid for three years from the issue date, unless specified otherwise. Note that you should start your skills assessment well before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
Application Process Steps
Your MLTSSL visa application needs detailed preparation and proper documentation. The process just needs close attention to detail and a clear understanding of what the Department of Home Affairs requires.
Skills assessment preparation
The first significant step is to get a skills assessment from the authority relevant to your occupation. Each authority has its own procedures, timeframes, and fees. You should start your assessment early before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI).
The authorities assess:
- Your qualifications against the Australian Qualifications Framework
- Employment experience relevance
- How your skills arrange with Australian professional standards
Processing times vary substantially between authorities. It can take anywhere from several weeks to months. You’ll get a formal assessment outcome valid for three years, unless your assessing authority states otherwise.
Document requirements
The Department of Home Affairs needs detailed documentation to process your application. You must have these essential documents:
- Valid passport
- Academic qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certifications)
- Employment references with detailed job descriptions
- Pay slips as proof of work experience
- English language test results
Your skills assessment application needs:
- Certified copies of educational certificates
- Official academic transcripts showing all years of study
- Evidence of any name changes
- Proof of English language proficiency where required
Documents in languages other than English need professional translation. You must also keep adequate health insurance throughout your stay in Australia. Let the relevant authorities know quickly if your circumstances change, including address updates or passport renewals.
Skills assessment fees range from AUD 500 to AUD 1500, based on your occupation and assessing authority. Make sure all your documents clearly show that you meet your nominated occupation’s requirements under the MLTSSL framework.
Conclusion
The MLTSSL pathway gives skilled professionals a great advantage when seeking Australian permanent residency. The process might look complex initially, but you can make your migration trip easier by breaking it down into simple steps.
Your success relies on good preparation and timing. Get started with your skills assessment early. Collect all required documents and make sure your English language proficiency meets the standards. Changes to the occupation lists could affect your application strategy, so stay informed.
The Australian government’s steadfast dedication to attract skilled migrants through the MLTSSL creates great opportunities for qualified professionals. The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and other pathways are available options. You’re on track for potential permanent residency if you meet the simple requirements – being under 45 years old and scoring at least 65 points.
Take time to do proper research. Professional guidance can help boost your chances of success. A well-laid-out application increases your odds of achieving your Australian immigration goals.