Are STSOL visas temporary?

If you’re looking at moving to Australia and you’ve come across the STSOL, you’re probably wondering: Does this mean my visa will only be temporary?

The short answer is: usually yes — but not always forever.

Let me explain clearly.

What is STSOL?

STSOL stands for the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List. It’s one of Australia’s official occupation lists, alongside the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Occupations on the STSOL are considered in demand right now, but not necessarily in long-term national shortage.

That’s why visas linked to STSOL occupations are generally designed as temporary visas first.

Which Visas Use STSOL?

The most common visa connected to STSOL is the:

• Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) – Short-term stream
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) (for some state nominations)

1️⃣ 482 Visa (Short-Term Stream)

If your occupation is on STSOL and your employer sponsors you under the 482 short-term stream:

• The visa is granted for up to 2 years (or 4 years in some international trade agreement cases).
• It can usually be renewed once onshore.
• It does not automatically lead to permanent residency.

So yes — in this case, it is designed as a temporary visa.

However, that does not mean it’s a dead end.

2️⃣ 190 Visa (State Nomination)

Here’s where it gets interesting.

Some Australian states nominate certain STSOL occupations under:

• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

This is actually a permanent visa, even if your occupation sits on STSOL.

So being on STSOL does not automatically mean you can’t get PR. It depends on:

• Which visa subclass you apply under
• Whether a state is willing to nominate your occupation
• Your points score and eligibility

This is where many people get confused.

Why Does STSOL Feel “Temporary”?

Because compared to MLTSSL occupations:

• PR pathways are more limited
• Some employer-sponsored routes are restricted
• Policy changes happen more frequently

Australia treats STSOL occupations as “short-term labour market needs,” so the system is built around flexibility rather than guaranteed migration.

Can STSOL Become PR Later?

Yes — sometimes.

There are cases where:

• An occupation moves from STSOL to MLTSSL
• A state opens nomination for it
• You gain additional experience and qualify under another pathway

Migration policy changes regularly. I’ve seen occupations shift lists multiple times over a few years.

That’s why strategic planning matters.

What Should You Do If Your Occupation Is on STSOL?

Instead of asking “Is this temporary?”, ask:

• Is there a state that nominates this occupation?
• Does my employer qualify for longer sponsorship?
• Could I pivot to a related occupation on MLTSSL?
• What does my long-term migration strategy look like?

This is exactly where proper advice makes a difference. Many people assume STSOL equals “no future in Australia” — but that’s not always true.

It just requires clearer planning.

Final Takeaway

✔ STSOL visas are often temporary at first
✔ Some STSOL occupations can still lead to PR
✔ Strategy matters more than the list itself

If you’re trying to understand your options clearly before making a move, this is the kind of situation where structured guidance helps you avoid costly mistakes.

At BRIGENAI, we focus on helping overseas workers and international graduates understand not just the visa rules — but the realistic pathways behind them.