What is STSOL in Australia?

If you're planning to work in Australia, you've probably come across the term STSOL and wondered what it actually means — and more importantly, how it affects your visa options.

Let’s break it down clearly.

What Is STSOL?

STSOL stands for the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List. It’s an official list published by the Department of Home Affairs that outlines occupations Australia needs to fill on a temporary basis.

You can view the official occupation lists here on the government website:
👉 https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list

In simple terms:

• If your occupation is on the STSOL, you may be eligible for certain temporary skilled visas.
• But your pathway to permanent residency (PR) may be more limited compared to occupations on other lists.

This is where many people get confused — and sometimes make costly mistakes.

Which Visas Use STSOL?

Occupations on STSOL are commonly linked to:

• Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) (Short-term stream)
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) (if nominated by a state)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

However, STSOL occupations are generally not eligible for the direct permanent visa pathway under:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) (unless special conditions apply)

This is the key difference between STSOL and the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Why Does STSOL Matter for You?

If you're an international student or overseas worker, your occupation being on STSOL means:

1️⃣ You may only get short-term visas

For example, the 482 short-term stream usually allows up to 2 years (sometimes renewable).

2️⃣ PR might not be automatic

Unlike MLTSSL occupations, STSOL roles don’t always provide a clear pathway to permanent residency. You may need:

• State nomination
• Regional sponsorship
• Employer sponsorship
• Or to transition to a different eligible occupation

3️⃣ State rules can change

States update their nomination lists regularly. An occupation on STSOL may still be valuable if a state actively sponsors it.

This is why planning early is so important.

STSOL vs MLTSSL — What’s the Difference?

Here’s the simplified version:

If you're still studying in Australia or just starting your career, understanding which list your occupation falls under can help you choose the right strategy early — not after graduation.

Should You Avoid STSOL Occupations?

Not necessarily.

Many successful migrants start on STSOL occupations and later:

• Move into regional areas
• Get employer sponsorship
• Switch to a related occupation on MLTSSL
• Secure state nomination

What matters most is your long-term plan.

If you're unsure whether your occupation is on STSOL or what it means for your visa options, it’s worth reviewing your career strategy carefully. At BRIGENAI, we regularly help overseas professionals map their skills against Australia’s occupation lists and build realistic migration pathways. You can explore more Australia migration resources here:
👉 https://www.brigenai.com/resources

Final Thought

STSOL is not “good” or “bad.” It simply reflects Australia’s short-term labour needs.