MLTSSL is a term you will encounter as soon as you look into Australian skilled migration, since whether your occupation is on this list directly determines your eligibility. Understanding the occupation lists is a foundational step.
In this article, the M2W team will explain what MLTSSL is, along with two related lists, STSOL and ROL, and which visa type each list is used for. Information is sourced from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
MLTSSL là gì?
MLTSSL stands for Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. This is a list of occupations for which Australia has long-term labor demand.
Theo the Department of Home Affairs, the occupation lists determine which occupations are eligible for each type of skilled visa. Occupations on the MLTSSL usually open up the most visa options.
So the MLTSSL is the most important list for those who want to settle permanently in Australia. If your occupation is on this list, your opportunities are usually broader than with the other lists.
STSOL là gì?
Besides the MLTSSL, Australia also has the STSOL. This is a list for occupations with shorter-term demand.
STSOL stands for Short-term Skilled Occupation List. Occupations on this list serve more time-limited labor needs, so they are usually linked to fewer long-term settlement visa options.
Occupations on the STSOL still have opportunities, but the scope is narrower than the MLTSSL. So determining which list your occupation falls under is very important for choosing the right visa category.
ROL là gì?
The third list you need to know is the ROL, tied to regional categories. This is an extended list for designated areas.
ROL stands for Regional Occupation List. Occupations on this list are prioritized for visas tied to living in areas that need labor.
Thanks to the ROL, some occupations without many opportunities in the independent category can still lead to settlement through the regional pathway. You can learn more in the article subclass 491.
Which visa is each list used for?
The key point is that each occupation list is linked to different visa types. Understanding this relationship helps you choose the right pathway.
In general, occupations on the MLTSSL are usually eligible for both the independent and nominated categories, offering the most options. Occupations on the STSOL are usually limited to certain categories, while occupations on the ROL open up opportunities for regional categories.
So knowing which list your occupation belongs to will shape your entire settlement strategy. You can see how points are calculated in the article how Australian points-based migration scoring works.
How to check your occupation
Determining which list your occupation belongs to needs to be done carefully from the start. This is the step that determines the feasibility of your application.
You should look up your occupation on the official Australian Department of Home Affairs system by occupation title, and check it against the job description and corresponding occupation code. The same title can map to multiple codes, so it needs to match the actual duties.
In addition, these lists are updated periodically according to labour market needs, so you should check the latest version. An occupation can be added to or removed from a list over time.
Summary
In summary, the MLTSSL is the long-term skilled occupation list that opens up the most visa options, alongside the STSOL for short-term needs and the ROL for regional visas. Correctly identifying which list your occupation belongs to is a foundational step in Australian migration.
The M2W team’s advice is to check your occupation against the latest list before choosing a visa subclass. To understand the full picture, you should continue reading the article Australia skilled migration.
Read more: Overview of Australian migration · Australian Migration for Nurses 2025: AHPRA, Salary and the PR Pathway
