Changes to the Skilled Migration List Targets Only the Highly Skilled

Australia’s skilled migration program has undergone significant reforms in recent years, reflecting the nation’s need for a more targeted, highly skilled workforce. If you’re hoping to migrate to Australia based on your profession, it’s more important than ever to understand the current Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and how it aligns with Australia’s long-term labour needs.

While the program once featured hundreds of eligible occupations, today’s approach is much more focused—prioritising sectors that are experiencing genuine and ongoing skill shortages. Think health, engineering, IT, and education—not hairdressing or cookery.

What Is the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)?

The Skilled Occupation List is an official register of occupations that qualify for various Australian skilled migration visas. The list is designed to reflect Australia’s economic priorities and workforce needs, and it’s updated regularly based on labour market insights and advice from bodies like Jobs and Skills Australia.

As of 2025, Australia’s migration strategy has a clear objective: attract highly skilled professionals who can fill medium- and long-term skills shortages, especially in critical sectors like:

• Health care and aged care
• Engineering and construction
• Information technology and cybersecurity
• Education (especially early childhood and STEM subjects)
• Renewable energy and environmental sciences

Key Changes to Skilled Migration Policy

1. A More Streamlined Occupation List

The current SOL is shorter and more targeted than previous versions, with over 200 occupations removed in earlier reforms. Roles like acupuncturist, journalist, and cook are no longer prioritised. Instead, the focus is squarely on future-proof professions that contribute to national productivity.

2. Increased English Language Requirements

To qualify for skilled migration, applicants must meet more stringent English language benchmarks—particularly for trades and technical roles. This ensures that skilled migrants can integrate into the workforce and communicate effectively from day one.

3. Job-Ready Program for Onshore Graduates

International graduates already in Australia now have access to a Job Ready Program, allowing them to demonstrate their employment readiness and obtain relevant work experience before applying for permanent residency.

What the Government Aims to Achieve

The Australian Government’s approach is to ensure that skilled migration is:

• Demand-driven: Based on current and future workforce needs
• Skills-focused: Prioritising migrants with qualifications in high-demand areas
• Quality-controlled: Reducing the link between migration and low-value courses

“Skilled migration must serve Australia’s economy, not the other way around,” says the Department of Home Affairs. “We are targeting migrants of the highest calibre to fill real workforce gaps.”

Who Is Affected by These Changes?

The updates apply specifically to applicants under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which includes visas like:

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)

Employer-sponsored visas (temporary and permanent) are not affected by the SOL changes and continue to operate under separate criteria. Learn more at homeaffairs.gov.au.

How to Improve Your Eligibility

If your profession is listed on the current Skilled Occupation List, you’re already in a good position. To further strengthen your migration application, consider:

• Completing an accredited qualification in Australia
• Gaining work experience in a critical skills shortage area
• Improving your English language proficiency
• Completing a professional year program in your field

Need to upskill? Explore courses in:

• Health and allied health
• Engineering and construction
• Information technology and cybersecurity
• Teaching and early childhood education

Navigating Your Skilled Migration Path

Australia’s skilled migration program is evolving to meet the real needs of the labour market. If you’re highly qualified, future-focused, and ready to contribute to Australia’s workforce, these changes could work in your favour.

Start by checking if your occupation is on the current list and explore study options that can improve your chances. With the right qualifications and planning, a rewarding future in Australia could be just around the corner.