STSOL Australia

STSOL: A Guide to the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List

If you’re particularly looking to fly to Australia as your international work destination, one of the major first steps you need to take is to see if you’re eligible for a certain visa in the first place.

If your main purpose is employment, you then need to check the skilled occupation list to see if your relevant work experience matches with an occupation that the Australian workforce needs urgently. One of them is the Short-Term Skilled Occupation list (STSOL) Australia.

What exactly is an STSOL list, examples of jobs included in it, and other important details, we share this expert guide for your reference. Grab a cuppa and let’s dive right in!

What’s the Deal with the STSOL?

The STSOL, meaning Short-Term Skilled Occupation List, is a list of jobs that the Australian Government deems essential for its economy but presently lacks enough skilled workers to fill.

If your profession is on this list, and you can prove you are indeed highly qualified for the skilled job, it basically means Australia wants you to contribute to its local workforce by being granted a work-related visa.

It’s critical to take note that STSOL Australia is not a static list. In other words, it’s not final and it gets updated regularly. It’s a reflection of how the Australian job market, alongside local immigration laws, are ever-changing.

Australia STSOL vs MLTSSL: What’s the Difference?

You probably might have encountered yet another list besides STSOL, which is the MLTSSL or Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List.

Essentially, both MLTSSL and STSOL can very well serve as your ticket to getting full-time and continuous work in Australia. However, the main difference is the duration. The STSOL focuses on short-term jobs and offers provisional and temporary visas for qualified applicants up to two (2) years.

On the other hand, the MLTSSL chiefly caters to long-term skill shortages and becomes the pathway under which skilled migrant workers can attain a permanent resident status in this great Land Down Under.

Occupation Examples Under STSOL

There are currently 215 jobs and occupations listed under the Short-Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL) category. Below is an incomplete list. For a more detailed list, visit the Department of Home Affairs’ website or call an immigration professional for expert advice.

Occupation Examples Under STSOL

If you’re eyeing to secure a visa soon with an STSOL-listed occupation, here’s a general guide you can use to ensure a smooth-sailing application.

Check if your occupation is listed

This is square one. Check if the occupation you’re targeting to apply under is listed in the STSOL. You can do so through the official Department of Home Affairs website.

Assess your overall eligibility

Meeting the occupation requirement is just the starting point. You’ll also need to satisfy other criteria, such as having functional or competent English level, positive skills assessment, work experience, as well as health and character background checks.

Gather all your documents

If you’re fully certain you’re 1000% qualified after an assessment, you’ll need a bunch of paperwork, including identification documents, proof of qualifications, letters from employers, and evidence of English language skills.

Submit your application

Once you’ve got all your ducks in a row, it’s time to lodge your application, preferably online for speed and convenience. Make sure to double-check everything before hitting that send button.

Avoid common pitfalls

Simple mistakes and errors such as incomplete docs, insufficient evidence of skills/qualifications, or inaccurate info can all delay your visa grant (or worse, lead to rejection).

Seek professional advice

Hiring an immigration specialist is a cost-effective way that lets you get away from the stress of processing a mountain of requirements or dealing with the heartbreak of rejection as a result of doing it alone without a professional’s help.

Have more STSOL-related questions? We gathered some more commonly asked questions below.

Can I get PR with STSOL?

While it’s easier to get a permanent resident visa if your job falls on the MLTSSL list, there are several options you can choose from to get a PR visa as a short-term skilled worker. For instance, if you are a 482 visa holder under the STSOL stream, you may be eligible to apply for PR via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the subclass 186 visa

What jobs are in demand in Australia for migration 2024?

Every year, Australia is always on the lookout for skilled migrant workers who are genuinely skilled in one of the critical sectors and industries that experience labour shortages. In no particular order, these are just some of the most in-demand occupations in Australia this 2024:

• Registered Nurses
• Aged and Disability Carers
• Early Childhood Teachers
• Civil Engineering Professionals
• Construction Managers
• ICT Professionals
• Farmers
• Gardeners
• Electricians
• Chefs

Can I move to Australia without a skill?

It’s possible to come live and later work or study in Australia without a skill or without being asked to prove relevant work experience. For example, you can apply for a family-related visa and be sponsored by a relative who is either an Australian permanent resident or citizen. Needless to say, you must still satisfy all other requirements including health and character checks.

What’s on the Horizon for STSOL?

Australian immigration constantly evolves. Having said that, changes to immigration policy or shifts in the local job market can affect the STSOL. Staying in the know about these changes and acknowledging how they might impact your application is vital. Subscribing to or engaging with immigration forums and newsletters can help you keep a pulse on the latest news.