Complete Guide to All PR-Eligible SOL (Skilled Occupation List) in Australia (2026)

Complete Guide to All PR-Eligible SOL (Skilled Occupation List) in Australia (2026)

Australia remains a top destination for skilled migrants in 2026, offering multiple Permanent Residency (PR) pathways through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme.

But Australia does not grant Permanent Residency (PR) randomly. Your entire migration success depends on one thing: Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

Whether you’re an engineer, IT professional, healthcare worker, teacher, or tradesperson, understanding which occupations are eligible and how they are assessed is crucial for your success.

Each occupation:

• Has a specific ANZSCO code
• Is assessed by a designated authority
• Carries different demand levels
• Influences your visa points and invitation chances

Two candidates with the same points can have completely different outcomes, simply because one occupation is in high demand, while the other is oversupplied.

This complete guide breaks down all major PR-eligible occupations, their assessing authorities, required points, demand levels, and the best states to target, so you can make a smart migration decision.

Understanding PR Pathways in 2026

Before diving into occupations, it’s important to understand the three main visa pathways:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) → No sponsorship required (highest points needed)
• Subclass 190 (State Nomination) → State-sponsored PR visa
• Subclass 491 (Regional Visa) → Regional pathway with PR after 3 years

👉 In 2026, most applicants secure PR through the 190 and 491 visas, as 189 invitations are highly competitive.

Understanding How PR Points Actually Work

Before choosing your occupation, you must understand how points are calculated.

Core PR Points Factors:

• Age (max 30 points)
• English proficiency (max 20 points)
• Work experience (max 20 points)
• Education (max 20 points)
• State nomination (5 points for 190)
• Regional visa (15 points for 491)

👉 But here’s what most applicants misunderstand:

Your assessing authority directly impacts your final points.

Complete List of PR-Eligible Skilled Occupation List & Authorities

Below is a detailed breakdown of all major occupation groups, their assessing bodies, required points, and demand insights.

S.N	Assessing Authority	Primary & Related Occupations	189 Points (Fed)	190 Points (State)	491 Points (Regional)	Top Cities for Invitations	Demand Level	Notes
1	Engineers Australia	Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Mining, Aeronautical, Structural, Chemical Engineers, Materials Engineer, Engineering Manager	90–95	85	75–80	Perth (WA), Adelaide (SA), Brisbane (QLD)	⭐ Medium–High	Strong in infrastructure & mining states
2	ACS RPL	Software Engineer, Developer Programmer, ICT Business Analyst, Cyber Security Specialist, Systems Analyst, Network Engineer	95+	90	85	Melbourne (VIC), Adelaide (SA), Canberra (ACT)	⭐ Medium (High competition)	Very competitive → high points required
3	VETASSESS (Professional)	Construction Project Manager, Marketing Specialist, HR Adviser, Management Consultant, Internal Auditor, Financial Investment Manager	90+	85	80	Sydney (NSW), Melbourne (VIC), Perth (WA)	⚠️ Low–Medium	Oversupplied occupations
4	VETASSESS (Technical)	Maintenance Planner, Civil Engineering Draftsperson, Architectural Draftsperson, Safety Inspector, Valuer	85	80	70–75	Perth (WA), Hobart (TAS), Darwin (NT)	⭐ Medium	Easier than professional roles
5	VETASSESS (Hosp.)	Café or Restaurant Manager, Hotel/Motel Manager, Customer Service Manager, Conference & Event Organiser	N/A	80–85	70–75	Adelaide (SA), Regional QLD, Gold Coast	⭐ Medium (Regional)	Mostly state/491 driven
6	TRA (Trades)	Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber, Chef, Motor Mechanic, Welder, Bricklayer, Cabinetmaker, Painting Trades Worker	65–70	65	65	Perth (WA), Sydney (NSW), Brisbane (QLD)	🔥 High	Lowest PR points pathway
7	ANMAC (Health)	Registered Nurses (Aged Care, Critical Care, Mental Health, Perioperative, Surgical), Midwife, Nurse Practitioner	75–80	70–75	65	All Cities (Highest demand in WA and VIC)	🔥 Very High	Tier 1 priority occupation
8	Teaching (AITSL)	Early Childhood Teacher, Secondary School Teacher, Special Needs Teacher	75–85	75	65–70	Melbourne (VIC), Sydney (NSW), Adelaide (SA)	🔥 High	Education sector shortage

1. Engineers Australia (CDR Pathway)

Assessing Authority: Engineers Australia (EA)

How Points Are Affected:

• Engineers Australia may not fully recognise your experience
• Only relevant engineering experience is counted
• Experience before qualification may be deducted

👉 Example:

You claim 10 years → EA may approve only 6–7 years

➡ You lose 5–10 PR points

Primary Occupations:

Occupation	ANZSCO Code
Aeronautical Engineer	233911
Agricultural Engineer	233912
Biomedical Engineer	233913
Chemical Engineer	233111
Civil Engineer	233211
Electrical Engineer	233311
Electronics Engineer	233411
Environmental Engineer	233915
Geotechnical Engineer	233212
Industrial Engineer	233511
Materials Engineer	233112
Mechanical Engineer	233512
Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)	233611
Naval Architect / Marine Designer	233916
Petroleum Engineer	233612
Production or Plant Engineer	233513
Structural Engineer	233214
Telecommunications Engineer	263311
Telecommunications Network Engineer	263312
Transport Engineer	233215
Engineering Professionals nec*	233999

PR Insights:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) → 90–95 PR Points
• Subclass 190 (State Nomination) → 90–95 PR Points
• Subclass 491 (Regional Visa) → 75–80 PR Points
• Top Cities: Perth (WA), Adelaide (SA), Brisbane (QLD)
• Demand Level: ⭐ Medium–High

Why Choose This Path?

Engineering remains in strong demand, especially in infrastructure and mining-heavy states like Western Australia and Queensland.

👉 If you don’t have an accredited degree, you can apply via the CDR (Competency Demonstration Report) pathway.

2. ACS (IT & Tech Occupations)

Assessing Authority: Australian Computer Society (ACS)

Critical Point Impact Rule:

ACS applies experience deductions:

• 2–6 years deducted depending on your education
• Only the remaining years count for PR points

👉 Example:

10 years of experience → ACS deducts 4 years

➡ Only 6 years counted → you lose 5–10 points

Primary Occupations:

Occupation	ANZSCO Code
ICT Business Analyst	261111
Systems Analyst	261112
Developer Programmer	261312
Software Engineer	261313
Software Tester	261314
Cyber Security Specialist	262112
Computer Network & Systems Engineer	263111

PR Insights:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) → 95+ PR Points
• Subclass 190 (State Nomination) → ~90 PR Points
• Subclass 491 (Regional Visa) → ~85 PR Points
• Top Cities: Melbourne (VIC), Adelaide (SA), Canberra (ACT)
• Demand Level: ⭐ Medium (High Competition)

Key Insight:

Although IT jobs are in demand, competition is extremely high, making it one of the toughest PR pathways.

👉 ACS RPL is available for candidates without ICT degrees.

3. VETASSESS (Professional Occupations)

Assessing Authority: VETASSESS

How Points Are Affected:

• Only highly relevant roles are accepted
• Job roles must match ANZSCO descriptions
• Employment letters are strictly verified

👉 Risk: Incorrect job description = experience rejected entirely

Primary Occupations:

Occupation	ANZSCO Code
Marketing Specialist	225113
Management Consultant	224711
Internal Auditor	221214
Agricultural Scientist	234112
Graphic Designer	232411
University Lecturer	242111
Cafe or Restaurant Manager	141111
Conference and Event Organiser	223111
Construction Project Manager	133111
Information & Organisation Professionals nec	224999

PR Insights:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) → 90+ PR Points
• Subclass 190 (State Nomination) → ~85 PR Points
• Subclass 491 (Regional Visa) → ~80 PR Points
• Top Cities: Sydney (NSW), Melbourne (VIC), Perth (WA)
• Demand Level: ⚠️ Low–Medium

Important Note:

These occupations are often oversupplied, meaning higher points and strong profiles are required.

4. VETASSESS (Technical Occupations)

Point Advantage:

• Less strict compared to professional roles
• Lower competition → lower points required

Key ANZSCO Codes:

Primary Occupations:

• Maintenance Planner
• Civil Engineering Draftsperson – 312211
• Architectural Draftsperson – 312111
• Safety Inspector – 312611
• Valuer

PR Insights:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) → ~85 PR Points
• Subclass 190 (State Nomination) → ~85 PR Points
• Subclass 491 (Regional Visa) → 70–75 PR Points
• Top Cities: Perth (WA), Hobart (TAS), Darwin (NT)
• Demand Level: ⭐ Medium

Why Consider This?

These roles often have lower competition compared to professional occupations, making PR slightly easier.

5. VETASSESS (Hospitality Occupations)

Primary Occupations:

• Café or Restaurant Manager – 141111
• Hotel/Motel Manager – 141311
• Customer Service Manager – 149212
• Conference & Event Organiser -149311

PR Insights:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) → Not common
• Subclass 190 (State Nomination) → ~85 PR Points
• Subclass 491 (Regional Visa) → 70–75 PR Points
• Top Regions: Adelaide, Regional QLD, Gold Coast
• Demand Level: ⭐ Medium (Regional Focus)

Key Insight:

PR in hospitality is mainly driven by state nomination and regional visas, not independent visas.

6. TRA (Trades Occupations) – 🔥 Best PR Opportunity

Assessing Authority: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)

Why Points Work in Your Favour:

• Minimum points required (65–70)
• No heavy experience deductions
• High demand across all states

Primary Occupations:

• Carpenter – 331212
• Electrician – 341111
• Plumber – 334111
• Chef – 351311
• Motor Mechanic
• Welder – 321211
• Bricklayer – 331111
• Cabinetmaker – 394111 
• Painter – 332211

PR Insights:

• 189/190/491 Points: 65–70 PR Points
• Top Cities: Perth, Sydney, Brisbane
• Demand Level: 🔥 High

Why This is the BEST Pathway in 2026:

• Lowest points requirement
• High demand nationwide
• Fast-track PR opportunities

👉 Ideal for candidates with hands-on skills and experience

7. ANMAC (Healthcare Occupations) – 🔥 Highest Demand

Assessing Authority: Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)

Assessment Type: Qualification + Registration

Points Advantage:

• No complex deductions
• Direct recognition of qualifications
• Priority processing

Primary Occupations:

• Registered Nurse (for all specialisations) – 2544XX
• Midwife – 254111
• Nurse Practitioner – 254411

PR Insights:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) → 75–80 PR Points
• Subclass 190 (State Nomination) → 70–75 PR Points
• Subclass 491 (Regional Visa) → ~65 PR Points
• Top Locations: All cities (especially WA & VIC)
• Demand Level: 🔥 Very High

Key Advantage:

Healthcare workers are considered Tier 1 priority occupations, meaning faster invitations and lower points.

8. Teaching (AITSL)

Assessing Authority: AITSL

Primary Occupations:

• Early Childhood Teacher – 241111
• Secondary Teacher – 241411
• Special Needs Teacher – 241511

PR Insights:

• 189 Points: 75–85
• 190 Points: ~75
• 491 Points: 65–70
• Top Cities: Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide
• Demand Level: 🔥 High

Why It’s Strong in 2026:

Australia is facing a major teacher shortage, especially in regional areas.

9. Architects (AACA) – Newly Added High-Value Pathway

Assessing Authority: Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA)

Key ANZSCO Codes:

• Architect – 232111
• Landscape Architect – 232112

How Points Are Affected:

• Qualifications must meet Australian standards
• Portfolio + experience must align with ANZSCO
• Some experience may not be fully counted

👉 Demand Insight:

• Growing demand in urban development & infrastructure planning

💡 Strategic Advantage: Less crowded than IT → better PR chances

Visa Strategy: Why 189 is No Longer the Best Option

Subclass 189 (Independent Visa)

• Requires very high points (90–95+)
• Limited invitations

Subclass 190 (State Nomination)

• Adds +5 points
• Higher success rate

Subclass 491 (Regional Visa)

• Adds +15 points
• Fastest PR pathway

👉 2026 Reality: Most successful applicants use 190 or 491—not 189

State Strategy: The Hidden PR Hack

Choosing the right state can increase your chances more than increasing points.

Best States in 2026:

• WA (Perth) → Engineers, Trades
• SA (Adelaide) → Low competition
• NT (Darwin) → Fast-track PR
• TAS (Hobart) → Easier entry

🚨 Avoid relying only on:

• NSW (Sydney)
• VIC (Melbourne)

👉 High demand but extremely competitive

State-Wise PR Strategy (VERY IMPORTANT)

Choosing the right state can make or break your PR chances.

State	Best For	Difficulty	Strategy
WA (Perth)	Engineers, Trades, Healthcare	⭐ Easy–Medium	Best PR chances
SA (Adelaide)	Engineers, Hospitality, Trades	⭐ Easy	Low competition
TAS (Hobart)	Drafting, Trades	⭐ Easy	Small quotas but easier
ACT (Canberra)	IT, Cyber Security	⚠️ Competitive	Matrix-based selection
VIC (Melbourne)	IT, Teaching, Healthcare	⚠️ Competitive	High demand but strict
NSW (Sydney)	Finance, IT, Healthcare	❌ Hard	Very competitive
QLD (Brisbane)	Trades, Engineers	⭐ Medium	Good for regional
NT (Darwin)	Trades, Technical roles	⭐ Easy	Fast-track PR

Here’s a strategic breakdown:

Western Australia (WA – Perth)

✔ Best for: Engineers, Trades, Healthcare

Difficulty: ⭐ Easy–Medium

👉 One of the best states for PR opportunities

South Australia (SA – Adelaide)

✔ Best for: Engineers, Hospitality, Trades

Difficulty: ⭐ Easy

👉 Low competition + consistent invitations

Tasmania (TAS – Hobart)

✔ Best for: Drafting & Trades

Difficulty: ⭐ Easy

👉 Smaller quotas but easier entry

Australian Capital Territory (ACT – Canberra)

✔ Best for: IT & Cybersecurity

Difficulty: ⚠️ Competitive

👉 Uses a matrix-based invitation system

Victoria (VIC – Melbourne)

✔ Best for: IT, Teaching, Healthcare

Difficulty: ⚠️ Competitive

👉 High demand but strict selection

New South Wales (NSW – Sydney)

✔ Best for: Finance, IT, Healthcare

Difficulty: ❌ Hard

👉 Highly competitive state

Queensland (QLD – Brisbane)

✔ Best for: Trades & Engineers

Difficulty: ⭐ Medium

👉 Strong regional pathways

Northern Territory (NT – Darwin)

✔ Best for: Trades & Technical roles

Difficulty: ⭐ Easy

👉 Fast-track PR opportunities

Final Tips to Maximise Your PR Chances in 2026

✔ Aim for higher points (85+) for competitive occupations

✔ Consider regional visas (491) for easier entry

✔ Target state nomination (190) strategically

✔ Choose occupations with high demand (Healthcare, Trades, teaching).

✔ Ensure a strong skills assessment report

Expectation vs. Reality: The 2026 ICT Migration Table

What Applicants Believe	What Actually Happens in 2026
“65 points get me an invitation”	65 points keep you in the pool indefinitely for ICT roles
“I have 10 years of experience, that’s 15 points”	After ACS deductions, you may have 0–5 points in experience
“My RPL just needs to describe my projects”	AI-detected or generic reports are now routinely rejected
“Subclass 189 is the only real PR pathway”	491 Regional adds 15 points and is often faster
“I’ll get the assessment done and worry about points later”	Assessment outcome directly determines your points; order of operations matters
“I’ll use an AI tool to write my RPL”	ACS detection systems flag and reject AI-generated content.

Conclusion

Australia’s PR pathway in 2026 is highly occupation-driven and competitive, but with the right strategy, it is absolutely achievable.

Whether you’re an engineer, IT professional, healthcare worker, teacher, or tradesperson, understanding your assessing authority, points requirement, and state strategy is the key to success.

👉 If planned correctly, your journey to Australian PR can be faster, smoother, and more predictable.

How CDR Report Writers Can Help You Secure an Australia PR

Navigating Australia’s skilled migration process can be complex, especially when it comes to preparing skill assessment documents, choosing the right occupation, and meeting strict authority requirements.

This is where CDRReportWriters can make a real difference.

Expert Support Across All Assessing Authorities

Whether you’re applying through:

• Engineers Australia (CDR, NER)
• ACS (RPL or ICT assessment)
• VETASSESS (Professional or Technical)
• TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)
• ANMAC (Healthcare)
• AITSL (Teaching)

Our team provides end-to-end guidance tailored to your occupation and visa pathway.

Why Choose CDRReportWriters?

✔ High success rate with skill assessments

✔ Deep understanding of Australian migration requirements

✔ Personalised strategy based on your occupation

✔ Support for 189, 190, and 491 visa pathways

Final Tip

Even with the right occupation, many applicants face rejection due to poor documentation or an incorrect assessment strategy.

Getting professional help from CDRReportWriters can significantly improve your chances of:

• Passing skill assessments
• Receiving state nomination
• Securing an Australian PR faster