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Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)


Update (October 2026)

The PMSOL was a temporary COVID-19 measure and no longer applies. It stopped being used when Ministerial Direction 100 changed processing priorities from 28 October 2022, and the travel exemptions and quarantine rules mentioned below ended in 2022. Since 19 September 2026, processing priorities are set by Ministerial Directions 121 and 122. See “What this means in 2026” below.

A new priority skills list (PMSOL) and strengthened labour market testing will allow small numbers of sponsored skilled workers to return to Australia to fill urgent skills needs in critical sectors, helping to create Australian jobs and rebuild Australia’s economy.

In addition to the 41 occupations previously on PMSOL, from 27 July 2021 pharmacists with the following ANZSCO codes have been added to the PMSOL.

This brings the number of occupations on the PMSOL to 44.

The other occupations on PMSOL are (including ANZSCO codes):

The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) identifies occupations which fill critical skills needs to support Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19. The list is based on expert advice from the National Skills Commission and consultation with Commonwealth departments.

Employer sponsored nomination and visa applications with an occupation on the PMSOL will be given priority processing. All other skilled occupation lists will remain active, but the PMSOL occupations will take priority.

The occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) were based on advice from the National Skills Commission and consultation with relevant Commonwealth agencies and will be reviewed regularly.

“Visa holders, who have been sponsored by an Australia business in a PMSOL occupation can request an exemption from Australia’s travel restrictions, but will be subject to a strict 14 days quarantine on arrival at their own expense.”

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said the PMSOL would be complemented by strengthened labour market testing requirements.

“In addition to the current requirements of two national advertisements, employers must also advertise their vacancy on the Government’s jobactive website,” Minister Cash said.

Existing skilled migration occupation lists will remain active and visas will still be processed, but priority will be given to those in occupations on the PMSOL.

Information about Australia’s travel exemption processes for those in critical skills and sectors can be seen here.

Visa Assessment Skilled Occupation List Skilled Migration News Industries We Work With

What this means in 2026

The PMSOL was introduced in 2020 to decide which sponsored workers could travel to Australia while borders were closed, and which applications were processed first. Borders reopened in 2022 and the list has not been used since. If an older article or adviser refers to the PMSOL, treat that information as out of date.

Topic PMSOL period (2020 to 2022) October 2026
Occupation lists for employer sponsorship PMSOL priority list on top of the MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand 482 visa, which replaced the TSS on 7 December 2024
Processing priority PMSOL occupations processed first Ministerial Directions 121 and 122 (from 19 September 2026) favour healthcare, construction, teaching, resources, agriculture, aquaculture and fishing
Labour market testing Two national ads plus the jobactive website Two ads within the 4 months before nomination; advertising on Workforce Australia (which replaced jobactive) has been optional since 11 December 2023
Travel to Australia Travel exemption and 14 days quarantine at own expense No travel exemptions or quarantine needed; normal visa rules apply
Salary TSMIT Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) AUD 79,423 and Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) AUD 146,576 from 1 July 2026
Who this affects now

Employers planning to sponsor overseas workers and skilled workers comparing their options should look at the current lists and thresholds, not the PMSOL. Many of the occupations above, such as nurses, doctors, engineers and ICT roles, are still in high demand and appear on current lists, but each occupation needs to be checked against the CSOL and the relevant visa.

Next steps
  1. Check your occupation on the CSOL or our occupation search.
  2. Read our Skills in Demand 482 and 186 visa guides.
  3. Review labour market testing rules before you advertise.
  4. Check current employer sponsored processing times, or book a consultation.

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