Australia’s migration landscape is evolving, with the introduction of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) to address critical skill shortages across the country. The CSOL features 456 key occupations vital to Australia’s economic growth and workforce sustainability.
The CSOL targets occupations for two Australian Employer Sponsored Work Visas: the Core Skills Stream of the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa and the Direct Entry Stream of the Subclass 186 visa.
Designed to simplify and target skilled migration, the CSOL ensures that employers and industries can access the talent they need while providing skilled professionals with clearer pathways to work and residency in Australia.
In this article, we take a look at the CSOL and the implications for visa holders, visa applicants and employers sponsoring workers in hard to staff industries and locations across Australia.
Which visas does the CSOL apply to?
Key Facts About the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
456 occupations on the CSOL
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) includes 456 occupations that are critical to Australia’s economic growth and workforce stability. The occupations span a variety of industries, reflecting the diverse needs of the Australian economy. The occupation list includes high-demand professions like registered nurses, secondary school teachers, and construction managers to specialized roles in cybersecurity, agricultural science, and advanced manufacturing. The list covers key occupations across a board range of industries.
The CSOL aims to prioritise occupations vwith verified skill shortages, to help streamline skilled migration and targets talent where it’s needed most. The CSOL allows Australian employers to access a global talent pool to fill critical gaps while offering skilled workers a clear pathway to contribute to Australia’s workforce.
The included occupations reflect Australian government priorities to assist employers recruit and retain workers in hard to staff industries and locations.
Occupations NOT on the list
If your occupation is not included on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), it doesn’t necessarily mean that your pathway to living and working in Australia is closed.
Employers with skill shortages in occupations not on the list can explore the options of a Labor Agreement, which is a tailored agreement with Home Affairs allowing businesses to sponsor workers in occupations not covered by standard migration programs. These agreements are often industry or region-specific and cater to unique labor needs.
Additionally, there are other visa options outside the scope of the CSOL, such as the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which includes visas like the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) and Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visas. These pathways are based on points-tested eligibility and rely on broader occupation lists, such as the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Exploring these options with the guidance of a registered migration agent can help identify the best pathway for your individual circumstances.
How to access the list
The CSOL is published on the Department of Home Affairs website. The current 456 occupations will be regularly updated in line with Australian Labour MArket requirements and targeted industries and occupations.
How Port Migration can help
If you are an employer or HR manager looking to sponsor workers in your business, or if you are an employee working towards employer sponsorship, Port Migration have the experience and expertise to help.
Port Migration is a little bit different than the big migration companies who lack the flexibility and personal touch when it comes to helping clients migrate.
In fact, our focus on individual service and personal attention is something that we always stand by. And right from the outset you’ll get to speak directly to us, and we’ll also make sure we're there to guide you through your options and share our valuable experience in Working Visa applications.
Reach out to Port Migration to start your application today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Australian Government has introduced the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) to address critical skill shortages across various sectors. This list is integral to the Core Skills Stream of the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa and the Direct Entry Stream of the Subclass 186 visa. Below are seven frequently asked questions about the CSOL and their detailed answers:
The CSOL is a consolidated list of 456 occupations identified as essential to Australia's economic needs. Developed through labor market analysis and stakeholder consultations by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), the CSOL aims to streamline skilled migration by focusing on roles where there are genuine skill shortages. It replaces previous, more complex occupation lists to create a more responsive and flexible migration system.
The CSOL is central to the Core Skills Stream of the SID visa, which replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa as of December 7, 2024. Applicants whose occupations are listed on the CSOL and who meet the relevant criteria, including a minimum annual earnings threshold of $73,150 (indexed annually), are eligible to apply through this stream. This alignment ensures that the migration program effectively addresses Australia's current labor market needs.
The CSOL encompasses a wide range of industries, including construction, agriculture, cybersecurity, health, and education. This broad inclusion reflects the government's commitment to addressing skill shortages across multiple critical sectors, ensuring that the Australian economy remains robust and competitive.
For the Direct Entry Stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa, the CSOL serves as a reference to determine eligible occupations. Employers nominating candidates for permanent residency through this stream must ensure that the prospective employee's occupation is listed on the CSOL, aligning permanent migration pathways with Australia's skill requirements.
The CSOL is designed to be a dynamic document, with regular updates informed by ongoing labor market analysis and stakeholder feedback. This approach allows the list to remain responsive to Australia's evolving economic needs, ensuring that migration policies continue to align with current skill shortages and surpluses.
To be eligible for the Core Skills Stream of the SID visa, applicants must:
- Have an occupation listed on the CSOL.
- Meet the minimum annual earnings threshold of $73,150, indexed annually.
- Possess relevant qualifications and at least 12 months of full-time equivalent work experience within the last five years in their nominated occupation.
- Satisfy health and character requirements as stipulated by the Department of Home Affairs.
These criteria ensure that incoming skilled workers are well-qualified and capable of contributing effectively to the Australian economy.
By providing a targeted and streamlined approach to skilled migration, the CSOL enables Australian employers to fill critical vacancies more efficiently. This targeted migration strategy supports economic growth by ensuring that businesses have access to the necessary talent to operate effectively, thereby enhancing productivity and competitiveness across various industries.
For personalized advice and assistance regarding the CSOL and related visa pathways, contact Port Migration MARA Registered Migration Agents for advice and assistance to navigate the process effectively.
