Australia's Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is an important part of Australia's employer-sponsored skilled migration system. It identifies occupations that may be eligible for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186), subject to meeting all other applicable requirements.

The CSOL was introduced on 3 December 2024 as part of the Australian Government's reforms to employer-sponsored skilled migration. It replaced several older and more complex occupation-list arrangements with a single consolidated list of 456 occupations, informed by labour-market analysis and stakeholder consultation undertaken by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA).

The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. The current SID program has three streams:

• Core Skills stream

• Specialist Skills stream

• Labour Agreement stream

The CSOL specifically relates to the Core Skills stream.

Being listed on the CSOL does not guarantee that an applicant will qualify for a visa. Applicants and sponsoring employers must satisfy the relevant occupation, salary, skills, experience, English, sponsorship, nomination, health, character and other requirements.

What Is the Core Skills Occupation List?

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is a consolidated list of occupations that can be used for specified employer-sponsored visa pathways.

The list was developed following labour-market analysis and consultation by Jobs and Skills Australia and was introduced to replace multiple older occupation-list arrangements used under the previous temporary skilled migration system.

The CSOL contains occupations from a broad range of industries, including:

• Healthcare

• Information technology

• Engineering

• Education

• Construction

• Skilled trades

• Accounting and finance

• Agriculture

• Hospitality

• Management

• Community and social services

• Professional services

• Other skilled occupations

The current CSOL contains 456 occupations.

Which Visas Use the CSOL?

The CSOL is particularly relevant to two employer-sponsored visa pathways.

Skills in Demand Visa – Subclass 482

The CSOL applies to the:

Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482).

For this stream, the nominated occupation generally needs to be included on the current CSOL.

Employer Nomination Scheme – Subclass 186

The CSOL also applies to the:

Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).

However, the CSOL does not apply to the Temporary Residence Transition stream of subclass 186. Home Affairs states that occupation eligibility for the Temporary Residence Transition stream is based on the occupation associated with the applicant's most recently held temporary skilled visa rather than a separate occupation list.

CSOL and the Skills in Demand Visa

The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is a temporary employer-sponsored visa.

The Core Skills stream is intended to help Australian employers access suitably skilled overseas workers for eligible positions where they cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

For the Core Skills stream, the nominated occupation generally needs to be on the CSOL.

However, occupation eligibility is only one part of the application.

The employer and applicant must also satisfy the applicable requirements for:

• Sponsorship

• Nomination

• Salary

• Australian Market Salary Rate

• Skills

• Work experience

• English

• Health

• Character

• Labour Market Testing, where applicable

• Licensing or registration, where applicable

• Other visa requirements

CSOL and Subclass 186 Direct Entry

The CSOL is also relevant to the Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).

The Direct Entry pathway is a permanent employer-sponsored visa pathway for eligible skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.

The nominated occupation must satisfy the applicable occupation requirements, including the relevant CSOL provisions.

However, being listed on the CSOL does not by itself make an applicant eligible for subclass 186.

Applicants must meet the separate requirements for the 186 Direct Entry pathway.

How Many Occupations Are on the CSOL?

The CSOL contains:

456 Occupations

The Australian Government announced the CSOL on 3 December 2024 as a single consolidated list providing access to temporary skilled migration for 456 occupations.

The list includes occupations across professional, technical, trade, healthcare, education, technology, construction, hospitality and other sectors.

The CSOL should not be described as a ranking of occupations.

Jobs and Skills Australia has stated that the CSOL is not a prioritised list and that there is no fixed limit on how many visas can be granted for an individual occupation under the employer-sponsored temporary Skills in Demand program. Demand from approved employer sponsors drives the number of visas granted.

How Was the CSOL Developed?

Jobs and Skills Australia has a formal role in providing labour-market analysis and advice concerning Australia's skilled occupation requirements.

The CSOL was informed by:

• Labour-market evidence

• Occupation shortage information

• Recruitment activity

• Industry information

• Stakeholder consultation

• Other relevant labour-market data

The Australian Government uses this information when determining the occupations included in the list.

The list is therefore intended to respond to Australia's changing workforce needs rather than operate as a permanent list of occupations.

ANZSCO and the CSOL

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) provides the occupation classification framework used for skilled migration and employment purposes.

For the:

• Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)

• Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)

Home Affairs currently uses the ANZSCO 2022 classification. This includes occupations appearing on the CSOL.

Each occupation is identified by an ANZSCO occupation code.

For example:

Important: The table above is an illustrative section of the CSOL and should not be treated as the complete list of 456 occupations. The official CSOL should be checked for the complete occupation list, current occupation codes and any applicable caveats.

Popular CSOL Occupation Categories

The CSOL covers a wide range of occupations.

Healthcare

Examples include eligible occupations such as:

• Registered Nurses

• Enrolled Nurses

• Medical Practitioners

• Allied Health Professionals

• Medical Laboratory-related occupations

• Other eligible health occupations

Healthcare occupations may also have separate registration requirements.

Information Technology

Examples include:

• Software and Applications Programmers

• Software Engineers

• ICT Business and Systems Analysts

• Data Analysts

• Data Scientists

• Cyber Security-related occupations

• ICT Support and Test Engineers

• Other eligible ICT occupations

The nominated occupation must accurately reflect the applicant's actual duties and skills.

Engineering

Examples may include:

• Civil Engineers

• Mechanical Engineers

• Electrical Engineers

• Engineering Managers

• Engineering Technologists

• Other eligible engineering occupations

Some engineering occupations may require a skills assessment or professional registration depending on the applicant and visa pathway.

Education

Examples include:

• Secondary School Teachers

• Early Childhood-related occupations

• Other eligible teaching occupations

• Education Managers

Registration and state or territory requirements may apply to teaching occupations.

Construction and Trades

The CSOL includes eligible occupations across construction and skilled trades.

Examples can include:

• Electricians

• Cabinet Makers

• Bricklayers

• Other eligible construction and trade occupations

Trade occupations may have skills assessment, licensing or registration requirements.

Hospitality

Examples include:

• Chefs

• Hospitality Managers

• Hotel Service Managers

• Other eligible hospitality occupations

Eligibility depends on the exact occupation, employer, position and applicable visa requirements.

Does the CSOL Mean an Occupation Is in Shortage?

Not necessarily.

The CSOL should not be treated as a simple list of occupations that are currently experiencing a shortage.

Jobs and Skills Australia uses labour-market evidence and other information when developing advice regarding occupations for the CSOL.

The CSOL itself is also not a priority ranking.

An occupation being listed means it may be available for the relevant employer-sponsored pathway, subject to the applicable requirements.

Does the CSOL Guarantee Visa Eligibility?

No.

Being listed on the CSOL is only one component of the visa eligibility assessment.

For example, an applicant may have an occupation listed on the CSOL but still not qualify if they do not meet the applicable:

• Skills requirements

• Work experience requirements

• Salary requirements

• English requirements

• Sponsorship requirements

• Nomination requirements

• Health requirements

• Character requirements

• Registration requirements

• Licensing requirements

• Other visa criteria

The employer must also satisfy the relevant requirements.

CSOL Occupation Caveats

Some occupations on the skilled occupation list may have caveats.

A caveat can restrict the circumstances in which an occupation may be used for a particular visa pathway.

Caveats can relate to matters such as:

• Position type

• Duties

• Salary

• Business activities

• Employment arrangements

• Industry

• Other specified circumstances

Home Affairs specifically identifies caveats that can exclude the use of an occupation in certain circumstances for the ENS Direct Entry stream and Skills in Demand visas.

Therefore, checking the occupation title alone is not sufficient.

You should also check:

Occupation code + occupation description + caveats + visa requirements.

Choosing the Correct ANZSCO Occupation

One of the most important steps in an employer-sponsored visa application is selecting an occupation that accurately represents the position.

The occupation should be considered against the actual:

• Duties

• Tasks

• Responsibilities

• Qualifications

• Skills

• Experience

• Employment position

A job title alone does not necessarily determine the appropriate ANZSCO occupation.

For example, two employees may have similar job titles but perform substantially different duties and therefore fall under different occupation classifications.

Selecting an occupation simply because the title looks similar to your current job title can create problems if the actual duties do not align.

CSOL and Salary Requirements

The CSOL does not replace the salary requirements for the relevant visa.

For the Core Skills stream of subclass 482, the nominated position must meet the applicable salary requirements, including the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and relevant Australian Market Salary Rate requirements.

Salary thresholds are subject to indexation and can change over time.

Employers and applicants should check the current Department of Home Affairs salary requirements before lodging a nomination or visa application.

CSOL and Skills Assessment

A skills assessment may be required depending on the occupation and the applicant's circumstances.

The relevant assessing authority can vary according to the occupation.

Examples of assessing authorities can include:

• Australian Computer Society (ACS)

• Engineers Australia

• VETASSESS

• Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)

• Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)

• Other relevant professional or assessing bodies

A skills assessment, where required, is separate from Australian professional registration or licensing.

A positive skills assessment also does not automatically guarantee a visa.

CSOL and Professional Registration

Some occupations require professional registration, licensing or membership before a person can legally work in Australia.

This can be particularly relevant to:

• Nurses

• Doctors

• Teachers

• Engineers

• Electricians

• Certain construction occupations

• Other regulated professions

Applicants should consider both:

Migration eligibility

and

Australian employment and registration requirements.

CSOL and English Requirements

Applicants for the Skills in Demand visa generally need to satisfy the applicable English language requirement unless an exemption applies.

The exact English requirement depends on the visa stream and current migration legislation.

Applicants should check the current Department of Home Affairs requirements for:

• Accepted English tests

• Required scores

• Test validity

• Exemptions

Do not assume that an old English requirement automatically applies to a current SID application.

CSOL and Labour Market Testing

Being listed on the CSOL does not automatically remove employer nomination requirements.

Where applicable, the sponsoring employer must satisfy Labour Market Testing (LMT) requirements.

LMT is intended to demonstrate that the employer has tested the Australian labour market for suitably qualified and experienced Australian workers, subject to applicable exemptions.

Employers should follow the current Department of Home Affairs LMT requirements when advertising and documenting the nominated position.

Can Trades Workers Use the CSOL?

Yes, certain trade occupations are included on the CSOL.

The list includes occupations from a variety of industries, including construction and trades.

However, not every trade occupation is automatically eligible.

The exact occupation must:

1. Appear on the applicable list

2. Meet any occupation caveats

3. Match the actual position

4. Meet the applicable visa requirements

5. Satisfy any skills assessment requirements

6. Meet licensing or registration requirements where applicable

7. Satisfy salary and nomination requirements

CSOL and Permanent Residency

The CSOL can be relevant to both temporary and permanent employer-sponsored migration.

For temporary migration, it applies to the Core Skills stream of subclass 482.

For permanent employer-sponsored migration, it applies to the Direct Entry stream of subclass 186.

However, the CSOL does not itself provide permanent residency.

A person holding a subclass 482 visa does not automatically receive permanent residency because their occupation appears on the CSOL.

A separate permanent visa application must satisfy the requirements applicable to that visa.

CSOL and Subclass 186 Direct Entry

For applicants considering the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186), the CSOL can be relevant to the Direct Entry pathway.

Applicants should assess:

• Occupation

• ANZSCO code

• Occupation caveats

• Skills assessment

• Qualifications

• Work experience

• English

• Employer nomination

• Salary and employment arrangements

• Health and character

• Other subclass 186 requirements

The Temporary Residence Transition stream is different and does not use the CSOL in the same way. Home Affairs confirms that occupation eligibility in that stream is based on the occupation from the applicant's most recently held temporary skilled visa.

Is the CSOL a Priority List?

No.

The CSOL is not a priority ranking.

Jobs and Skills Australia has specifically stated that the CSOL is not prioritised and that there is no occupation-based numerical limit on the number of temporary Skills in Demand visas that may be granted for an occupation.

Visa processing priorities are a separate matter and can be determined by government policy and ministerial directions.

Therefore, applicants should not assume that an occupation's position on the CSOL determines how quickly their visa will be processed.

Does the CSOL Have a Fixed Number of Visas?

There is no general statement that each CSOL occupation has a fixed annual visa allocation.

The CSOL provides access to the relevant employer-sponsored visa pathways for eligible occupations.

The number of visas granted is influenced by demand from approved employer sponsors and the applicable visa program requirements.

CSOL Updates and Reviews

Occupation lists can change as Australia's workforce requirements evolve.

Jobs and Skills Australia undertakes labour-market analysis and consultation to inform government decisions regarding the CSOL.

The government may therefore review occupations and make changes over time.

Applicants should always check the current occupation list rather than relying on an old list or historical migration information.

How to Check Whether Your Occupation Is on the CSOL

If you are considering an employer-sponsored visa, follow these steps.

Step 1 – Identify Your Occupation

Determine the occupation that best reflects your actual duties and responsibilities.

Step 2 – Find Your ANZSCO Code

Identify the relevant ANZSCO 2022 occupation code.

Step 3 – Check the CSOL

Confirm whether the occupation is included on the current CSOL.

Step 4 – Check Caveats

Review whether any caveat or restriction applies.

Step 5 – Check Skills Assessment

Determine whether a mandatory or relevant skills assessment applies.

Step 6 – Check Registration

Determine whether your occupation requires Australian registration or licensing.

Step 7 – Check Salary

Review the applicable salary threshold and Australian Market Salary Rate requirements.

Step 8 – Assess the Employer

Confirm that the Australian employer can meet the relevant sponsorship and nomination requirements.

Step 9 – Review the Visa Pathway

Determine whether subclass 482 Core Skills, subclass 186 Direct Entry or another pathway is appropriate.

CSOL Occupation Examples

The current CSOL includes occupations across a wide range of sectors.

Examples include:

Management

• Chief Executive or Managing Director

• Corporate General Manager

• Sales and Marketing Manager

• Finance Manager

• Human Resource Manager

• Construction Project Manager

• Engineering Manager

• Supply and Distribution Manager

• Procurement Manager

Information Technology

• Chief Information Officer

• ICT Project Manager

• ICT Managers

• Software and Applications Programmers

• Data Analysts

• Data Scientists

• Cyber Security-related occupations

• ICT Business and Systems Analysts

Healthcare

• Medical Practitioners

• Registered Nurses

• Enrolled Nurses

• Medical Laboratory-related occupations

• Dental occupations

• Allied health occupations

• Community and care occupations

Engineering

• Civil Engineers

• Mechanical Engineers

• Electrical Engineers

• Engineering Managers

• Engineering Technologists

• Engineering-related technical occupations

Education

• School Principals

• Secondary School Teachers

• Early Childhood-related occupations

• Education Managers

• Other eligible education occupations

Trades and Construction

• Electricians

• Bricklayers

• Cabinet Makers

• Construction-related occupations

• Other eligible skilled trades

Hospitality

• Chefs

• Hotel Service Managers

• Hospitality Managers

• Other eligible hospitality occupations

The official CSOL should always be checked for the complete list and current occupation details.

Common CSOL Mistakes

Applicants and employers should avoid the following common mistakes.

Choosing an Occupation Based Only on the Job Title

The actual duties and responsibilities must be considered.

Assuming CSOL Listing Guarantees a Visa

The CSOL is only one part of the eligibility assessment.

Ignoring Caveats

An occupation may have restrictions that affect its use for a visa.

Using an Old ANZSCO Classification

Home Affairs currently uses ANZSCO 2022 for subclass 482 and subclass 186.

Ignoring Salary Requirements

The occupation being on the CSOL does not remove salary requirements.

Assuming CSOL Means Automatic PR

The CSOL does not provide an automatic permanent residency pathway.

Ignoring Registration Requirements

Some occupations require Australian registration or licensing before work can legally be performed.

Relying on an Old Occupation List

Occupation lists and migration requirements can change.

Frequently Asked Questions About the CSOL

What does CSOL stand for?

CSOL stands for Core Skills Occupation List.

It is the occupation list used for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).

How many occupations are on the CSOL?

The CSOL contains 456 occupations.

When was the CSOL introduced?

The Australian Government announced the CSOL on 3 December 2024.

Which visa uses the CSOL?

The CSOL applies to:

• Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) – Core Skills stream

• Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) – Direct Entry stream

Does the CSOL apply to subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition?

No. The Temporary Residence Transition stream does not use an occupation list in the same way. Home Affairs states that occupation eligibility is based on the occupation associated with the applicant's most recently held temporary skilled visa.

Does being on the CSOL guarantee a 482 visa?

No.

You must satisfy all applicable visa, sponsorship, nomination and applicant requirements.

Does being on the CSOL guarantee permanent residency?

No.

The CSOL does not itself grant permanent residency.

Can trades be included on the CSOL?

Yes. Certain trade occupations are included, but eligibility depends on the exact occupation, code, caveats and visa requirements.

Does every occupation on the CSOL have a visa quota?

No. The CSOL is not a quota or priority ranking. Jobs and Skills Australia states that there is no occupation-based limit on the number of temporary Skills in Demand visas that can be granted for an occupation.

Which ANZSCO version is used?

Home Affairs currently uses ANZSCO 2022 for subclass 482 and subclass 186, including occupations on the CSOL.

Can the CSOL change?

Yes. Occupation lists can be reviewed and updated as Australia's labour-market and migration requirements evolve.

Do I need a skills assessment?

A skills assessment may be required depending on the occupation and individual circumstances.

Do I need professional registration?

Some occupations require Australian registration or licensing. This is separate from visa eligibility.

Check Your Occupation Before Applying

If you are considering an Australian employer-sponsored visa, checking the CSOL is an important first step.

However, your occupation being listed does not automatically mean you qualify.

A proper assessment should consider:

Occupation + ANZSCO Code + Duties + Qualifications + Experience + Skills Assessment + Salary + Employer + Visa Requirements

Understanding these factors before proceeding can help identify potential issues and determine which employer-sponsored pathway may be appropriate.

Need Help With Your CSOL Occupation?

Not sure whether your occupation is suitable for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Core Skills stream or the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) Direct Entry stream?

TheVisa provides professional Australian migration guidance tailored to your circumstances.

Our team can assist with understanding:

• CSOL occupation eligibility

• ANZSCO occupation selection

• Occupation caveats

• Skills assessment requirements

• Employer sponsorship

• Nomination requirements

• Salary considerations

• English requirements

• Employer-sponsored visa pathways

• Potential pathways towards permanent residency

Speak With Our Australian Migration Team

Registered Migration Agent: Navneet Kaur
MARN: 2318181