Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL): A Major Step in Migration System

Good news!

 

A long-awaited Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is announced.

 

Finally, the Australian Government announced the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

 

This updated CSOL highlights the Australian Government’s commitment to replacing the complex, out-of-date, and inflexible occupation lists in the temporary skilled visa program. The CSO list is a single consolidated list that is finalized by the labor market analysis and stakeholder consultations by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA).

 

First, let me give you an overview of its key features before getting into the details.

 

Key features of introducing the Core Skilled Occupation List (CSOL):

 

• Replacement of outdated and overly complex occupation lists with new, streamlined, and in-demand occupations in Australia.
• Access to the 456 occupations, including highly specialized roles in Australia.
• Introduction of the core skills stream of the new Skills in Demand visa, which is ready to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482 visa on December 7, 2024. 
• CSOL also applies to the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa that offers migration pathways to overseas skilled workers. 

 

Introduction of CSOL: A Modern Approach Towards Skilled Migration

Introducing the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) can be useful for a skilled migration program. It is aligned with the Business Council of Australia‘s previous recommendation regarding skilled migration visa settings to attract more skilled migrants or overseas-trained workers to Australia. 

 

BCA Chief Executive Bran Black appreciated the CSOL announcements, stating, “We called for more skilled workers to help boost housing supply, and today’s announcement is a very useful step in the right direction.”

 

Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke also emphasized the introduction of CSOL as the government’s commitment to addressing the skill shortage, specifically in the construction sector. “This is a crucial step to attract qualified workers to help build more homes,” he stated.

 

What is the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)?

The CSOL is an essential component of the migration strategy. This list addresses the need to fill the shortages of targeted skills in the Australian labor market. This new Core Skills Occupation List is comprised of 456 occupations, which is designed to streamline the temporary skilled visa program and provide an easy entry for overseas skilled workers to work in Australia and contribute to the Australian economy as well. 

 

These occupations are included after a comprehensive labor market analysis and stakeholder engagement. This CSOL will be appropriate for employer-sponsored temporary migration through the Core Skills Stream of the New Skil in Demand visa. 

 

Though the introduction of the CSOL will modernize the skilled migration system and benefit both employers and skilled migrants. 

 

 

Why was the New CSOL Announced on December 7, 2024?

The Migration Strategy, released on December 11, 2023, offered a clear road map to the future of Australian migration system reforms. This strategy highlights a formal role for Jobs and Skills Australia to identify the required skills in Australia through evidence-based analysis and advice from the tripartite mechanism. 

 

The Business Council of Australia advocated significant changes in skilled migration settings to attract skilled workers, especially to boost the housing supply in Australia. The immigration minister makes the final decision regarding CSOL after receiving the JSA’s insights to ensure the Skills in Demand visa effectively targets the critical sectors.

 

So, with this collaborative approach of announcing new CSOL, they aim to fill the immediate skill gaps and support the economic growth in Australia. 

 

Impacts of CSOL on Temporary Skill Shortages Visa 482

The introduction of CSOL is a key component of Australia’s skilled migration scheme. Several changes have been effective from December 7, 2024, including replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa subclass 482 with the new Skills in Demand visa. 

 

This new visa will leverage the CSOL for eligibility under the Core Skills stream. As we know, the Skills in Demand visa is designed to meet the increasing needs of the Australian workforce by attracting overseas skilled workers for temporary migration and addressing the skills shortages in critical industries in Australia.

 

This visa will offer a smoother process and transparent system for matching skilled workers with employers in key sectors such as healthcare, construction, IT, and engineering, guided by the CSOL. Further, the Core Skills stream will focus on in-demand occupations and provide migration options for skilled workers.

 

Moreover, the CSOL will be applied to the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa. This means that employers can nominate skilled workers for permanent residency if they are eligible and their occupation is listed on the CSOL. 

 

Note: The Core Skills stream under the Skills in Demand visa more specifically offers temporary migration options for overseas skilled workers. But it can provide pathways to get permanent residency through other visa programs, such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). 

 

What are the Key Occupations Included on the Core Skill Occupation List?

The CSOL contains 456 occupations in various industries with the most in-demand roles in the Australian labor market. Some of  the top sectors with their respective occupations from the CSOL include:

 

Executive and General Management

• Chief Executive or Managing Director
• Corporate General Manager
• Corporate Services Manager
• Finance Manager
• Human Resource Manager
• Policy and Planning Manager
• Research and Development Manager

 

Agriculture and Farming

• Aquaculture Farmer
• Apiarist
• Dairy Cattle Farmer
• Goat Farmer
• Poultry Farmer
• Flower Grower

 

Sales and Marketing 

• Sales and Marketing Manager
• Advertising Manager
• Advertising Specialist
• Marketing Specialist
• Content Creator (Marketing)
• Public Relations Professional

 

Education and Training 

• School Principal
• Faculty Head
• Education Managers nec
• University Lecturer
• Vocational Education Teacher \ Polytechnic Teacher
• Education Reviewer
• Music Teacher (Private Tuition)

 

Note: To know more occupations, check out the Core Skilled Occupation List

 

Final Thoughts

The introduction of the Core Skills Occupation List is a major step that promises a streamlined and modernised general skill migration process. The CSOL will be implemented in the Core Skills stream of the new Skills in Demand visa, which will replace the Temporary Skills Shortage (subclass 482), effective from December 7, 2024. 

 

Moreover, the CSOL will also apply to the Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme ( subclass 186) visa to streamline the process and attract overseas skilled workers.

 

Overall, these changes will be useful and helpful for the employers to find skilled persons while offering employment opportunities for their occupations listed on the CSOL as well as PR pathways to live and work permanently in Australia. 

 

What to Do Next?

If you are an overseas skilled worker looking for employment opportunities in Australia, this is the right time to apply. The Australian Government is accepting applications via the state nomination program for the year 2024-25,  for subclasses 189, 190, and 491. Apply for your prior general skilled visa without wasting your time now. 

 

For this purpose, you need to consult with our skilled visa consultants to determine your eligibility. We will provide you with accurate information regarding skill assessment and more. 

 

Stay tuned with us at the Migration and follow our news and blogs section for more up-to-date information and more announcements regarding CSOL and Skill in Demand visa regulations.  

 

To get professional assistance, personalized advice, and an expert opinion, consult with our migration agent. He will help you in your migration journey.

 

 

Book your appointment now.