CSOL List

Download the CSOL List below (Updated as of 19/12/2025)

➡️CSOL List PDF

What Is the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)?

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is an occupation list introduced by the Australian Government as part of skilled migration reforms announced in 2023 and implemented from 2024. The CSOL identifies occupations that are in sustained national demand and require core, transferable skills that are critical to Australia’s economy.

The CSOL replaces several previous skilled occupation lists and is intended to simplify the migration framework while improving alignment between skilled migration and labour market needs.

Purpose of the Core Skills Occupation List

The primary purpose of the CSOL is to ensure Australia’s skilled migration program supports long‑term workforce and economic priorities. It focuses on occupations experiencing persistent skills shortages that cannot be met through the domestic labour market.

The CSOL aims to simplify employer sponsorship, provide greater certainty for skilled migrants, and create clearer pathways from temporary visas to permanent residence.

Occupations Included on the CSOL

The CSOL covers a broad range of occupations across key industries. These include healthcare and social assistance roles such as doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals; construction and infrastructure occupations, including licensed trades and construction managers; engineering roles across civil, and many more.

The list is intended to be updated regularly to reflect changing labour market conditions.

Visas That Use the Core Skills Occupation List

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

The CSOL is central to the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa. Under the Core Skills stream, Australian employers can sponsor overseas workers in CSOL occupations where there is a genuine skills shortage. Applicants must meet skills, experience, and minimum salary requirements aligned with Australian market rates.

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

Occupations on the CSOL are eligible for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). This includes both the Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams, subject to meeting skills assessment, work experience, and other legislative requirements.

Regional Employer‑Sponsored Visas

The CSOL also informs eligibility for regional employer‑sponsored visas such as the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa, particularly where regional workforce shortages align with CSOL occupations.

How the CSOL Differs From Previous Occupation Lists

Prior to the CSOL, Australia relied on multiple occupation lists with overlapping and sometimes inconsistent rules. The CSOL consolidates these into a single framework that is easier to navigate, more transparent, and better aligned with long‑term workforce planning. It also places greater emphasis on clear pathways from employer sponsorship to permanent residence.

How Often the CSOL Is Updated

The Australian Government has indicated that the CSOL will be reviewed regularly using labour market data, economic modelling, and consultation with industry, states, and territories. This approach is intended to keep the list responsive to economic and workforce changes.

Why the Core Skills Occupation List Matters

For skilled migrants, the CSOL provides greater clarity about which occupations support employer sponsorship and permanent residence pathways. For employers, it reduces complexity and improves access to skilled workers in roles critical to business operations and economic growth.