CSOL: Core Skills Occupation List Explained
The CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List) is Australia's new unified occupation list for employer-sponsored skilled migration, introduced in December 2024 as part of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa reforms. It replaces the fragmented system of MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL for employer-sponsored visa purposes. The CSOL is broader, covers more occupations, and is designed to respond more quickly to labour market changes. If you're looking at employer sponsorship in Australia, the CSOL is the list that matters now.
What Is the CSOL?
The CSOL is a single occupation list that determines which occupations are eligible for the Core Skills stream of the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa — subclass 482. It was developed by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) using labour market data, employer feedback, and skills gap analysis.
Key features of the CSOL:
- Contains 450+ occupations (significantly more than the MLTSSL's ~215)
- Covers ANZSCO skill levels 1, 2, and 3
- Used specifically for the SID visa Core Skills stream
- Managed by Jobs and Skills Australia, not the Department of Home Affairs directly
- Designed for more frequent, data-driven updates
- Provides a pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 186 visa
The CSOL represents a philosophical shift. Rather than maintaining separate lists with different levels of access (where getting on the "right" list was half the battle), the government moved to a single, broader list based on actual skills demand.
How the CSOL Differs From the Old System
The Old System (Pre-December 2024)
Under the previous framework, employer-sponsored migration relied on three overlapping lists:
- MLTSSL — for 482 medium-term stream (4-year visa, PR pathway)
- STSOL — for 482 short-term stream (2-year visa, no PR pathway)
- ROL — additional occupations for regional visas (491, 494)
This meant an accountant (MLTSSL) had a clear PR pathway, while a marketing specialist (STSOL) did not — even if both were equally needed by employers. The system was widely criticised as arbitrary.
The New System (December 2024 Onwards)
| Feature | Old System | CSOL/New System |
|---|---|---|
| Number of lists | 3 (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL) | 1 (CSOL for Core Skills) |
| Total occupations | Varied across lists | 450+ on CSOL |
| PR pathway | Only via MLTSSL stream | All CSOL occupations via 186 TRT |
| Update process | Irregular, politically driven | Regular, data-driven via JSA |
| Salary component | TSMIT applied uniformly | Different thresholds for Core vs Specialist |
| Skill levels covered | Varied | Levels 1-3 |
The biggest change? All CSOL occupations now have a pathway to permanent residency. Under the old system, STSOL-only occupations were locked out of the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream. That barrier is gone.
Which Occupations Are on the CSOL?
The CSOL is extensive. Rather than listing every occupation (there are hundreds), here are the types of roles you'll find:
Skill Level 1 (Bachelor's degree or higher):
- Engineers (all disciplines)
- IT professionals (software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists)
- Healthcare professionals (nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists)
- Accountants, auditors, and finance professionals
- Architects, surveyors, and urban planners
- Scientists and researchers
Skill Level 2 (Diploma/advanced diploma):
- Engineering technicians
- Dental hygienists and therapists
- Multimedia specialists
- Building and construction managers
Skill Level 3 (Certificate III/IV, including trades):
- Electricians, plumbers, carpenters
- Chefs (not cooks — there's a difference in ANZSCO)
- Motor mechanics and diesel fitters
- Welders, fabricators, and sheet metal workers
- Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics
What's NOT on the CSOL:
- Occupations at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 (these are generally lower-skilled roles)
- Occupations where domestic supply meets demand
- Roles that don't align with genuine skills transfer objectives
How the CSOL Works With the SID Visa
The SID (Skills in Demand) visa has two main streams, and the CSOL is the gatekeeper for one of them:
Core Skills Stream
- Requires an occupation on the CSOL
- Salary must meet the TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold) of $73,150 (indexed)
- Standard skills assessment and sponsorship requirements
- Pathway to 186 permanent visa after 2 years
Specialist Skills Stream
- Does NOT require a CSOL occupation
- Salary must be at least $135,000 (indexed)
- Open to any occupation at skill levels 1-3
- Designed for high-earning specialists regardless of occupation list placement
So if your occupation isn't on the CSOL but your salary exceeds the Specialist Skills threshold, you may still have an employer-sponsored pathway.
The Role of Jobs and Skills Australia
One of the most significant aspects of the CSOL is who manages it. Unlike the old lists, which were maintained by the Department of Home Affairs with input from various sources, the CSOL is managed by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA).
What JSA does:
- Analyses labour market data to identify genuine skills shortages
- Consults with industry, unions, and state governments
- Recommends additions and removals from the CSOL
- Provides transparent methodology for list decisions
- Publishes regular reports on skills demand
This is meant to make the process less political and more responsive. Under the old system, occupation list changes were often slow and driven by lobbying rather than data. The CSOL framework aims to fix that — though whether it fully delivers remains to be seen.
CSOL and Permanent Residency
One of the most important changes: every occupation on the CSOL has a PR pathway. Here's how it works:
- Your employer sponsors you under the SID visa (Core Skills stream) with a CSOL occupation
- You work for your sponsor for at least 2 years
- Your employer nominates you for a subclass 186 visa (Temporary Residence Transition stream)
- You meet English, age, and other requirements
- You're granted permanent residency
Under the old system, only MLTSSL occupations had this pathway. If you were on an STSOL occupation, you were stuck on temporary visas unless you found an alternative route (like state nomination or a partner visa). The CSOL eliminates that two-tier system for employer-sponsored migration.
What About Non-Employer-Sponsored Visas?
Here's an important distinction: the CSOL is for employer-sponsored visas only. If you're applying through the points-tested stream (subclass 189, 190, or 491 via SkillSelect), the MLTSSL still applies.
| Visa | Which list? |
|---|---|
| 482 SID Core Skills | CSOL |
| 482 SID Specialist Skills | No list required (salary threshold) |
| 186 (via TRT from SID) | CSOL |
| 189 | MLTSSL |
| 190 | MLTSSL + state lists |
| 491 | MLTSSL + STSOL + ROL + state lists |
So the CSOL hasn't replaced everything — it's replaced the occupation list framework for employer-sponsored pathways specifically.
How to Check If Your Occupation Is on the CSOL
- Identify your ANZSCO code — Start with the ANZSCO classification to find your 6-digit code
- Search the CSOL — The Department of Home Affairs and JSA both publish the current CSOL
- Confirm skill level — Your occupation must be at skill level 1, 2, or 3
- Check for caveats — Some occupations may have conditions or specific requirements
- Speak to a migration agent — If you're unsure, professional advice can save you time and money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CSOL the same as the old CSOL?
No. The acronym is confusing, but the new CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List, 2024) is completely different from the old CSOL (Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List) that was replaced by the MLTSSL/STSOL framework in 2017.
Can my occupation be added to the CSOL?
Yes. Jobs and Skills Australia accepts input from industry and stakeholders. If there's evidence of genuine skills demand for an occupation not currently listed, it can be considered for addition during the next review cycle.
Does the CSOL apply to the 494 regional visa?
The 494 visa is being aligned with the new framework, but transitional arrangements mean it may still reference the old lists during the changeover period. Check the Department's website for the latest position.
What if my occupation was on the STSOL but isn't on the CSOL?
You won't be able to access the SID Core Skills stream. However, if your salary is high enough, the Specialist Skills stream doesn't require a CSOL occupation. Alternatively, explore state nomination or other visa pathways.
How often will the CSOL be updated?
More frequently than the old lists. JSA is designed to provide regular, data-driven updates. The exact schedule hasn't been fixed, but the intent is for the list to be responsive to changing labour market conditions rather than updated only once or twice a year.
