The Core Skills Occupation List represents one of the most significant changes to Australia's skilled migration framework in recent years. Introduced as part of the government's migration reform agenda, the CSOL is designed to make employer-sponsored migration more responsive to labour market needs. If you're considering employer sponsorship, understanding the CSOL is now essential. Here's what changed and what it means for you.
Quick Facts: Core Skills Occupation List
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Defines eligible occupations for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa |
| Replaces | Elements of MLTSSL/STSOL for employer sponsorship |
| Update Frequency | Designed to be updated more frequently than traditional lists |
| Structure | Occupations listed by ANZSCO (2022 version) code |
| Salary Thresholds | Different salary tiers affect eligibility |
| Advisory Body | Jobs and Skills Australia provides recommendations |
What Is the CSOL?
The CSOL is a new occupation list specifically designed for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa — the government's reformed employer-sponsored visa pathway. It represents a shift in how Australia identifies and prioritises skilled occupations for migration.
The Key Differences from Traditional Lists
More dynamic: The CSOL is designed to be updated more frequently than the MLTSSL or STSOL, allowing it to respond faster to changing labour market conditions.
Code-based: The CSOL lists occupations by their ANZSCO code. Home Affairs uses the 2022 version of ANZSCO for the 482 and 186 visas, including the CSOL occupations.
Salary-integrated: The CSOL works in conjunction with salary thresholds to determine eligibility. Higher-salary occupations may have more flexible requirements.
Evidence-based: Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) analyses labour market data to recommend which occupations should be on the list, replacing the more politically influenced process of the past.
The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
The CSOL exists primarily to serve the new Skills in Demand visa, which replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa on 7 December 2024, says Home Affairs.
SID Visa Streams
The SID visa operates through multiple streams based on occupation type and salary:
Specialist Skills Stream: For high-salary workers above a specified income threshold. This stream has the broadest occupation access and does not require the occupation to be on the CSOL. Home Affairs says the occupation must be in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6, so trades, machinery operators and labourers (Groups 3, 7 and 8) cannot use it.
Core Skills Stream: For occupations on the CSOL at the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) or above. This is the main stream for most employer-sponsored migrants.
Labour Agreement Stream: For workers nominated by employers who have a labour agreement with the Australian Government. There is no Essential Skills stream on the Home Affairs 482 page. The three streams are Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement.
How CSOL Connects to the SID
If your occupation is on the CSOL and you have a job offer meeting the salary threshold, you can access the Core Skills stream of the SID visa. The CSOL determines which occupations qualify.
What Changed from MLTSSL
Broader Coverage
The CSOL potentially includes more occupations than the previous MLTSSL, reflecting a recognition that Australia's skills needs are broader than the traditional lists captured.
Salary-Based Flexibility
The CSOL introduces salary as a key factor. Previously, occupation lists were binary — your occupation was listed or it wasn't. The CSOL framework allows high-salary roles to access pathways even if the specific occupation isn't on the core list.
Faster Updates
The MLTSSL was notoriously slow to update. Occupations could take years to be added even when shortages were obvious. The CSOL's design allows for more frequent reviews and updates.
Evidence-Driven Decisions
Jobs and Skills Australia uses employment data, vacancy rates, wages growth, and industry consultation to recommend CSOL changes. This is intended to reduce the political lobbying that influenced previous list decisions.
How to Check If Your Occupation Is on the CSOL
- Visit the Department of Home Affairs website and navigate to the CSOL search tool
- Search by ANZSCO code or occupation title
- Review the conditions — salary thresholds, experience requirements, and any occupation-specific conditions
- Check the stream — which SID visa stream your occupation falls under
- Verify the assessing authority — which body conducts your skills assessment
Which List Do You Need?
The CSOL doesn't replace the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL for all purposes. Different visa pathways still reference different lists:
| Visa | Relevant List |
|---|---|
| Subclass 189 (Independent) | MLTSSL |
| Subclass 190 (State Nominated) | MLTSSL + STSOL + state lists |
| Subclass 491 (Regional) | MLTSSL + STSOL + ROL + state lists |
| Skills in Demand (SID) | CSOL |
| Subclass 186 (ENS) Direct Entry | CSOL |
If you're pursuing employer sponsorship, the CSOL is becoming the primary reference. If you're pursuing independent or state-nominated pathways, the traditional lists still apply.
Impact on Different Occupations
Healthcare
Healthcare occupations are well-represented on the CSOL. Registered nurses, doctors and many allied health roles are on it.
ICT
IT occupations are typically on the Core Skills stream of the CSOL, with the potential for Specialist Skills stream access for high-salary senior roles.
Trades
Skilled trades have strong representation on the CSOL and use the Core Skills stream. Trades are in ANZSCO Major Group 3, so they cannot use the Specialist Skills stream.
Professional Services
Many professional services occupations are on the CSOL. On the Home Affairs list, Accountant (General) is on the MLTSSL and CSOL, and Marketing Specialist on the STSOL and CSOL.
Transitional Arrangements
The transition from the MLTSSL/STSOL framework to the CSOL for employer-sponsored visas is being managed through transitional arrangements:
- Existing subclass 482 visa holders retain their rights under the old framework
- New applications for the SID visa use the CSOL
- The subclass 186 (permanent employer-sponsored) Direct Entry stream now uses the CSOL
- Points-tested visas (189, 190, 491) continue to reference the MLTSSL/STSOL
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the CSOL replace the MLTSSL?
Not entirely. The CSOL primarily applies to employer-sponsored pathways (the new SID visa). The MLTSSL continues to apply to the points-tested stream (subclass 189, 190, 491).
Is the CSOL bigger or smaller than the MLTSSL?
The CSOL is designed to be more comprehensive, particularly when combined with the salary-based Specialist Skills stream. However, the specific occupations covered can differ.
How often will the CSOL be updated?
The CSOL is designed for more frequent updates than the traditional lists, potentially quarterly or in response to significant labour market changes.
Do I still need a skills assessment under the CSOL?
It depends on your occupation. Home Affairs says some 482 applicants must have a mandatory skills assessment, and others must give other evidence of their skills. The assessing authority for each occupation is listed alongside the CSOL entry.
What salary do I need for the Core Skills stream?
The minimum salary is the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT). Home Affairs lists it as AUD79,423 (from 1 July 2026), for nominations lodged up to 30 June 2027. It is indexed each 1 July. The older TSMIT now applies to the 494 and 187 visas.
Can I access the SID visa if my occupation isn't on the CSOL?
Potentially, if your salary meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold of AUD146,576 (from 1 July 2026). The Specialist Skills stream provides access for high-salary workers regardless of whether their specific occupation is on the CSOL, but the occupation must be in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6.
