Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) 2026: What You Need to Know
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 | Skills-based rather than strictly occupation-based |
| 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.
Skills-focused: Rather than rigidly defining specific job titles, the CSOL places greater emphasis on transferable skills and capabilities.
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 is being introduced as a reform of the existing temporary skilled visa framework.
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 may not require the occupation to be on the CSOL if the salary exceeds the threshold.
Core Skills Stream: For occupations on the CSOL at the standard Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) or above. This is the main stream for most employer-sponsored migrants.
Essential Skills Stream: For lower-salary occupations in sectors facing critical worker shortages. This stream provides pathways for workers in sectors like aged care, hospitality, and agriculture.
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) | MLTSSL (transitioning to 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, with many having access to all streams including Essential Skills for lower-salary roles in aged care and disability support.
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, with many having Essential Skills stream access in addition to Core Skills, reflecting acute trades shortages.
Professional Services
Accounting, marketing, and other professional services occupations may have more restricted CSOL access compared to their MLTSSL listings, depending on salary levels and demonstrated shortage.
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) is transitioning to align with 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?
Yes. Skills assessments are still required for most CSOL occupations. 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 Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which is updated periodically. Check the current TSMIT on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Can I access the SID visa if my occupation isn't on the CSOL?
Potentially, if your salary exceeds the Specialist Skills threshold. The Specialist Skills stream provides access for high-salary workers regardless of whether their specific occupation is on the CSOL.
