Month: September 2025

CSOL

Skilled Occupation List Under Review- What It Means for Australian Employers

Posted by Rebecca Berkovic on

The Australian Federal Government is currently undertaking a review of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) which will affect the skilled migration program. To facilitate this review, Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has launched a public consultation on the 2025 CSOL, which plays a key role in determining which jobs are eligible for sponsorship under the 482 Skills in Demand visa and 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (Direct Entry stream).

This review could see some occupations removed from the CSOL, limiting employers’ ability to sponsor overseas workers in affected roles. Others may be added or adjusted based on updated labour market data and real-world feedback from businesses.

The consultation period is open from 25 August to 26 September 2025, giving Australian businesses a  window to speak up about skills shortages and workforce needs.

What are the Key Visa Pathways Affected

Skills in Demand (SID) (Subclass 482) Visa – Core Skills Stream

  • The Core Skills Stream requires that the nominated occupation be on the CSOL. If an occupation is removed, it may no longer qualify under this stream.
  • Employers must comply with salary thresholds, work experience, and other requirements. Changes in the composition of CSOL can affect which roles are eligible and under what conditions.

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Direct Entry

  • For permanent residency, occupations need to align with those recognised for Direct Entry nominations. The CSOL feeds into which occupations are considered skills‑in‑demand, and determine whether certain occupations remain viable for nomination.

What is the CSOL, and Why is the Review Important?

  • The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is a consolidated occupations list used under the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa framework. It replaces many older occupational lists and is used especially for the Core Skills Stream.
  • JSA uses a Migration Labour Market Indicator Model together with stakeholder feedback, labour market data, migrant outcome data, and other inputs to make recommendations to the Government on which occupations should be included (or removed) in the CSOL.
  • Key criteria for inclusion include:
    1. whether there is a demonstrated shortage (via the Occupation Shortage List, or OSL);
    2. whether migration is an appropriate response (e.g. are domestic graduate pipelines sufficient? Do migrant workers remain in their nominated occupation post‑arrival?);
    3. information about salaries, job vacancies, and other labour market indicators.

What the Current (2025) Consultation Covers & What Occupations Are Under Scrutiny

  • The 2025 consultation is focused on all OSCA Skill Level 1‑3 occupations (i.e. relatively higher skilled occupations) that are in scope of CSOL.
  • In particular, occupations in the “targeted for consultation” group are those whose inclusion is uncertain under the new labour market modeling and which may be subject to removal unless evidence is provided.
  • Some occupations are considered “Confident On” (JSA is likely to retain them), others “Confident Off” (likely removed), and others in between
  • If your occupation is removed from the CSOL, new visa nominations under the Core Skills stream may be refused. This could affect recruitment for key technical, managerial, or specialist roles.
  • Delays or uncertainty in hiring may hit productivity or project delivery.
  • If alternative visa / nomination pathways are sought on short notice, costs may be higher or requirements more onerous.

Need Support?

If you would like assistance in reviewing your visa and nomination strategy in light of these proposed changes and arranging sponsorship, nomination and visa applications for skilled overseas employees, please contact Hartman Immigration.

We can advise on risk mitigation, strategic timing of nominations, and help ensure your business is well positioned for whatever the final CSOL looks like.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.