Which Visas Use the CSOL?

The CSOL applies to two employer-sponsored visa pathways.

 

The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa is a temporary visa allowing Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers when they cannot find a suitable Australian worker.

 

The Subclass 186 Direct Entry Visa is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer, where the applicant has not previously held a 457 or 482 visa in the same occupation.

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Skills Assessment — Do You Need One?

Not all occupations on the CSOL require a mandatory skills assessment. Whether one is required depends on the visa you are applying for and, in some cases, your passport country.

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For the Subclass 186 Direct Entry stream, a skills assessment is required for all occupations on the CSOL.

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For the Subclass 482 Core Skills stream, only 24 specific occupations require a mandatory skills assessment — primarily trade occupations assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) or Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS). These are marked in the table below.

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482 Skills Assessment Exceptions

For occupations that require a skills assessment under the 482 visa, the requirement only applies to applicants who hold a passport from specific countries and are not exempt applicants.

 

Applicants from countries not listed are not required to undergo a skills assessment. The applicable passport countries vary by occupation and are shown in the table below.

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You may be exempt from the skills assessment requirement if you are already working in Australia in the nominated occupation on a 457 or 482 visa, if you are employed overseas by the same company nominating you, or if you hold a relevant Australian qualification or licence for the occupation.

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How to Use This List

Search by occupation name or ANZSCO code. Use the filters to view occupations that require a skills assessment, or to view by assessing authority. The 482 Exceptions column shows which passport countries are subject to mandatory skills assessment for the 482 visa.

Important Notes

This list is based on the Core Skills Occupation List effective from 7 December 2024, and the Migration (IMMI 18/039: Mandatory Skills Assessment—Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2018 as amended 14 December 2024 (F2025C00062). Occupation lists are subject to change — always verify current eligibility with a registered migration agent before applying.

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Not sure if your occupation qualifies, or need help with your employer-sponsored visa application? Book a consultation with one of our registered migration agents.