On December 3, 2024, the Australian Government announced the release of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), a significant update aimed at modernizing the country’s skilled migration program. This new list replaced outdated and complex occupation lists, consolidating them into a single, streamlined resource that reflects the current needs of the Australian labor market.

​

The CSOL includes 456 occupations (see full Occupation List below) that have been identified through comprehensive labor market analysis and extensive consultations with stakeholders, including businesses, industry associations, and unions. This approach ensures that the list is not only relevant but also responsive to the evolving demands of various sectors within the economy.

​

One of the key features of the CSOL is its application to the Skills in Demand visa, which has already replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa on December 7, 2024. This new visa framework aims to facilitate the entry of skilled workers into Australia, addressing critical skill shortages and supporting economic growth. Additionally, the CSOL will also be relevant for the Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa, further enhancing opportunities for skilled migration.

​

The introduction of the CSOL marks a pivotal shift in Australia’s approach to skilled migration, emphasizing the importance of aligning educational pathways with the skills that are in high demand across various industries.