How the CSOL Fits into Australian Skilled Visas
The CSOL occupation list is the backbone of the new three-tier Skills in Demand visa structure:
| Tier |
Salary Range |
Occupation List Used |
Duration |
| Specialist Skills (Tier 1) |
$141,210 and above |
Any occupation |
Up to 4 years |
| Core Skills (Tier 2) |
$76,515 – $141,210 |
CSOL only |
Up to 4 years (5 for HK) |
| Essential Skills (Tier 3) |
Below $76,515 |
Separate Essential List |
Up to 2 years |
Only occupations on the Australia CSOL list qualify for Core Skills Tier 2 – the most popular pathway for professionals, managers, and tradespeople.
Top Sectors on the Core Skills Occupation List
The new CSOL list heavily favours healthcare, construction, engineering, IT, and education – reflecting ongoing national shortages.
Table 2: Major Sectors & Sample Occupations
| Sector |
% of List |
Sample Occupations (ANZSCO code) |
Shortage Indicator |
| Healthcare & Social Assistance |
15% |
Registered Nurse (254412), General Practitioner (253111) |
Critical nationwide |
| Construction & Trades |
20% |
Electrician (341111), Plumber (334111), Carpenter (331212) |
Housing crisis driven |
| Professionals (STEM) |
25% |
Civil Engineer (233211), Software Engineer (261313) |
Innovation Australia |
| Management & Commerce |
12% |
Construction Project Manager (133111), Accountant (221111) |
Business growth |
| Education & Training |
8% |
Secondary School Teacher (241411), Early Childhood Teacher (241111) |
Workforce pipeline |
| Hospitality & Tourism |
5% |
Chef (351311), Restaurant Manager (141111) |
Regional focus |
Latest Statistics & Demand Facts
- Healthcare alone has 68 occupations on the CSOL
- Construction trades added 20+ new entries in recent updates
- Projected nursing shortage: 50,000+ positions nationwide
- Heavy vehicle driver shortage: ~26,000 roles unfilled
- 70% of SID visa approvals currently come from CSOL occupations
- Skilled migration contributes ~$15 billion annually to GDP
How to Check if Your Job is on the CSOL List
- Visit the official legislative instrument on the Federal Register of Legislation
- Search by ANZSCO code or occupation title
- Confirm any caveats (e.g., regional only, experience requirements)
- Verify skills assessing authority and English requirements
The complete new core occupation list Australia is always available on the Department of Home Affairs website – never rely on outdated third-party PDFs.
Next Steps for Applicants
- Confirm your occupation is on the CSOL Australia list
- Obtain a positive skills assessment (VETASSESS, TRA, AHPRA, etc.)
- Secure an employer willing to sponsor under SID Tier 2
- Meet the Core Skills Income Threshold (currently $76,515)
- Lodge your visa with a registered migration agent for best results
The core skills occupation list is your direct route to working and living in Australia. With ongoing updates and strong demand across multiple sectors, there has never been a better time to explore your options.
FAQs
Q: What is the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)?
A: The CSOL is Australia’s list of 456 in-demand skilled occupations eligible for the Skills in Demand visa (Tier 2) and ENS Direct Entry permanent residency.
Q: How many jobs are on the CSOL list right now?
A: 456 occupations across management, professional, technical, and trade roles.
Q: Which visas require the CSOL occupation list?
A: Skills in Demand (SID) Tier 2 visa and Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 Direct Entry stream.
Q: What is the minimum salary for CSOL occupations?
A: Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) – currently $76,515 per year (indexed annually).
Q: Where can I download the full Australia CSOL list?
A: Always use the official list on legislation.gov.au or immi.homeaffairs.gov.au – never outdated copies.
Q: Is the CSOL updated every year?
A: Yes, Jobs and Skills Australia conducts regular reviews with full updates at least annually.
Q: Can I apply for permanent residency through the CSOL?
A: Yes – after working on a SID visa, you can transition to ENS 186 (Direct Entry) if your occupation remains on the CSOL.