If you’ve been following Australian immigration updates lately, you’ve probably come across the term Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Sounds fancy, right? But here’s the deal! If you’re planning to move to Australia on a Skilled Visa or aiming for Australia PR, this list can literally make or break your chances.
When I was researching for a friend (a software engineer from Bangalore), he told me: “I’m lost between SOL, STSOL, MLTSSL… it feels like alphabet soup!” And honestly, he wasn’t wrong. That’s exactly why the Australian government decided to clean things up and bring in the New Core Skills Occupation List.
Let’s break it down, blogger-style.
Table Of Content
1What is the Core Skills Occupation List?2Why is the CSOL Important for Migrants to Australia?3In-Demand Core Skills Occupation List for Australia4How to Check CSOL Eligibility5Conclusion6Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Core Skills Occupation List?
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is a newly introduced list that identifies jobs most in demand in Australia. It replaces earlier fragmented occupation lists such as the Skilled Occupation List Australia (SOL) and the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
The CSOL is part of the Skills in Demand visa framework and is central to Australia’s reformed migration strategy.
From nurses to civil engineers, school teachers to IT professionals, the CSOL covers 400+ occupations that Australia actually needs. Each role is tied to an Australia ANZSCO code (basically, the official job code for your profession) and most of them require an Australian Skill Assessment.
Why is the CSOL Important for Migrants to Australia?
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is important for migrants to Australia because it directly determines which skilled occupations are eligible for Australia’s key work visa programs, making it a central requirement for Australia Immigration under the new skilled pathways.
So, why should you (as a future migrant) really care about the Core Skills Occupation List? Here’s the deal:
1. Visa Eligibility
Not every job makes you eligible for migration. Only occupations on the CSOL qualify for major visas like the Skills in Demand visa (replacing the TSS 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). If your job isn’t on the list, you simply can’t move forward.
2. Clarity & Transparency
No more scratching your head over different lists like SOL, STSOL, or MLTSSL. The CSOL merges everything into one clear, updated list. This makes life easier for both you and your potential employer.
3. Focus on Real Skill Shortages
The CSOL isn’t random, it’s built on fresh labour market data. That means only roles Australia truly needs are included. For migrants, it’s a signal: if your job is listed, there’s real demand waiting for you.
4. Pathway to PR (Permanent Residency)
Here’s the exciting part: being on the CSOL doesn’t just open the door to temporary visas. For many occupations, it’s also your direct pathway to Australia PR through employer sponsorship.
5. Better for Employers Too
It’s not just migrants who benefit. Employers now get a faster, simpler way to hire talent from overseas, plugging skill shortages without endless red tape.
In-Demand Core Skills Occupation List for Australia
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) this year is out, and it’s big! Over 450+ occupations that Australia needs right now. If you’re aiming for a Skilled Visa or Australia PR, this list is where your journey starts.
So, what’s hot in demand this year? Let’s break it down sector by sector:
1. Healthcare
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 254411 | Nurse Practitioner |
| 254412 | Registered Nurse (Aged Care) |
| 252511 | Physiotherapist |
| 252611 | Podiatrist |
| 253111 | General Practitioner |
| 253312 | Cardiologist |
| 253913 | Obstetrician and Gynaecologist |
| 251999 | Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals nec |
2. Information Technology
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 135112 | ICT Project Manager |
| 261111 | ICT Business Analyst |
| 261312 | Developer Programmer |
| 261313 | Software Engineer |
| 261315 | Cyber Security Engineer |
| 262111 | Database Administrator |
| 263111 | Computer Network and Systems Engineer |
| 263112 | Network Administrator |
3. Engineering
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 233211 | Civil Engineer |
| 233212 | Geotechnical Engineer |
| 233513 | Production or Plant Engineer |
| 233611 | Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) |
| 233612 | Petroleum Engineer |
| 233914 | Engineering Technologist |
| 233916 | Naval Architect / Marine Designer |
4. Construction and Trades
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 331211 | Carpenter and Joiner |
| 334113 | Drainer |
| 334114 | Gasfitter |
| 334115 | Roof Plumber |
| 341111 | Electrician (General) |
| 342111 | Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic |
| 342313 | Electronic Equipment Trades Worker |
5. Education
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 241111 | Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher |
| 241213 | Primary School Teacher |
| 241411 | Secondary School Teacher |
| 241511 | Special Needs Teacher |
| 242111 | University Lecturer |
| 242211 | Vocational Education Teacher / Polytechnic Teacher |
How to Check CSOL Eligibility
To know if you qualify under CSOL :
1. Find your ANZSCO Code – Every occupation is assigned a unique code.
2. Check if your role is listed on the CSOL (via the official government link).
3. Get your Australian Skill Assessment – Required by most assessing authorities.
4. Meet other requirements – Such as English language scores, minimum salary thresholds, and work experience.
Applicants must align their profile with the skills for in demand jobs in Australia to increase their chances of approval.
Conclusion
Let me share this real example:
Priya, a nurse from Banglore, always dreamed of working abroad. She was drowning in multiple occupation lists until the New Core Skills Occupation List put her profession in black and white. With our help, she completed her Australian Skill Assessment, got a job in Melbourne, and within two years, she converted her Skilled Visa into Australia PR. Today, she works full-time in a public hospital, contributing to one of the most in demand jobs in Australia.
If you’re ready to start your own journey to Australia, Contact CanApprove today—we’ll guide you step by step, just like we did for Priya.
For more details, visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
