The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is the list of occupations that are eligible for nomination under the Core Skills stream of Australia's Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482). If an occupation is not on the CSOL, it cannot be nominated under the Core Skills stream (though it may be eligible under the Specialist Skills stream or via a Labour Agreement).

The CSOL came into effect on 7 December 2024 when the Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa. It is set by a legislative instrument (F2024L01620) and is structured using ANZSCO codes (the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations). The list is reviewed periodically and may be amended to add or remove occupations based on labour market needs.

• Core Skills Occupation List Instrument (F2024L01620) — the legislative instrument setting the CSOL: legislation.gov.au/F2024L01620
• DHA: Skilled occupation list tool — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/skill-occupation-list
• DHA: Skills in Demand visa — Core Skills stream — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/sid-482-core-skills

Structure of the CSOL

The CSOL lists occupations using ANZSCO codes — a six-digit numeric code that identifies each occupation in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. Each ANZSCO code corresponds to a specific occupation title. The CSOL specifies not just the occupation code but may also specify conditions or restrictions on how the occupation can be nominated under the Core Skills stream.

Occupations are classified in the ANZSCO into TEER levels (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities), which range from TEER 1 (most skilled, typically requiring a degree) to TEER 5 (elementary occupations). The CSOL generally includes occupations at TEER levels 1 through 4, though the specific occupations included reflect identified skill shortages rather than a blanket inclusion by TEER level.

How to check if an occupation is on the CSOL

The most direct way to check whether a specific occupation is on the CSOL is to use the DHA Skilled Occupation List tool at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/skill-occupation-list. This tool allows a search by ANZSCO code or occupation keyword and shows which visa streams and programs the occupation is eligible for. The tool is updated when the instrument is amended and reflects the current CSOL.

Alternatively, the CSOL instrument itself (F2024L01620) lists all eligible occupations and can be accessed on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Core Skills stream salary requirements

In addition to occupation eligibility, Core Skills stream nominations must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). The TSMIT is the minimum salary at which an overseas worker can be nominated under the Core Skills stream. The current TSMIT is published on the DHA website. Refer to the TSMIT page for further information, or check the current threshold on the DHA salary requirements page.

The three Skills in Demand visa streams

The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa has three streams, each with its own occupation eligibility framework:

• Core Skills stream: Occupation must be on the CSOL; salary at or above the TSMIT
• Specialist Skills stream: Occupation does not need to be on the CSOL; salary must be at or above the Specialist Skills income threshold (which is higher than the TSMIT); no labour market testing required
• Labour Agreement stream: The visa is nominated under a negotiated labour agreement — occupation lists and salary requirements are governed by the specific agreement

Difference from the TSS occupation lists

Before the SID visa replaced the TSS visa on 7 December 2024, there were two separate occupation lists for TSS nominations: the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) for 2-year nominations, and the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for 4-year nominations and those leading to permanent residence. The CSOL replaces both of these lists for the Core Skills stream. Practitioners should note that the STSOL and MLTSSL no longer apply to new SID nominations.

The CSOL is a legislative instrument and can be amended by the Minister for Home Affairs without primary legislation. Amendments can add or remove occupations. Before lodging a nomination, practitioners and sponsors should verify the occupation is still on the current CSOL by checking the DHA skilled occupation list tool — do not rely on a list from a prior period.

An occupation that is on the CSOL may not be eligible for all employer-sponsored pathways. The CSOL specifically governs Core Skills stream nominations for the subclass 482 SID visa. For permanent employer-sponsored migration (subclass 186 ENS), refer to the occupation requirements on the DHA subclass 186 page.