In-Demand Professions on The Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL)

The Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) is an integral component of Australia’s new migration strategy, designed to align the nation’s immigration policies with its ever changing economic and labor market needs. The CSOL helps in  identifying the In-Demand Professions on the Core Skills List.

Occupations that are most in demand to Australia’s future workforce and ensuring that the migration intake supports the development of a skilled and resilient economy. 

Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has consulted multiple stakeholders on the new CSOL. The upcoming Skills in Demand Visa (SID visa) will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) Visa. The SID visa introduces a three-tiered system based on earnings and occupation. These tiers are Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills. The Core Skills pathway applies to occupations with median salaries between $70,000 and $135,000. JSA developed the draft lists of CSOL using the 2022 ANZSCO version, focussing on the Core Skills in SID Visa.

Employers in industries with occupations on the CSOL can benefit from a more straightforward process for sponsoring skilled migrants, as the government’s migration policies are designed to prioritize these areas. This can be particularly beneficial for industries facing chronic skills shortages, where attracting skilled migrants is essential for maintaining productivity and competitiveness.

What is the Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL)?

The CSOL is a targeted list of occupations that are considered essential to Australia’s economic and social development. It is a tool used by the Australian government to guide its temporary skilled migration program, ensuring that the country attracts workers in occupations where there are critical skills shortages. 

The current draft CSOL is generated by following a consultation process that involves input from various stakeholders, including industry groups, employers, educational institutions, and government bodies. The list is designed to be flexible, allowing for adjustments based on real-time data and projections about future labor market needs, Australia’s international obligation and so forth.

By focusing on occupations that are demanded by the economy, the CSOL helps ensure that Australia can meet its objective of Migration Policy 2023. This is particularly important in a globalized economy where skills shortages can have significant impacts on a country’s competitiveness. The CSOL is also important for maintaining the balance between immigration and the domestic labor market. By targeting specific occupations, the list helps prevent the oversupply of workers in certain fields while addressing shortages in others. This not only supports economic growth but also protects the interests of Australian workers by reducing the likelihood of wage suppression and unemployment in oversupplied occupations.

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) isn’t a prioritized list, as there’s no cap on the number of occupations included. It supports the Skills In Demand visa for temporary employer-sponsored migration, with visa numbers driven by employer demand, not Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) priorities.

It should be noted that as of Sep 2024, CSOL has taken feedback from various stakeholders and are consolidating all inputs for review by the Australian Govt. JSA is not the final decision maker on CSOL; the final CSOL will need to be signed off by the Australian Government, and can be slightly different from what is recommended by JSA.

How was the CSOL developed?

The development of the CSOL is a rigorous process that involves extensive research, data analysis, and consultation with stakeholders. The list is compiled based on a range of factors, including current and projected labor market conditions, industry needs, and economic trends. The Australian government works closely with research institutions to produce employment projections that inform the CSOL. These projections are crucial for understanding how economic and labor market trends will impact Australia’s future workforce needs.In addition to economic data, the CSOL development process also considers input from industry groups and employers, who provide valuable insights into the specific skills and occupations that are in demand. This collaborative approach ensures that the CSOL is both comprehensive and responsive to the needs of the economy. 

Inclusion on the CSOL is based on two key criteria: the Skills Priority List, which uses data and stakeholder input, and an analysis of whether migration is the right solution for addressing labor shortages. Over 700 occupations are considered for the CSOL, and all are open for consultation, with some required by Free Trade Agreements.

Types of CSOL Occupations 

Confident Occupations on the CSOL

Within the CSOL, occupations are categorized based on the level of confidence in their inclusion on the list. Some occupations are considered “confident” for inclusion, meaning they are highly likely to remain on the list due to their critical importance to the economy. These occupations are typically in fields where there is a clear and sustained demand for skilled workers, such as healthcare, engineering, and information technology.

Confident Occupations off the CSOL

There are also occupations that are confidently off the CSOL, meaning they are unlikely to be included in the final list. These occupations might be in fields where there is an oversupply of workers or where demand is expected to decline in the future. Excluding these occupations from the CSOL helps prevent the immigration system from exacerbating existing labor market imbalances and ensures that the focus remains on areas where there is a genuine need for skilled workers.

Targeted for Consultation Occupations on the CSOL

On the other hand, some occupations are subject to targeted consultation, meaning that JSA was/is seeking further feedback from different stakeholders and up for analysis. These occupations might be in industries that are experiencing rapid change or where there is uncertainty about future demand. The targeted consultation process allows stakeholders to provide additional information that can help the government make more informed decisions about which occupations should be included on the final CSOL.

The CSOL serves as more than just a list, it is a strategic tool that Australia employs to manage its skilled migration program. By shaping the CSOL through ongoing research, data analysis, and stakeholder consultation, Australia ensures that it attracts the necessary workforce to support economic growth. 

For skilled migrants, understanding the CSOL is important for navigating the visa process and identifying job opportunities in the Australian market. If you’re navigating the complexities of immigration, consulting a MARA agent can be invaluable. MARA agents are certified professionals who provide expert, personalized guidance to help you with visa applications, understanding immigration policies, and more.