The new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), effective 7 December 2024, will streamline Australia’s migration process. Here’s what you need to know.
The Australian government dropped a bombshell for businesses and skilled workers: big changes are coming to Australia’s migration program, including the much-anticipated Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
This new list will roll out alongside the revamped Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa, set to replace the current Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa starting 7 December 2024.
So, what’s the CSOL all about?
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is here to simplify things. Instead of navigating a bunch of outdated and complex occupation lists, employers and workers now get a neat, consolidated list of 456 occupations that address the nation’s most pressing skills shortages. Whether you’re looking to bring in talent for temporary gigs or to help skilled workers make a home in Australia permanently, the CSOL is your new best friend.
The CSOL will be the backbone of the new Core Skills stream for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), plus the Direct Entry stream for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa. Translation? A smoother, easier process for skilled migrants to come to Australia and fill critical roles in industries across the country.
“The CSOL will apply to the Core Skills stream of the new Skills in Demand visa, which will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa on 7 December 2024. The CSOL will also apply to the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa. More details on other reform taking place on 7 December 2024, including the Skills in Demand visa and National Innovation visa, will be announced shortly,” the official statement reads.
What’s changing for employers and workers?
If you’re an employer, the first thing you’ll want to do is take a close look at the CSOL and see if the occupations you often sponsor are still on the list. Don’t worry if your favorite occupation isn’t on the CSOL—there’s still hope!
You can use the Specialist Skills Stream, which is open to highly skilled workers earning $135,000 or more (that’s right, no trades, machinery operators, drivers, or labourers). This stream lets you sponsor workers for jobs not listed on the CSOL, provided the salary meets the threshold.
Good news for your employees, too! If your workers are on the CSOL, they’ve got a clearer path to permanent residency thanks to the Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). No more jumping through hoops—it’s a more streamlined process to help them make the leap from temporary work to permanent residency.
There are two more streams coming under the Skills in Demand visa:
- Specialist Skills Stream: For workers earning $135,000+.
- Essential Skills Stream: Aimed at workers with essential skills—think of it like the Labour Agreement Stream but with a twist.
What should employers keep in mind?
Here’s what you need to know as we countdown to 7 December 2024:
- TSS Applications: If you’ve already lodged a TSS nomination or visa application, don’t stress! These will continue under the old rules and won’t be affected by the changes.
- Check the CSOL: Make sure the occupations you rely on are still on the list. If not, you can still use the Specialist Skills Stream for those high-paid roles.
- Salary Thresholds: Employers need to plan for the annual salary threshold indexation (currently $73,150), and remember the work experience requirement has dropped from two years to one year for certain occupations.
What’s next?
The launch of the Skills in Demand visa and CSOL is just the beginning. More details about the Specialist Skills Streamand Essential Skills Stream will be announced soon, so stay tuned! The government’s aim is to keep Australia’s migration system flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the workforce.
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