The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is the Australian Government’s list of 456 occupations that employers can use to sponsor skilled workers through the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) Core Skills stream and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) Direct Entry stream. If your job is not on the list, those two pathways are generally closed to you, but other options may still exist.
The CSOL started on 7 December 2024 and replaced several older occupation lists for employer-sponsored visas. Many people still mix it up with the lists used for visas like the 189 and 190.
This guide explains what the CSOL is, which visas use it, how to check your occupation and what to do if you are not on it.
Information checked on 14 October 2026. Occupation lists can change, so always confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website before you rely on any entry.
In This Guide
- What Is the Core Skills Occupation List?
- Core Skills Occupation List at a Glance
- Which Visas Use the Core Skills Occupation List?
- Visas That Do Not Use the Core Skills Occupation List
- How to Check If Your Occupation Is on the Core Skills Occupation List
- ANZSCO 2022 and 2013: Why the Version Matters
- What Are Caveats on the Core Skills Occupation List?
- Examples of Occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List
- Core Skills Occupation List 2026: What Is Changing?
- What If Your Occupation Is Not on the Core Skills Occupation List?
- What Happens When an Occupation Is Removed?
- Common Mistakes With the Core Skills Occupation List
- Core Skills Occupation List: Frequently Asked Questions
- Get Guidance on Your Occupation and Visa Options
- Disclaimer
What Is the Core Skills Occupation List?
The Core Skills Occupation List is a single list of jobs the Government considers eligible for employer sponsorship. Each job on it carries an ANZSCO code, which is the standard way Australia classifies occupations.
Jobs and Skills Australia, a government agency, provided the labour market advice behind the list. The aim was to replace a patchwork of older lists with one simpler list that reflects where workers are needed.
An occupation being on the CSOL does not give you a visa. It only means your job can be used in an employer nomination. You and your employer still need to meet every other requirement.
Core Skills Occupation List at a Glance
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Start date | 7 December 2024 |
| Number of occupations | 456, according to the sources reviewed (see the 2026 section below) |
| What it replaced | The older MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL lists, for the Skills in Demand and Direct Entry pathways |
| Main visas | Skills in Demand (482) Core Skills stream and Employer Nomination Scheme (186) Direct Entry stream |
| Occupation system | ANZSCO 2022 version |
| Where to check | Home Affairs skilled occupation list and the visa’s legislative instrument |
Which Visas Use the Core Skills Occupation List?
Two pathways rely on the CSOL for occupation eligibility.
Skills in Demand visa (482), Core Skills stream
This is the temporary employer-sponsored visa that replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa in December 2024. To use the Core Skills stream, your nominated occupation must be on the CSOL.
Read more on our Skills in Demand visa (482) page.
Employer Nomination Scheme (186), Direct Entry stream
The Direct Entry stream of the permanent 186 visa also uses the CSOL. The list opened this permanent pathway to far more occupations than before.
The Temporary Residence Transition stream of the 186 is different. Home Affairs states that it has no occupation list, because your occupation is based on the most recent temporary skilled visa you held. See our Subclass 186 page for details.
Visas That Do Not Use the Core Skills Occupation List
The CSOL is not the list for every skilled visa. Home Affairs uses the 2013 version of ANZSCO for all other skilled visa subclasses, including the older lists known as the MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL.
This includes visas such as the Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491). Which older list applies depends on the visa, so check the legislative instrument for yours.
A few websites say the 189, 190 and 491 now use the CSOL. That is not what the Department’s skilled occupation list page shows, so treat those claims with caution.
How to Check If Your Occupation Is on the Core Skills Occupation List
- Open the Home Affairs skilled occupation list page.
- Find the occupation that matches your actual duties, not just your job title.
- Check whether it is marked as being on the CSOL.
- Note any caveats attached to it.
- Note the assessing authority, which is the body that assesses your skills.
- Cross-check against the current legislative instrument for your visa before you lodge.
Job titles can mislead. An employer may call you a “project coordinator”, but if your duties match another occupation, that is the one that counts.
ANZSCO 2022 and 2013: Why the Version Matters
ANZSCO is the occupation dictionary Australia uses. Home Affairs runs two versions at the same time.
- ANZSCO 2022 applies to the 186 and the 482, including every occupation on the CSOL.
- ANZSCO 2013 applies to the other skilled visas.
The updates can split or rename an occupation. If you held a skilled visa before, your job may now sit under a different code. Home Affairs says you must choose the code that matches the tasks and responsibilities of your position.
What Are Caveats on the Core Skills Occupation List?
A caveat is a condition that limits when an occupation can be used. It might restrict the occupation to certain employers or circumstances.
Home Affairs says caveats apply only to the Employer Nomination Scheme Direct Entry stream and the Skills in Demand visa. Always read the caveat next to your occupation, because being “on the list” can come with strings attached.
Examples of Occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List
The list covers 456 occupations across management, professional, trade and technical roles. The table below shows a small sample taken from the published list. It is not a full list.
| ANZSCO code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 111111 | Chief Executive or Managing Director |
| 132211 | Finance Manager |
| 133111 | Construction Project Manager |
| 261313 | Software Engineer |
| 261315 | Cyber Security Engineer |
| 233611 | Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) |
Use the official tool for the complete and current list. Codes, caveats and eligibility can change.
Core Skills Occupation List 2026: What Is Changing?
The Government said the CSOL would be reviewed regularly. Jobs and Skills Australia ran consultations in 2025 and published a National Occupation Shortage List in October 2025.
Several migration firms said an updated CSOL would follow in 2026. As of 14 October 2026, the sources I reviewed still described the list as having 456 occupations, and I could not confirm a new version.
Some websites mention a “March 2026 refresh”. I could not verify that on an official page, so do not rely on it.
Before you plan around a particular occupation, check the Department’s current list and legislative instrument. If an update lands, it may add or remove jobs.
What If Your Occupation Is Not on the Core Skills Occupation List?
Being left off the CSOL does not always end your options. Depending on your situation, you might look at these:
- The 482 Specialist Skills stream. This stream is based on a higher salary rather than the CSOL. Check the current requirements and exclusions.
- A labour agreement. Some employers negotiate an agreement with the Government that covers occupations outside the standard lists.
- The 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream. If you already hold a sponsored temporary skilled visa, this stream has no occupation list.
- Points-tested or state-nominated visas. These use different occupation lists, so your job may be eligible there.
- A different occupation code. If your duties genuinely fit another occupation, you may be able to use that one. This must reflect your real work.
Choose a pathway only after you have checked your own circumstances. Picking an occupation just because it is on the list can lead to a refusal.
What Happens When an Occupation Is Removed?
Home Affairs says pending nomination and visa applications are not adversely affected if an occupation is later removed from a list.
If you already hold a skilled visa, you are generally not affected either. The exception is if your circumstances change, such as moving to a new employer or occupation, and your employer must lodge a new nomination while your occupation is no longer on the combined list.
Common Mistakes With the Core Skills Occupation List
- Assuming one list covers every visa. The CSOL applies to the 482 Core Skills stream and the 186 Direct Entry stream only.
- Choosing by job title. Your duties decide the occupation, not the name on your contract.
- Ignoring caveats. An occupation can be listed but still restricted.
- Using the wrong ANZSCO version. The 2022 and 2013 versions can differ.
- Relying on outdated blogs. Occupation lists change, and old articles still circulate.
- Forgetting everything else. A listed occupation still needs a sponsor, a genuine position, the required salary and, for many cases, a skills assessment and work experience.
Core Skills Occupation List: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Core Skills Occupation List?
It is the Government’s list of 456 occupations eligible for the Skills in Demand (482) Core Skills stream and the Employer Nomination Scheme (186) Direct Entry stream. It started on 7 December 2024.
How many occupations are on the CSOL in 2026?
The sources reviewed still showed 456 occupations as of 14 October 2026. An update was expected in 2026, so check the official list for the latest version.
Which visas use the Core Skills Occupation List?
The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Core Skills stream and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) Direct Entry stream.
Does the 189 or 190 visa use the CSOL?
No. According to Home Affairs, other skilled visas use the 2013 version of ANZSCO and older lists such as the MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL, depending on the visa.
Does the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream use the CSOL?
No. Home Affairs says the TRT stream has no occupation list. Your occupation is based on your most recently held temporary skilled visa.
How do I check if my occupation is on the CSOL?
Use the Home Affairs skilled occupation list page, find your ANZSCO occupation, and check the CSOL marking and any caveats. Then confirm it against the legislative instrument for your visa.
Can I use any occupation that is on the list?
No. You must choose the occupation that matches your actual duties and meet all the other requirements, such as the employer nomination and any skills assessment.
What if my occupation is removed after I apply?
Home Affairs says pending applications are not adversely affected. Holders of skilled visas are generally not affected unless their circumstances change and a new nomination is needed.
What does ANZSCO 2022 mean for the CSOL?
The 186 and 482 use the 2022 version of ANZSCO. Your occupation may have been renamed or split, so choose the code that fits your tasks.
Where can I find the official Core Skills Occupation List?
On the Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation list page, and in the legislative instrument for the relevant visa.
Get Guidance on Your Occupation and Visa Options
Whether your job is on the Core Skills Occupation List can shape your whole pathway. It helps to check your occupation, your duties and your options before you or your employer commit to an application.
Asia Pacific Group (APG) provides education and migration consultancy services. If you are exploring employer-sponsored options, contact APG to discuss your circumstances.
No visa outcome can be guaranteed, but a clear understanding of your options is a strong start.
Disclaimer
Important: This article provides general information only. Visa requirements, charges and processing times change, and your eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. Always check the latest information on the official Department of Home Affairs website before you make a visa application. For advice about your situation, consider speaking with a registered migration agent or qualified legal professional.
