The federal government has released the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
The new CSOL has been designed to replace what the government describes as “complex, out of date and inflexible” occupation lists in Australia’s temporary skilled visa program. The CSOL is a single consolidated list, informed by labour market analysis and stakeholder consultations by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), that provides access to temporary skilled migration for 456 occupations.
Earlier this year, AIRAH and other stakeholders in the HVAC&R industry raised concerns when the draft CSOL did not include professions such as mechanical engineer or air conditioning and refrigeration technician. This feedback has been taken on board in the final list, with both professions included.
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 December 7, 2024. The CSOL will also apply to the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.
The government says it will soon release more details on other reforms, including the Skills in Demand visa and National Innovation visa.
