Australia’s skilled migration system is preparing for a significant reform. The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed an upcoming consultation to review the occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) is expected to update information on the consultation process in the coming days, giving employers a critical opportunity to provide feedback and influence which skilled occupations remain eligible under major visa pathways.
This review comes at a time when Australian businesses continue to face persistent workforce shortages. By inviting feedback directly from employers and industry groups, JSA aims to ensure that the CSOL reflects real and immediate skill demands, strengthening the alignment between migration and labour market needs.
What is the Core Skills Occupation List?
The Core Skills Occupation List underpins employer-sponsored migration, determining which roles are eligible for the Core Skills stream of the 482 Skills in Demand visa and the Direct Entry stream of the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa. It allows businesses to sponsor overseas workers to fill genuine workforce shortages in critical occupations, either on a temporary or permanent basis, where domestic recruitment is insufficient. For reference, the current list is available here: The Core Skills Occupation List.
Why the CSOL review matters for businesses
The Department’s announcement emphasised that the CSOL review is intended to keep skilled migration settings responsive and effective. With many industries continuing to experience shortages, updating the list is essential to ensure employers can access the international talent they need while supporting Australia’s long-term workforce strategy. For businesses, the outcome of this review could directly determine which roles in your sector are open for sponsorship, shaping recruitment options and long-term planning.
Next steps for employers
JSA is expected to update information on the consultation process in the coming days on the Jobs and Skills Australia website. This will include opportunities for stakeholders to provide feedback on which occupations should remain or be added to the CSOL. The outcome of the review will inform advice to Government on potential changes.
Employers are strongly encouraged to prepare submissions and participate in the consultation process, as these decisions may directly impact sponsorship opportunities in their sectors.
Why employer engagement is critical
For employers, the CSOL review represents more than a technical update. It is a pivotal moment to secure access to overseas talent in the years ahead. Decisions made through this process will shape which roles remain open for sponsorship, directly influencing workforce planning, recruitment strategies, and the ability to meet long-term business goals. Active participation ensures that sector-specific needs are heard, particularly in industries facing acute shortages such as health, technology, construction, and regional services.
Partner with experts on the CSOL review
The outcome of this review will shape which occupations businesses can sponsor in the future and directly affect workforce planning. Absolute Immigration works alongside employers to analyse workforce needs, provide clarity on policy changes, and guide strategies to secure access to the skilled migration pathways critical for business continuity.
Don’t risk being unprepared. For strategic support tailored to your industry, contact us at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com
2025-08-25 05:32:00