What is the CSOL?
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is a list of occupations that can be nominated for certain employer-sponsored visas. It is not a policy document. It is set out in law, in legislative instruments made by the Minister under the Migration Regulations 1994.
There are two instruments that each contain a table called the Core Skills Occupation List:
| Instrument | Used for | Version read |
|---|---|---|
| Migration (Specification of Occupations—Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2024 (LIN 24/089), made under reg 2.72(9) | 482 Skills in Demand visa, Core Skills stream nominations | Compilation No. 3, 7 November 2025 |
| Migration (Specification of Occupations and Relevant Assessing Authorities—Subclass 186 Visa) Instrument 2024 (LIN 24/093), made under reg 5.19(11) | 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, Direct Entry stream nominations | Compilation No. 4, 28 March 2026 |
The 482 instrument's list has 456 numbered items (LIN 24/089 s 6(3), compilation No. 3). Lists change, so always check the version in force on the day the nomination is made.
Which visas and streams use the CSOL
| Visa and stream | Uses the CSOL? | Where the rule is |
|---|---|---|
| 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream | Yes. The occupation must be on the CSOL and apply to the worker under the instrument | Migration Regulations reg 2.72(8)(b), (9); LIN 24/089 s 6 |
| 482 Skills in Demand – Specialist Skills stream | No list. The occupation must be in ANZSCO Major Group 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6, subject to the instrument's exclusions | reg 2.72(8)(a); LIN 24/089 s 8 |
| 482 Skills in Demand – Labour Agreement stream | No. The occupation must be covered by the labour agreement | reg 2.72(8)(c) |
| 186 – Direct Entry stream | Yes. The tasks must match an occupation in the 186 instrument, which holds its own CSOL table | reg 5.19(10)–(11); LIN 24/093 ss 6–7 |
| 189, 190, 491 skilled visas | No. These use other lists | See skilled occupation lists explained |
The Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation list page also shows which occupations are on the CSOL for the 482 Core Skills stream and the 186 Direct Entry pathway.
How to check an occupation
- Find the occupation and its 6-digit code. Both instruments use ANZSCO codes. The 482 instrument uses ANZSCO as in force on 23 November 2022 (LIN 24/089 s 4). The Department says it uses the 2022 version of ANZSCO for the 186 and 482 programs.
- Match the tasks, not the job title. An occupation applies only if the tasks the worker will do match the tasks set out in the ANZSCO code (LIN 24/089 s 6(1)(c); LIN 24/093 s 6(1)(b)).
- Check the "applicable circumstance" column. Some occupations carry a number. If the matching circumstance applies to the position, the occupation does not apply (LIN 24/089 s 6(2) and s 7; LIN 24/093 s 6(2) and s 8). Examples in the 482 instrument include positions in a business with annual turnover under AUD1,000,000, a business with fewer than 5 employees, or certain retail and mass-production settings.
- Check the version. Use the instrument in force when the nomination is made (482: LIN 24/089 s 9; 186: reg 5.19(10)(a)(ii) refers to the instrument in force when the application is made).
You can search the Department's skilled occupation list by occupation name or code.
Not on the CSOL? The options
- Specialist Skills stream (482). This stream does not use a list, but it has its own requirements. See the 482 Skills in Demand visa page.
- Labour agreement. A business can seek a labour agreement, including a designated area migration agreement (DAMA). See labour agreements and DAMA.
- 494 regional visa. The 494 uses its own occupation instrument. See the 494 regional visa.
Salary thresholds and visa charges live on the 482, 186 and 494 pages, not here.
Changes to the list
The Minister changes the CSOL by amending the instruments. The 482 instrument was last compiled on 7 November 2025 (compilation No. 3, including the Migration Amendment (Skilled Visa Reform Technical Measures) Instrument 2025). The 186 instrument was last compiled on 28 March 2026 (compilation No. 4). A nomination made before the 482 instrument started continues to be assessed under the old LIN 19/048 instrument (LIN 24/089 s 10).
How we help
For employers, we check whether the role fits the CSOL, the Specialist Skills stream or a labour agreement before you pay any nomination fee. For workers, we check whether your real duties match the ANZSCO tasks. We are registered migration agents, not lawyers.
Employers: ask about sponsoring for this role. Workers: book an eligibility check.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CSOL?
The Core Skills Occupation List is a list of occupations, set by legislative instrument, that can be nominated in the 482 Core Skills stream and, through a separate instrument, the 186 Direct Entry stream.
Is CSOL the same as the skilled occupation list?
No. "Skilled occupation list" is often used for the MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL, which apply to other visas such as the 189, 190 and 491. The CSOL is a separate list for employer-sponsored visas. See skilled occupation lists explained.
Does the 186 use the CSOL?
Yes, for the Direct Entry stream. The 186 instrument (LIN 24/093) contains its own Core Skills Occupation List table and also sets the assessing authority for each occupation.
What if my occupation is not on the CSOL?
Look at the Specialist Skills stream of the 482, a labour agreement or DAMA, or the 494. Each has its own rules. Get the role checked before a nomination is lodged.
How often does the CSOL change?
There is no fixed timetable in the instruments. The list changes when the Minister amends the instrument. Check the version in force on the day the nomination is made.
Figures current as at 29 October 2026; confirm with the Department of Home Affairs before lodgement.
Reviewed by Dr Asad Muhammad Khan, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 2619525. Checked on 29 October 2026 against LIN 24/089 (compilation No. 3, 7 November 2025), LIN 24/093 (compilation No. 4, 28 March 2026), the Migration Regulations 1994 (compilation No. 289, 2 October 2026) regs 2.72 and 5.19, and the Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation list page. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
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