Learn about significant changes to Australia’s Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), such as the removal of some occupations, the effects on visas, and recommendations for alternate career paths.

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which covers 456 occupations across various industries, was updated by the Australian Government to address critical skill shortages. However, the omission of important positions, particularly in industries like construction and hospitality, has sparked controversy.

Key Occupations in Demand

Sector	Key Occupations on CSOL	Sector Focus
Construction	Carpenters, Bricklayers, Electricians, Stonemasons, Joiners	Housing & infrastructure projects
Healthcare	Psychologists	Mental health & wellness
Education	Private Tutors	Specialized education needs
Technology	Software Engineers	Cybersecurity & tech innovation
Hospitality & Trade	Bakers, Beauty Therapists	Food services & personal care

Critical roles that are vital to Australia’s economic success are highlighted by the CSOL. Below is a summary by industry:

Construction Sector in Focus: Addressing Housing Shortages

Because of the urgent need for housing, the construction industry receives a lot of attention. Concerns have been expressed about the exclusion of machinery operators from the government’s efforts to recruit qualified people to aid in the construction of more dwellings.

Government Statement:

Included Roles	Excluded Roles
Carpenters, Electricians	Crane Operators, Bulldozer Operators
Bricklayers, Stonemasons	Excavator Operators

“This is a crucial step in luring skilled laborer’s to assist in the construction of additional homes.”

The exclusion was criticized by Master Builders Australia (MBA), which pointed out:

“A hospital, school, or house cannot be constructed without machinery operators.”

Occupations Removed from the CSOL

Industry	Removed Occupations	ANZSCO Code
Healthcare	Nurse Manager, Nutritionist	254311, 251112
Hospitality & Tourism	Café/Restaurant Manager, Event Organizer	141111, 149311
Education	TESOL Teacher	249311
ICT & Engineering	ICT Support Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer	263212, 263311
Creative & Sports	Graphic Designer, Tennis Coach	232411, 452316

Reactions to the removal of several important jobs across industries were not uniform.

Industry Reactions

1. Hospitality Sector:

Concerns regarding workforce shortages brought on by the elimination of hospitality positions were raised by Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA).

“Service is the hallmark of our industry, and without employees, it is difficult to deliver quality service.”

2. Business Sector:

The update was welcomed by the Business Council of Australia, which called for further training for local employees.

New Skills in Demand Visa and Permanent Residency Pathways

On December 7, 2024, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa will be replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, in which the CSOL will be a key component. Additionally, it will facilitate permanent residency through subclass 186 of the Employer Nomination Scheme.

Implications for Employers and Skilled Workers

Impact Area	Details
Employer Sponsorship	Employers cannot sponsor workers for removed occupations
Visa Renewals	Current visa holders in removed roles may face renewal challenges
Alternative Pathways	Businesses must explore other visa categories or adjust recruitment plans
Timely Planning	Early action and expert advice are critical for visa continuity

What’s Next?

The CSOL is a calculated attempt to draw in international talent as Australia struggles with persistent skill shortages. However, unfulfilled demands persist in industries like construction and hospitality, which feeds into the controversy around the list’s efficacy.

Contact our team for professional assistance if you need specific advice on negotiating these changes and looking into alternate immigration routes.