Top 10 Occupations on the Core Skills Occupations List [2025–2026 Guide]
TL;DR: The Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) for 2025–2026 contains over 450 eligible occupations for skilled migration to Australia, with healthcare, construction, and technology roles dominating the priority pipeline, offering direct pathways to permanent residency through the Skills in Demand visa.
What is the Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) in Australia?
The Core Skills Occupations List is the definitive list of occupations eligible for Australia’s new Skills in Demand (SID) visa, replacing the previous Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa framework. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page, the CSOL streamlines Australia’s skilled migration program by consolidating eligible roles into a single, regularly updated list.
Key facts about the CSOL:
- Contains 456 eligible occupations across all skill levels
- Applied to both Direct Entry and Labour Agreement streams of the SID visa
- Updated annually based on Labour Market Analysis by Jobs and Skills Australia
- Removed 214 occupations that were previously on the old lists
- All occupations must meet minimum salary thresholds (currently $70,000 AUD)
Which Occupations Are on the Core Skills Occupations List for 2025–2026?
The CSOL covers roles across virtually every industry sector, but certain categories receive priority processing.
Top priority occupation categories:
- Healthcare and Social Assistance — Registered Nurses, Doctors, Aged Care Workers, Occupational Therapists
- Construction and Trades — Electricians, Carpenters, Plumbers, Project Builders
- Technology and Digital — Software Engineers, ICT Project Managers, Cybersecurity Specialists
- Education and Training — Secondary School Teachers, Early Childhood Teachers, University Lecturers
- Engineering and Mining — Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Mining Engineers
If you want to assess your eligibility before browsing the full list, use the NovenAI EOI Points Calculator to see your projected score — it’s free and updated with the latest policy parameters.
How Is the CSOL Different from the Old Occupation Lists?
The CSOL replaces the previous complex system of multiple lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL) with a single, clearer framework.
Key differences:
- Single list — No more confusion about which list applies to your visa stream
- Broader coverage — 456 occupations vs. 216 on the old MLTSSL
- Annual reviews — Transparent update process based on real labour market data
- Removed roles — 214 roles deemed over-supplied were removed (e.g., some retail managers, chefs)
- SID visa integration — Specifically designed for the new Skills in Demand visa rather than the old TSS 482
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Track NowHow Do I Know If My Occupation Is on the CSOL?
Verifying your occupation’s eligibility is straightforward with the right tools.
Steps to check your occupation:
- Visit the Department of Home Affairs CSOL search tool
- Enter your ANZSCO occupation code or job title
- Check if it appears on the CSOL list
- Verify any specific requirements (registration, licensing, English level)
- Confirm your points score meets the minimum threshold (65+ for PR pathways)
If your occupation requires a specific English level, the NovenAI English Level Guide can help you understand which test scores you need and how to achieve them.
What Are the Top-Priority Occupations on the CSOL Right Now?
Jobs and Skills Australia has flagged specific roles as critical shortage occupations for 2025–2026.
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Track NowTop-priority occupations (as of February 2025):
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Priority Level | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 254412 | Critical | $80,000–$110,000 |
| Software Engineer | 261313 | High | $100,000–$150,000 |
| Electrician | 341111 | High | $75,000–$95,000 |
| Secondary School Teacher | 241411 | Critical | $85,000–$105,000 |
| Civil Engineer | 233211 | High | $90,000–$130,000 |
| Aged Care Worker | 423111 | Critical | $65,000–$75,000 |
According to Jobs and Skills Australia’s official shortage list, these roles face the most severe recruitment challenges, meaning faster visa processing and more employer sponsorship opportunities.
How Often Is the CSOL Updated?
The CSOL is reviewed annually, with major updates typically announced in July each year.
Update timeline for 2025–2026:
- Annual review announced — February 2025 (consultation phase)
- Draft list published — April 2025
- Final updated list — July 1, 2025
- Mid-year adjustments — Possible for emergency skill shortages
Staying on top of changes is critical. The NovenAI AI migration mentor provides real-time policy alerts — you’ll know about any occupation additions or removals within hours of official announcements, keeping you ahead of competitors.
Conclusion
The Core Skills Occupations List is your gateway to Australian skilled migration in 2025–2026. With 456 eligible occupations, simplified visa pathways, and priority processing for critical roles, now is an excellent time to start your journey. Whether you’re a nurse, engineer, teacher, or trades professional, the CSOL offers a clear route to living and working in Australia permanently.
Start your migration journey today — explore your eligibility, check your points score, and get personalised advice at NovenAI. Your Australian dream is just one occupation code away.
Meta Description: Discover the 2025–2026 Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) — 456 eligible occupations for Australia’s Skills in Demand visa. Check if your job qualifies for PR pathways.
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