[2025-26 Guide] CSOL Popular Occupations Analysis: Latest Trends and Strategies

Australia will implement the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) on December 7, 2024, which will fundamentally transform the landscape of skilled migration to Australia. For professionals across various industries planning to migrate to Australia, understanding the status of their occupation in the CSOL is crucial.

This article provides an in-depth analysis of popular occupations such as Chef, Retail Manager, Restaurant Manager, and Accountant under the new policy framework, helping you develop the best migration strategy.

Introduction to CSOL: The New Foundation for Australian Skilled Migration

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is the cornerstone of Australia's skilled migration system reform, replacing multiple previous occupation lists including the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), and Regional Occupation List (ROL). This transition aims to simplify the application process while ensuring Australia attracts the skills it genuinely needs.

Key Features of CSOL

• Implementation Date: December 7, 2024

• Number of Occupations: 456 in total

• Primary Visa Types: Skills in Demand (SID) visa (replacing subclass 482) and subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (Direct Entry stream)

• Qualification Requirements: Aligned with ANZSCO occupation code standards

• Assessment Method: Based on labor market analysis by Jobs and Skills Australia

Status Analysis of Popular Occupations in CSOL

1. Chef - ANZSCO 351311

List Status: Included in CSOL

Skill Level: Level 2

Migration Prospects: Highly favorable

The Chef occupation, as a key component of the CSOL, maintains high demand within Australia's skilled migration system. Australia continues to face a shortage of chefs, with those possessing specialized skills being particularly sought after.

Why is the Chef Occupation Popular?

Australia's hospitality industry continues to grow, especially with the recovery of tourism and increasing demand for multicultural cuisine, making chefs a long-term shortage occupation. The inclusion of chefs in the CSOL means:

1. Eligible to apply for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa

2. Qualified to apply for permanent residency through the Direct Entry stream of the 186 visa

3. Opportunity to obtain permanent residency without going through a temporary visa stage

Requirements and Challenges for Chef Occupations

2. Retail Manager - ANZSCO 142111

List Status: Included in CSOL

Skill Level: Level 2

Migration Prospects: Good

The Retail Manager occupation has now been incorporated into the CSOL, which represents a significant change, opening new migration pathways for professionals in the retail industry.

Market Demand for Retail Managers

With the digital transformation of Australia's retail sector and changing consumer shopping habits, there is a growing demand for professionals with modern retail management skills. The inclusion of Retail Manager in the CSOL indicates:

• Australia recognizes the importance of retail management in the modern economy

• The shortage of management talent in the retail industry has become a notable issue

• The government aims to address this industry's skills gap through skilled migration

Requirements and Opportunities for Retail Managers

3. Restaurant Manager - ANZSCO 141111

List Status: Removed from CSOL

Migration Prospects: Limited, alternative pathways need to be considered

Unlike Chef and Retail Manager, the Restaurant Manager occupation has been removed from the CSOL, which poses significant challenges for migration applicants in this profession.

Analysis of Reasons for Restaurant Manager Removal

The removal of Restaurant Manager from the CSOL may reflect the following considerations:

• The Australian government believes the local labor market can meet the demand for this occupation

• The occupation may have reached or exceeded its migration quota

• Policy shift towards supporting higher skill levels or more specialized management roles

Alternative Migration Pathways for Restaurant Managers (KEY)

Although Restaurant Manager has been removed from the CSOL, there are still some alternative pathways worth considering:

• Reassess Occupational Classification: Consider whether you can reposition as a Hotel or Motel Manager (ANZSCO 141311), which remains on the CSOL

• Temporary Residence Transition Pathway: If you already hold a temporary work visa in Australia, consider applying through the Temporary Residence Transition stream of the 186 visa

• Regional Migration Options: Consider regional sponsorship pathways, as some regions may still face shortages of restaurant management talent

4. Accountant - ANZSCO 221111

List Status: Included in CSOL

Skill Level: Level 1

Migration Prospects: Stable but highly competitive

The Accountant occupation has always been a popular choice for Australian skilled migration, and its inclusion in the CSOL confirms the continued demand for this profession.

Accountant Occupation Market Analysis

Australia's accounting job market has the following characteristics:

13. Stable demand but numerous applicants, resulting in intense competition

14. High skill requirements, especially in digitalization and regulatory compliance

15. Widespread job opportunities, from large multinational corporations to small businesses and government departments

Requirements and Strategies for Accountants

Occupational Trend Analysis: Underlying Causes and Future Development

Australian Labor Market Trends

The design of the CSOL reflects the following trends in Australia's labor market:

1. Service Industry Transformation: The hospitality and retail industries are undergoing digital transformation, leading to changing demand for talent with different skill combinations

2. Skill Specialization: Increasing emphasis on specialized skills rather than general management roles

3. Regional Development Needs: Greater focus on addressing skills shortages in regional areas

4. Post-Pandemic Recovery: Industries severely affected by the pandemic, such as tourism and hospitality, are beginning to recover, creating new job opportunities

Future Occupational Development Forecast

Based on current trends, we make the following predictions for these popular occupations:

How NovenAI Can Help with Your CSOL Occupation Assessment

At NovenAI, we have developed tools and services specifically adapted to the new CSOL framework:

• CSOL Occupation Matching System

  1. Instant assessment of whether your occupation is on the CSOL

  2. Analysis of skill requirements and how they match your personal qualifications

  3. Provision of alternative occupation suggestions to maximize migration success rate

• Personalized Occupation Repositioning Strategy

  1. If your occupation is not on the CSOL (such as Restaurant Manager), we provide occupation repositioning guidance

  2. Identify the best matching CSOL occupation based on your skills and experience

  3. Develop qualification enhancement plans to meet target occupation requirements

• CSOL Migration Pathway Planning

  1. Customize the optimal migration pathway based on your occupation and personal situation

  2. Calculate expected timelines and success probabilities

  3. Design alternative plans to respond to policy changes

Our AI platform is built on 680+ successful cases and the latest policy information, with an accuracy rate 49% higher than general AI models. Check our Core Skills Occupation List Success Guide for more details.

Application Strategies and Timelines for Different Occupations

Chef Application Strategy

• Preparation Phase (3-6 months)

  1. Obtain and verify qualification certificates

  2. Prepare detailed proof of work experience

  3. Begin the skills assessment process

• Application Timing

  1. If already working in Australia: Consider applying before the policy change

  2. If overseas: Prepare for application after December 7

• Qualification Enhancement Recommendations

  1. Obtain professional cooking certificates

  2. Develop specialty cooking skills

  3. Improve English language proficiency

For more information about chef occupation migration, please refer to our Australian Skills Occupation List Usage Guide.

Retail Manager Application Strategy

• Preparation Phase (4-8 months)

  1. Collect proof of management experience

  2. Obtain retail management-related qualifications

  3. Prepare performance data and success cases

• Application Timing

  1. Recommended to apply after the policy is officially implemented, taking full advantage of the opportunities brought by the new CSOL

• Point-Scoring Strategies

  1. Develop digital retail and e-commerce skills

  2. Acquire knowledge related to supply chain management

  3. Accumulate experience in managing multicultural teams

Accountant Application Strategy

• Preparation Phase (6-12 months)

  1. Complete professional qualification certification

  2. Prepare detailed skills assessment materials

  3. Improve English language proficiency to at least IELTS score of 7

• Application Timing

  1. Due to intense competition, recommended to start preparation early

  2. Monitor quota changes and strategically choose application timing

• Enhancing Competitiveness

  1. Obtain Australian accounting association certification

  2. Develop expertise in special areas (such as auditing, taxation, or financial analysis)

  3. Consider obtaining temporary work experience before applying for permanent residency

Industry Data and Statistics

Australian Industry Talent Demand Analysis

According to the latest data from Jobs and Skills Australia, the skills shortage situation across various industries is as follows:

Seizing New Opportunities Brought by CSOL

With the implementation of the CSOL, Australia's skilled migration system will enter a new era. Whether you are a chef, retail manager, or accountant, understanding your occupation's position in this new framework is crucial.

NovenAI offers:

• Free CSOL occupation assessment

• Personalized migration strategy planning

• Application material preparation guidance

• Real-time policy updates

Our AI platform, built on 680+ successful cases, has helped numerous applicants successfully realize their Australian migration dreams. Don't struggle alone in the complex migration process—let our professional team assist you.

Start your Australian migration journey today and get ahead of the opportunities brought by CSOL!