The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa is set to be implemented on 7 December 2024, replacing the current Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa. One of the key changes is the introduction of the Consolidated Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which will apply to the Core Skills stream of the new visa and the Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.
The information below is based on details provided by the government. The new legislation for the Skills in Demand visa has not been issued and we will provide further clarification on this next week.
Key Features of the CSOL
- Simplification and Consolidation: The CSOL consolidates various existing occupation lists into one streamlined list, replacing outdated and complex lists used in the temporary skilled migration program.
- Occupation Coverage: The CSOL includes 456 occupations that will be eligible for both temporary and permanent migration pathways. These occupations are aimed at addressing skills shortages in sectors across the Australian economy.
- Permanent Residency Pathway: Occupations listed on the CSOL will have access to the Direct Entry stream of the subclass 186 visa, offering a direct route to permanent residency for skilled workers in Australia.
Eligibility and Visa Streams
- Core Skills Stream: This stream of the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa will require applicants to have an occupation listed on the CSOL. It is primarily designed for skilled workers to fill gaps in the labor market.
- Specialist Skills Stream: This stream targets highly skilled migrants with salaries of at least $135,000 per year. It excludes certain professions such as trades, machinery operators etc. Specific details for this stream will be clarified in the future by the government.
- Essential Skills Stream: This stream will focus on sponsoring lower-income earners for essential occupations. It is expected to function similarly to the current Labour Agreement stream, but additional details are yet to be released.
Considerations for Employers
- Applications Lodged Before 7 December 2024: Visa nominations and applications lodged before the implementation date will not be affected by the changes.
- Occupation List Review: Employers should review the new CSOL to ensure their regularly sponsored occupations are still eligible. If occupations are not included in the CSOL, sponsorship may still be possible under the Specialist Skills Stream for roles with salaries above $135,000.
- Salary Thresholds: Employers should prepare for the annual indexation of salary thresholds, which currently stands at $73,150.
- Reduced Work Experience Requirement: The work experience requirement for applicants has been reduced from two years to one year (to be confirmed once the legislation has been issued)
Impact on Migrants
Migrants who are eligible under the CSOL may have better access to both temporary and permanent skilled visa pathways. The introduction of the Core Skills Occupation List aims to streamline the visa process while ensuring that Australia addresses critical skills shortages across its workforce. Applicants should stay informed about the list and any future developments, particularly around the Specialist and Essential Skills streams.
These changes reflect the Australian government’s ongoing efforts to adapt its migration policies to address the evolving needs of the workforce while making the visa process more accessible and transparent.
The current list of occupations is linked here
A summary of the removed occupations from 7 December, and added occupations are below. These will be verified over the forthcoming days
Occupations which do not appear in 7 December CSOL
The following occupations from the existing CSOL (Medium & Long Term, Short Term, Regional) have been removed from the new CSOL. These occupations will not be eligible for Tier 2 of the new SID after 7 December.
Agriculture and Farming
- Cotton Grower (121211)
- Fruit or Nut Grower (121213)
- Grain, Oilseed or Pasture Grower (121214)
- Mixed Crop Farmer (121216)
- Sugar Cane Grower (121217)
- Beef Cattle Farmer (121312)
- Deer Farmer (121314)
- Mixed Livestock Farmer (121317)
- Crop Farmers (nec) (121299)
- Livestock Farmers (nec) (121399)
- Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer (121411)
Media, Creative Arts, and Entertainment
- Book or Script Editor (212212)
- Director (film, television, radio or stage) (212312)
- Film and Video Editor (212314)
- Photographer (211311)
- Copywriter (212411)
- Newspaper or Periodical Editor (212412)
- Music Professionals (nec) (211299)
- Journalists and Other Writers (nec) (212499)
- Performing Arts Technicians (nec) (399599)
- Graphic designer (232411)
Hospitality
- Cafe or Restaurant Manager (141111)
Education
- Art Teacher (private tuition) (249211)
- Dance Teacher (private tuition) (249212)
- Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (249311)
- Education Adviser (49111)
Healthcare, Alternative Medicine, and Social Services
- Acupuncturist (252211)
- Naturopath (252213)
- Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals (nec) (251999)
- Complementary Health Therapists (nec) (252299)
- Counsellors (nec) (272199)
- Social Professionals (nec) (272499)
- Medical Technicians (nec) (311299)
- Life Scientist Technicians (3114130)
- Disabilities Services Officer (411712)
- Careers Counsellor (272111)
- Family and Marriage Counsellor (272113)
Sports and Recreation
- Gymnastics Coach or Instructor (452312)
- Horse Riding Coach or Instructor (452313)
- Snowsport Instructor (452314)
- Swimming Coach or Instructor (452315)
- Tennis Coach (452316)
- Footballer (452411)
Management and Professional Services
- Post Office Manager (142115)
- Amusement Centre Manager (149111)
- Fitness centre manger (149112)
- Sports Centre Manager (149113)
- Financial Dealers (nec) (222299)
- Conference and Event Organiser (149311)
- Real Estate Representative (612115)
- Customer Service Manager (149212)
- Child Care Centre Manager (134111)
- Commodities Trader (222111)
- Dancer or Choreographer (211112)
- Economist (224311)
- Environmental Research Scientist (234313)
Technical and Trades
- Metal Fitters and Machinists (nec) (323299)
- Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers (nec) (394299)
- Animal Attendants and Trainers (nec) (361199)
- Radio Communications Technician (313211)
- Camera operator (film, television or video) (399512)
- Dressmaker or Tailor (393213
Occupations added to the new 7 December CSOL
The following occupations did not appear in the CSOL. In some cases this is because they are new additions from recent changes to the ANZSCO system.
Agriculture and Science
- Agricultural Research Scientist (234114)
- Agronomist (234115)
- Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientist (234116)
- Agricultural and Agritech Technician (311112)
- Animal Husbandry Technician (311114)
- Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician (311115)
- Irrigation Designer (311115)
- Tree Worker (362512)
- Irrigation Technician (362712)
- Entomologist (234521)
Technology and Data
- Data Analyst (224114)
- Data Scientist (224115)
- Cyber Security Engineer (261315)
- DevOps Engineer (261316)
- Penetration Tester (261317)
- Cyber Governance Risk and Compliance Specialist (262114)
- Cyber Security Advice and Assessment Specialist (262115)
- Cyber Security Analyst (262116)
- Cyber Security Architect (262117)
- Cyber Security Operations Coordinator (262118)
Healthcare and Medical
- Respiratory Scientist (234612)
- Respiratory Technician (311217)
- Fire Protection Plumber (334117)
- Complementary Health Therapists (nec) (252299)
Business and Management
- Retail Manager (General) (142111)
- Licensed Club Manager (141411)
- Equipment Hire Manager (149915)
- Content Creator (Marketing) (225114)
- Supply Chain Analyst (224714)
- Office Manager (512111)
- Fleet Manager (149411)
Trade and Technical
- Engineering Patternmaker (323411)
- Screen Printer (392112)
- Graphic Pre-press Trades Worker (392211)
- Shoemaker (393114)
- Furniture Maker (394113)
- Picture Framer (394212)
- Chemical Plant Operator (399211)
- Light Technician (399513)
- Optical Dispenser/Dispensing Optician (399913)
- Optical Mechanic (399914)
- Plastics Technician (399916)
- Fire Protection Equipment Technician (399918)
- Other Draftsperson (312914)
- Radio Communications Technician (313211)
Service Industry
- Out of School Hours Care Worker (421114)
- Hotel Service Manager (431411)
- Beauty Therapist (451111)
- Tour Guide (451412)
- Travel Consultant (451612)
- Child Care Worker (421111)
- Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator (149911)
- Travel Agency Manager (142116)
- Equipment Hire Manager (149915)
Legal and Administrative
- Legal Secretary (521212)
- Conveyancer (599111)
- Clerk of Court (599211)
Media and Communications
- Radio Journalist (212414)
- Radio Communications Technician (313211)
We will be running a webinar on the new Skills in Demand visa and will announce over the next 7 days. For any urgent matters, please call us directly.
MARN 1386281
