What Is the Core Skills Occupation List?
The Core Skills Occupation List, commonly called the CSOL, is the occupation list used for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa subclass 482. It also applies to the Direct Entry pathway of the Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186.
The list is important because it helps determine whether an employer can nominate a worker in a particular occupation under key employer sponsored visa pathways.
CSOL Occupation Checker Tool
Search by ANZSCO code or occupation name to check whether your role appears in the Core Skills Occupation List.
What Is the 482 Skills in Demand Visa?
The Skills in Demand visa subclass 482 is a temporary employer sponsored visa. It allows an eligible Australian employer to sponsor a suitably skilled worker for a role when they cannot find an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
The 482 visa includes the Core Skills stream, which uses the CSOL. This means the nominated occupation usually needs to appear on the Core Skills Occupation List for the Core Skills stream.
Employer Sponsored
The applicant needs an Australian employer willing and eligible to sponsor and nominate the role.
Occupation Driven
The nominated role must match an eligible occupation and genuine business need.
Salary Requirement
The employer must meet relevant salary and market salary requirements.
Pathway Planning
Some workers may later explore employer sponsored PR through 186 where eligible.
What Is the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa?
The Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 visa is a permanent employer sponsored visa. It allows skilled workers nominated by an employer to live and work in Australia permanently, subject to meeting all visa requirements.
For the Direct Entry pathway, the CSOL is relevant because it helps determine whether an occupation is eligible for nomination.
Permanent Residency
The 186 visa is a permanent visa pathway for eligible employer nominated workers.
Employer Nomination
An eligible employer must nominate the worker for a genuine skilled position.
Skills and Experience
Applicants usually need strong evidence of skills, experience and occupation suitability.
Direct Entry and TRT
The right stream depends on the worker’s history, employer relationship and eligibility.
482 Visa vs 186 Visa: Key Difference
| Feature | 482 Skills in Demand Visa | 186 Employer Nomination Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary employer sponsored visa. | Permanent employer sponsored visa. |
| Main Purpose | Allows employers to fill skilled labour shortages. | Allows eligible nominated workers to become permanent residents. |
| Occupation List | CSOL applies to the Core Skills stream. | CSOL applies to Direct Entry pathway. |
| Employer Role | Employer sponsors and nominates the position. | Employer nominates the worker for permanent employment. |
| PR Outcome | Temporary visa, but may support future PR planning. | Permanent residency if approved. |
Why the CSOL Matters for Employers
For employers, the CSOL is a practical starting point. Before spending time and money preparing sponsorship or nomination documents, employers should confirm whether the role is listed and whether the job duties genuinely match the selected ANZSCO occupation.
- It helps identify whether the occupation may be available for 482 Core Skills sponsorship.
- It helps assess whether 186 Direct Entry may be possible.
- It supports early planning for salary, duties, skills and nomination documents.
- It reduces the risk of choosing the wrong occupation.
Why the CSOL Matters for Skilled Workers
For skilled workers, the CSOL can help identify whether employer sponsorship may be a realistic pathway. However, being on the list is only one part of the process.
- You still need a genuine employer sponsor.
- Your role duties must match the nominated occupation.
- Your experience, qualification and skills must support the role.
- You may need English, health and character evidence.
- Your employer must satisfy sponsorship and nomination requirements.
How Right & Associates Helps With Employer Sponsored Visas
Right & Associates supports both employers and skilled workers with employer sponsored visa planning. Our team helps identify whether the occupation, employer, worker and visa pathway align before lodging an application.
Occupation Check
We review the ANZSCO code, CSOL listing and whether the job duties match the proposed occupation.
Employer Sponsorship
We help businesses understand sponsorship requirements, nomination documents and compliance obligations.
482 Visa Strategy
We assist with Skills in Demand visa planning, Core Skills stream eligibility and worker evidence.
186 PR Pathway
We help assess whether employer sponsored permanent residency may be realistic under Direct Entry or other pathways.
Document Review
We review employment contracts, position descriptions, salary evidence, business documents and worker documents.
Long-Term Planning
We compare 482, 186, skilled migration, state nomination and alternative PR options where relevant.
Common CSOL Occupation Examples
The CSOL includes many professional, health, education, IT, trade, construction, hospitality and community service occupations. Examples include Marketing Specialist, Software Engineer, Registered Nurse, Civil Engineer, Chef, Electrician, Carpenter, Child Care Worker and many more.
Use the search tool above to check the full uploaded list by occupation name or ANZSCO code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CSOL stand for?
CSOL stands for Core Skills Occupation List. It is the occupation list used for the 482 Skills in Demand Core Skills stream and the 186 Direct Entry pathway.
Does being on the CSOL guarantee a visa?
No. The CSOL only confirms that the occupation may be eligible. You must still meet employer sponsorship, nomination, salary, skills, experience, English, health and character requirements.
What is the 482 visa?
The 482 Skills in Demand visa is a temporary employer sponsored visa that allows an eligible employer to sponsor a skilled worker for a genuine role.
What is the 186 visa?
The 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa is a permanent employer sponsored visa for eligible skilled workers nominated by an employer.
Can Right & Associates check my occupation?
Yes. Right & Associates can review your occupation, duties, ANZSCO match, employer sponsorship options and possible 482 or 186 pathway.
Need Help With 482, 186 or CSOL Occupation Check?
Book a consultation with Right & Associates to review your occupation, employer sponsorship options and possible PR pathway.
