Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) under review

 

The Australian Government is continuing with its rollout of the Migration Strategy and appointed Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) of an analysis of the Australian labour market and skills needs. JSA has released a draft Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) which will shape the Skills in Demand visa which is scheduled to replace the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa by late 2024. 

 

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa will have three tiers. The majority of SID visa holders are expected to be catered for by the mid-tier Core Skills pathway, for workers in a listed occupation earning at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold but below the high salary threshold to be set for the first tier Special Skills pathway.

 

  1. The Specialist Skills Pathway is designed to attract top-tier highly skilled professionals with high salaries of over AUD$135,000, such as those in the technology or green energy industries. Jobs and Skills Australia will provide a special labour market analysis for this pathway.

 

  1. The Core Skills Pathway will address Australia’s targeted workforce needs with an improved and regularly updated Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL). 

 

  1. The Essential Skills Pathway, with salaries below AUD$70,000, is potentially focused on regional areas and programs like DAMA and other labour agreements. For this pathway, Jobs and Skills Australia will offer advice on occupations and sectors.

 

Additionally, the Department promises to streamline labour market testing, a mandatory procedure for employer sponsored visa nominations, and visa processing in general.

 

It is clear that Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) considered that there are too many occupations and many will be off the list (possibly including occupations such as ICT Project Manager, Cafe or Restaurant Manager, Hair or Beauty Salon Manager, ICT Customer Support Officer, and Community Worker).

 

What’s the next step?

In our opinion, it depends on the current situation that you are in:

  • The next step is to submit an application if you have successfully completed the English tests and are prepared to begin the skill evaluation process. If you have chosen an occupation that is still on the list, you can proceed to the application.

  • Those of you who are currently contemplating submitting an application for a SC482 visa ought to move quickly. It is important to remind you that the sc186 Transition to Permanent Residency should not be affected at this time. 

  • If you are not close to lodging in the next 3-6 months, wait for the upcoming change as it may affect your application, and if you are, for example, applying for GSM and the application is rejected, you are is a peculiar situation. 

  • You should pay attention to the occupations that are on the “to stay on” list if you intend to pursue your education in Australia and build your future career in this country.

 

Implications

The forthcoming adjustments to the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) are set to have a significant impact on applicants with qualifications from more generic courses. These individuals may find it increasingly challenging to meet the specific criteria required under the new rules. However, this change is designed to favor applicants with specialised skills and qualifications that align closely with the nation’s labor demands. 

 

Changes like this encourage educational institutions to align their curricula with industry needs, improving the quality of local graduates and reducing reliance on foreign labor.

 

The industry hopes that this shift aims to fill gaps in the labor market, particularly in areas that are critical for economic growth and innovation. Lets hope that, while the barriers may rise for some, the modifications to the CSOL will concurrently open new opportunities for those in specialist occupations, potentially leading to a more efficient and targeted approach in meeting Australia’s skilled workforce needs in the future.