The Department of Home Affairs is set to launch the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa on 7 December 2024. This development is accompanied by the introduction of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Our migration lawyers explain it all below, and give their key takeaways for employers to know about.
Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
Starting from 7 December 2024, the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) will apply to the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa, effectively replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa.
Key Features of the Core Skilled Occupation List (CSOL)
1. Consolidation and Simplification
The CSOL unifies previously complex and outdated occupation lists into a single, comprehensive list, streamlining the temporary skilled visa program.
2. Permanent Residency Pathways
This new list facilitates access to temporary and permanent skilled migration pathways for 456 occupations, aiming to address skills shortages across various sectors of the Australian economy.
Applicable Visas
The CSOL applies to the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa and extends to the Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa, offering a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for all occupations listed.
Specialist Skills Stream & Essential Skills Stream
Details on the other two streams under the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa include:
- Specialist Skills Stream: Targets highly skilled migrants earning at least $135,000 in any occupation except trades workers, machinery operators, drivers, and laborers.
- Essential Skills Stream: Caters to lower-income earners possessing essential skills, likely akin to the current labor agreement stream.
More information on these streams will be provided as it becomes available.
Our Key Takeaways for Businesses and Employers
Employers should take note of the below with the introduction of the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa and the CSOL:
- Existing TSS nomination and visa applications lodged prior to December 7, 2024, will not be affected.
- Review the new CSOL to confirm commonly sponsored occupations remain eligible.
- If commonly used occupations are not on the CSOL, sponsorship is still available under the Specialist Skills Stream for those earning at least $135,000 plus super, excluding trades workers, machinery operators, drivers, and laborers.
- Prepare for the annual indexation of salary thresholds, currently set at $73,150.
- Work experience requirements are reduced from two years to one year.
Get in Touch with BlueRock's Migration Lawyers for Assistance
For detailed and personalised legal advice on how the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa, the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), or any other changes might impact your business, please contact our migration law experts . Our Melbourne migration lawyers are here to ensure you maximise the benefits of these new developments.
