2025 Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) Consultation: Everything You Need to Know

The 2025 Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) consultation, launched on 25 August 2025, is one of the most important processes shaping Australia’s skilled migration program. Its purpose is to ensure that skilled migration reflects real labour market needs, provides genuine support to employers, and balances opportunities for Australian workers.

In this article, we’ll break down the purpose, process, criteria, methodology, and consultation details of the CSOL, along with the role of the Occupation Shortage List (OSL) in determining which jobs are most in demand.

🎯 Purpose & Process of the 2025 CSOL

• The CSOL is uncapped and non-prioritised – any Skill Level 1-3 occupation can be included.
• The number of skilled visas issued will depend solely on employer demand, not on fixed government quotas.
• Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) provides evidence-based analysis and recommendations.
• The Minister for Immigration has the final authority on which occupations are approved.

Why this matters: Employers facing persistent skills gaps can shape the list through consultation, while skilled migrants gain clarity on their migration options.

📊 Occupation Shortage List (OSL) 2025: Insights

The Occupation Shortage List (OSL), maintained by Jobs and Skills Australia, is the evidence base that guides CSOL decisions. It identifies which occupations face genuine shortages across the country and where migration can help meet demand.

Key Insights (based on 2024 OSL data):

• 916 occupations assessed; 303 (33%) identified as being in shortage.
• Top five shortage occupations in Australia:

1. Aged or Disabled Carers (ANZSCO 423111)
2. Primary School Teachers (241213)
3. Secondary School Teachers (241411)
4. Truck Drivers (733111)
5. Electricians (341111)

How shortages are measured:

• Recruitment difficulty: Occupations with job vacancy fill rates below ~67% are flagged as shortage risks.
• Employer survey feedback: Hiring timelines and candidate suitability highlight real-world recruitment challenges.
• Training pipeline: Occupations requiring longer training periods (e.g., doctors, teachers) are at higher risk if domestic supply is limited.
• Industry reliance: Workforce sectors heavily dependent on migrant workers are closely monitored.

👉 Explore the full OSL here.

✅ Key Criteria for CSOL Inclusion

• OSL Data: Evidence of national or regional shortages.
• Economic Indicators: Wage growth, productivity levels, and workforce demand.
• Migrant Outcomes: Whether skilled migrants remain employed in their nominated roles.
• Stakeholder Feedback: Input from businesses, unions, workers, governments, and service providers.

📌 Scope of the 2025 CSOL Consultation

• Over 800 Skill Level 1-3 occupations are eligible for consultation.
• Stakeholder input is sought from employers (both with and without shortages), employees, unions, governments, and service providers.
• Some occupations are mandated by international trade obligations and must remain on the list.

👉 This ensures the CSOL reflects true labour market demand while meeting international commitments.

🔎 Methodology Behind the CSOL

• JSA Migration Model: The Migration Labour Market Indicator Model underpins the analysis.
• Initial Data: Development starts with the OSL.
• Refinement: Results are adjusted through stakeholder engagement.
• Reclassification: The 2024 Skills Priority List (SPL) is now officially the OSL.
• Transition: Migration occupation classifications are shifting from ANZSCO to the new OSCA framework for better accuracy.

🗂️ Consultation Details

• Focus Groups: Occupations impacted by ANZSCO-OSCA changes, “not elsewhere classified (nec)” roles, or where new data shows shortages.
• Continuity: Most 2024 CSOL occupations will remain unless evidence suggests significant changes.
• Integrity Check: Some job titles or specialisations may be excluded for data or integrity reasons.
• Consultation Channels: Includes public submissions, surveys, and bilateral meetings with key stakeholders.

📢 Consultation Process in Action

The CSOL consultation invites active participation from:

• Employers & industry leaders struggling with skill shortages.
• Workers & unions representing workforce perspectives.
• Governments & service providers ensuring policy alignment.

👉 By engaging widely, the government ensures the CSOL reflects the real workforce needs of Australia.

📝 Key Takeaways

• The 2025 CSOL is evidence-based, flexible, and inclusive.
• The OSL provides clear data on occupations in shortage.
• Employer demand, not quotas, drives visa allocation.
• Stakeholder engagement guarantees a transparent process.
• The final outcome will be a single consolidated skills list, guiding skilled migration in 2025.

📌 Final Thoughts

The 2025 Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL), supported by the Occupation Shortage List (OSL), will ensure that skilled migration aligns with Australia’s economic priorities and workforce needs.

👉 For employers, this consultation is an opportunity to directly influence which occupations are included.

👉 For skilled migrants, it provides clarity and direction for planning a future career in Australia.

📢 Call-to-Action (CTA)

🔍 Wondering if your occupation is on the CSOL or OSL?

📞 Contact our migration specialists today for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert guidance on your pathway to Australia.