On December 7, 2024, the Australian Government will implement the Skills in Demand (SID) visa program, replacing the existing Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa. Central to this change is the introduction of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which consolidates and updates the occupations eligible for skilled migration. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the SID visa, the CSOL, and the implications for current and prospective visa applicants.

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) Overview

Release Date: December 3, 2024

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is a single, consolidated list of 456 occupations that will govern eligibility for the Core Skills stream of the SID visa and the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa.

Key Points:

• Consolidation: Replaces multiple occupation lists, including the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-term Occupation List (STSOL), and Regional Occupation List (ROL).
• Applicability: Applies to both the Core Skills stream of the SID visa and the Direct Entry stream of the Subclass 186 visa.
• Permanent Residency: Occupations on the CSOL are eligible to apply directly for the Subclass 186 visa without the need to pass through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) visa route.

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa Pathways

The SID visa is structured into three distinct pathways to accommodate different skill levels and industry requirements:

1. Specialist Skills Pathway (SSP)

• ANZSCO Code: Not required.
• Salary Requirement: Applicants must earn a base salary exceeding $130,000 per annum.
• Exclusions: Trades, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers are not eligible.
• Effective Date: December 7, 2024.

2. Core Skills Pathway (CSP)

• CSOL Requirement: Applicants must nominate an occupation listed on the updated CSOL.
• Permanent Residency: Eligible for the Subclass 186 visa upon approval.
• Effective Date: December 7, 2024.

3. Essential Skills Pathway (ESP)

• Purpose: For roles with lower remuneration that are critical to Australia’s workforce.
• Details: To be announced at a later date.

Occupations Added to the CSOL

The CSOL the SID visa includes new occupations across various sectors. Below are some of the key additions:

Agriculture and Science

• Agricultural Research Scientist (234114)
• Agronomist (234115)
• Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientist (234116)
• Agricultural and Agritech Technician (311112)
• Animal Husbandry Technician (311114)
• Irrigation Designer (311115)
• Tree Worker (362512)
• Entomologist (234521)

Technology and Data

• Data Analyst (224114)
• Cyber Security Engineer (261315)
• DevOps Engineer (261316)
• Cyber Security Analyst (262116)
• Cyber Security Architect (262117)

Healthcare and Medical

• Respiratory Scientist (234612)
• Respiratory Technician (311217)
• Fire Protection Plumber (334117)

Business and Management

• Retail Manager (General) (142111)
• Content Creator (Marketing) (225114)
• Supply Chain Analyst (224714)
• Office Manager (512111)

Trade and Technical

• Engineering Patternmaker (323411)
• Graphic Pre-press Trades
• Worker (392211)
• Optical Mechanic (399914)

Service Industry

• Hotel Service Manager (431411)
• Beauty Therapist (451111)
• Child Care Worker (421111)

Legal and Administrative

• Legal Secretary (521212)
• Clerk of Court (599211)

Media and Communications

• Radio Journalist (212414)

Occupations Removed from Existing Lists

The CSOL for the SID Visa replaces and consolidates the MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL, resulting in the removal of several occupations previously eligible under these lists. Below are the occupations for the SID visa that have been removed:

Agriculture and Farming (From MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL)

• Cotton Grower (121211)
• Beef Cattle Farmer (121312)
• Mixed Livestock Farmer (121317)

Media, Creative Arts, and Entertainment (From MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL)

• Director (film, television, radio or stage) (212312)
• Photographer (211311)

Hospitality (From MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL)

• Cafe or Restaurant Manager (141111)
• Conference and Event Organiser (149311)

Education (From MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL)

• Art Teacher (private tuition) (249211)
• Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (249311)

Healthcare, Alternative Medicine, and Social Services (From MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL)

• Acupuncturist (252211)
• Counsellors (nec) (272199)

Sports and Recreation (From MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL)

• Gymnastics Coach or Instructor (452312)
• Footballer (452411)

Management and Professional Services (From MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL)

• Post Office Manager (142115)
• Financial Dealers (nec) (222299)

Technical and Trades (From MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL)

• Animal Attendants and Trainers (nec) (361199)

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Implications for Visa Applicants

For Occupations Listed on the CSOL:

• Eligibility: Applicants can apply through the Core Skills Pathway of the SID visa starting December 7, 2024.
• Permanent Residency: Direct access to the Subclass 186 visa without needing to undergo the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) route.

For Occupations Removed from MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL:

• Application Deadline: Submit your visa application before December 7, 2024, to be processed under the existing Subclass 482 visa system.
• Alternative Options: Explore other visa pathways if your occupation is no longer eligible under the SID visa program.

Next Steps for Applicants

1. Verify Your Occupation:

Check if your occupation is listed on the CSOL or has been removed from the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL.

2. Prepare Documentation:

Gather all necessary documents, including qualifications, work experience, and any required certifications for your the SID visa application.

3. Consult a Migration Expert:

Seek advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer to ensure your application aligns with the new requirements and to navigate any complexities.

4. Submit Application Promptly:

If your occupation is being removed, ensure your application is lodged before December 7, 2024, to remain eligible under the current Subclass 482 visa.

Navigating Australia’s New Skilled Migration Framework

The introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa and the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) represents a significant restructuring of Australia’s skilled migration framework. Applicants must carefully review the updated lists, verify their eligibility, and act promptly to ensure their applications are processed under the appropriate visa category.

Sources:

1. Home Affairs Media release, 3 December 2024, ‘New Core Skills Occupation List to target the skills Australia needs’
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1269

2. Core Skilled Occupation List (CSOL): https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/Documents/core-sol.pdf