Employer visas / Occupation lists
Guide · Occupations
The Core Skills Occupation List, explained.
Before you can sponsor a worker, the role must match an eligible occupation. For the 482 Core Skills stream and the 186, that means the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Here is how to check, and what to do if the job isn't on it.
Which list
The list depends on the visa.
| Visa | Occupation rule | ANZSCO version |
|---|---|---|
| 482 Core Skills stream | Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) | ANZSCO 2022 |
| 482 Specialist Skills stream | No list: ANZSCO major groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6, with salary at least the SSIT | ANZSCO 2022 |
| 186 Direct Entry stream | Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) | ANZSCO 2022 |
| 186 Temporary Residence Transition | No list: the occupation from your 482 or 457 | As nominated |
| 494 regional | Separate occupation lists for regional employer visas | ANZSCO 2013 |
Source: Home Affairs, skilled occupation list. The current list for each visa is set in its legislative instrument.
How to check
Matching the job to an occupation.
Search the list
Search the Home Affairs skilled occupation list by occupation name or ANZSCO code, and check it shows CSOL.
Match the duties
Choose the code that matches what the person will actually do. Job titles vary between businesses; the duties decide the occupation.
Check caveats
Some occupations carry caveats that exclude certain positions for the 482 and 186 Direct Entry. A caveat can rule out an otherwise listed role.
Check the skills assessment
The list names the assessing authority. Some occupations need a skills assessment before the visa.
Not on the list?
Options when the occupation isn't on the CSOL.
Specialist Skills stream
If the occupation is in ANZSCO major groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6 and the salary is at least the Specialist Skills Income Threshold, no list applies. See our salary thresholds guide.
Regional roles
The 494 uses its own occupation lists. If the role is in a regional area, it may be eligible even when the CSOL route isn't. See the 494 page.
How it works
From first call to a working visa.
Free 15-minute call
We confirm the right visa, the occupation and the salary, and flag anything that could hold it up.
Clear terms, then we begin
You receive a written quote and a checklist for the business and the employee.
We prepare everything
Sponsorship, nomination and visa, prepared together where we can. We guide any job advertising that’s needed.
Lodged and looked after
We lodge, deal with Home Affairs until a decision, and explain your obligations.
FAQ
Questions about occupation lists.
Is the CSOL the same as the old skilled occupation lists?
No. The CSOL replaced the older lists for the 482 Core Skills stream and the 186. The 494 still uses separate lists.
What if two ANZSCO codes could fit the job?
Choose the one that matches the actual duties. We review the position description with you before the nomination.
Does a 186 Temporary Residence Transition need the occupation on the CSOL?
No. It is based on the occupation from the worker's 482 or 457.
Can the list change?
Yes. Occupations are added and removed from time to time. We check the list in force when you nominate.
General information only, checked against Home Affairs guidance on 15 October 2026. Not legal advice. Requirements change, so we check your case against the rules in force when you nominate.
Keep reading
More on employer visas.
Hiring from overseas?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to check basic eligibility and whether we're the right fit. It isn't legal advice, and depending on your circumstances you may still need a consultation. For legal advice now, book a 30-minute consultation ($330). Or call 1300 079 743.