Changes to the TSS Visa Program: Introducing the Skills in Demand Visa
We have been waiting for months for the new Skills in Demand Visa, and when the bill to introduce the visa was delayed in the Senate, we assumed it would not be introduced until at least February 2025, and even then, with an impending election, it may not have been passed at all.
However, today the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) has provided an update in the news section of its website announcing the introduction of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
The new CSOL delivers on the government's promise to simplify and modernise the temporary skilled visa programme by replacing outdated, complex, and rigid occupation lists. This consolidated list, informed by labour market analysis by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) and extensive stakeholder consultation conducted by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), includes 456 occupations eligible for temporary skilled migration.
The CSOL will form the basis of the Core Skills stream for the newly introduced Skills in Demand visa, which is set to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa on 7 December 2024. The CSOL will also be applied to the Direct Entry stream of the permanent employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa. Further information on other reforms being introduced on 7 December 2024, including the Skills in Demand visa and the National Innovation visa, will be available from the Department soon.
The Australian Government had recently advised the ANZSCO occupation list would be replaced by the Occupation Standard Classification of Australia (OSCA), so it's baffling why the new CSOL is listed in ANZSCO occupations.
Analysis:
I’ve done a deeper analysis of the new CSOL vs the drafts announced, so please see my findings below.
The Australian Government's recently released Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) marks a transformative step in addressing Australia's labour market needs. The CSOL serves as the foundation for the new Skills in Demand visa, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. This consolidated list provides clarity and alignment between industry demands and skilled migration pathways.
Key Results of the Consultation Process
The consultation phase identified 307 occupations requiring stakeholder engagement to determine their inclusion or exclusion from the CSOL. The findings reveal:
All occupations proposed to be on the final list (Confident ON)
were successfully included in the CSOL.
Of the 307 occupations under consultation, 267 were included (87%), and 40 were excluded (13%), underscoring the Government’s commitment to addressing skill shortages in critical industries.
Occupations Included in the New List
The CSOL captures a diverse range of occupations that reflect Australia’s current and emerging labour needs. Notable inclusions in the list are:
Automotive and Trades:
Vehicle Spray Painter:
This critical trade role was retained due to significant shortages in the automotive repair industry.
Roof Tilers:
Included to address growing demand in construction and residential development sectors.
Sales and Marketing:
Sales Representative (Industrial Products):
Recognised for its role in driving B2B sales across sectors like manufacturing and logistics.
Marketing Specialist and Advertising Specialist:
These roles reflect the importance of skilled professionals in promoting economic growth and brand development.
Human Resources and Recruitment:
Recruitment Consultant and HR Advisor:
Included to support businesses in sourcing and retaining talent amid increasing competition for skilled workers.
Food and Hospitality:
Cook and Chef:
Both roles were retained, reflecting Australia's reliance on skilled workers in its tourism and hospitality industries.
Finance and Business:
Finance Manager, Accountants, and Auditors:
These roles were prioritised to ensure Australia’s financial sector remains robust and capable of supporting economic recovery.
Project/Contracts Administrator:
A vital inclusion to support infrastructure projects and the construction industry.
Retail and Regional Roles:
Retail Manager:
Included to meet growing demands in regional retail businesses, where skills shortages are particularly acute.
Arborist:
This role reflects the need for skilled workers in horticulture and urban planning, particularly as environmental considerations gain prominence.
Occupations Not Included in the Final List
While the consultation process emphasised inclusivity, some occupations did not make it to the final CSOL. Notable exclusions include:
Jeweller:
Despite its specialised nature, this role was excluded, likely due to limited demand in the domestic market.
Restaurant Manager:
Excluded in favour of prioritising other roles in the hospitality sector, reflecting a strategic realignment of skilled migration priorities.
Implications of the Findings
Inclusion of All Proposed Occupations:
The decision to retain all occupations initially proposed for inclusion (Confident ON) underscores the Government's confidence in its labour market analysis and stakeholder consultations.
It reflects a focused strategy to address critical shortages without unnecessary exclusions.
Focus on Industry Demands:
By including roles like Vehicle Spray Painter, Chef, and Marketing Specialist, the CSOL addresses industries experiencing acute skills shortages.
The inclusion of regional and trade-specific roles such as Arborist and Roof Tilers highlights the Government’s commitment to supporting regional economic development.
Strategic Exclusions:
The exclusion of roles such as Jeweller and Restaurant Manager indicates a shift in priorities, likely influenced by labour market data showing limited demand or the potential to meet these needs through local training pathways.
Sector-Specific Impacts
Hospitality and Tourism:
With the inclusion of Cooks and Chefs, the CSOL addresses the chronic shortage of skilled workers in Australia’s hospitality sector, particularly in regional areas.
The exclusion of Restaurant Manager, however, suggests that this role is considered less critical or manageable through other strategies.
Automotive and Trades:
The inclusion of Vehicle Spray Painters and Roof Tilers highlights the Government’s focus on addressing skills shortages in trade roles critical to the economy.
Professional Services:
Occupations like Accountants, Auditors, and Finance Managers remain essential for maintaining Australia’s financial stability and economic growth.
Retail and Regional Development:
The inclusion of Retail Managers and roles like Arborists demonstrates a balanced approach to supporting regional industries and urban infrastructure projects.
Here are the 40 occupations that were under consultation but ultimately excluded from the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL):
Mixed Cattle and Sheep Farmer
Grain, Oilseed, Pulse or Pasture Grower / Field Crop Grower
Broadacre Crop Growers nec
Fruit Grower
Nut Grower
Production Nursery Grower
Wine Grape Grower
Horticultural Crop Growers nec
Broadacre Crop and Livestock Farmer
Mixed Production Farmers nec
Film and Video Editor
Market Research Analyst
Digital Marketing Analyst
Industrial Designer
Conservation Officer
Park Ranger
Biotechnologist
User Experience Designer (ICT)
Plumbing Inspector
Safety Inspector
Zookeeper
Track Rider
Sports Turf Manager
Sports Turf Trades Worker
Gardener (General)
Aquaculture Supervisor
Fishing Leading Hand
Forestry Operations Supervisor
Horticultural Supervisor or Specialist
Senior Broadacre Crop and Livestock Farm Worker
Senior Broadacre Crop Farm Worker
Vineyard Supervisor
Senior Aquaculture, Crop and Forestry Workers nec
Senior Beef Cattle Station Worker
Senior Cattle and Sheep Farm Worker
Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker
Senior Piggery Stockperson
Senior Sheep Farm Worker
Senior Livestock Farm Workers nec
Horse Riding Coach or Instructor
There were 214 occupations earmarked for exclusion. Here are the 6 occupations that were initially earmarked for exclusion but were ultimately included in the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL):
ICT Project Manager
Private Tutors and Teachers nec
Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
ICT Customer Support Officer
ICT Support Technicians nec
Community Worker
Conclusion
The final CSOL reflects a thoughtful balance between stakeholder feedback and labour market analysis. The inclusion of all proposed occupations (confident ON) reaffirms the Government’s commitment to addressing skills shortages, while the careful selection of consultation occupations ensures alignment with national priorities. The CSOL will serve as a cornerstone for Australia’s skilled migration pathways, providing employers with greater clarity and prospective migrants with expanded opportunities. As the Skills in Demand visa and other reforms take effect on 7 December 2024, businesses and individuals are encouraged to review the CSOL and consult migration professionals to navigate the new landscape effectively.
Interestingly, the Federal Government announced the ANZSCO list was to be replaced by the Occupation Standard Classification of Australia (OSCA) on 6th December, yet the updated CSOL is still listed in ANZSCO occupations, so further clarification is required.
Here is the full list of 456 occupationsincluded in the final Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), or download from the Department core-sol.pdf
Chief Executive or Managing Director
Corporate General Manager
Aquaculture Farmer
Apiarist
Dairy Cattle Farmer
Goat Farmer
Pig Farmer
Poultry Farmer
Flower Grower
Sales and Marketing Manager
Advertising Manager
Corporate Services Manager
Finance Manager
Human Resource Manager
Policy and Planning Manager
Research and Development Manager
Construction Project Manager
Project Builder
Engineering Manager
Production Manager (Forestry)
Production Manager (Manufacturing)
Supply and Distribution Manager
Procurement Manager
Medical Administrator \ Medical Superintendent
Nursing Clinical Director
Primary Health Organisation Manager
School Principal
Faculty Head
Education Managers nec
Chief Information Officer
ICT Project Manager
ICT Managers nec
Arts Administrator or Manager
Environmental Manager
Laboratory Manager
Quality Assurance Manager
Regulatory Affairs Manager
Hotel or Motel Manager
Licensed Club Manager
Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec
Retail Manager (General)
Travel Agency Manager
Fleet Manager
Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator
Cinema or Theatre Manager
Equipment Hire Manager
Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers nec
Music Director
Artistic Director
Program Director (Television or Radio)
Stage Manager
Technical Director
Video Producer
Print Journalist
Radio Journalist
Technical Writer
Television Journalist
Journalists and Other Writers nec
Accountant (General)
Management Accountant
Taxation Accountant
Company Secretary
External Auditor
Internal Auditor
Finance Broker
Insurance Broker
Financial Investment Adviser
Human Resource Adviser
Recruitment Consultant
Workplace Relations Adviser
Actuary
Mathematician
Data Analyst
Data Scientist
Statistician
Land Economist
Valuer
Organisation and Methods Analyst
Management Consultant
Supply Chain Analyst
Patents Examiner
Information and Organisation Professionals nec
Advertising Specialist
Marketing Specialist
Content Creator (Marketing)
ICT Account Manager
ICT Business Development Manager
ICT Sales Representative
Public Relations Professional
Sales Representative (Industrial Products)
Sales Representative (Medical and Pharmaceutical Products)
Technical Sales Representatives nec
Aeroplane Pilot
Flying Instructor
Helicopter Pilot
Air Transport Professionals nec
Ship's Engineer
Architect
Landscape Architect
Surveyor
Cartographer
Other Spatial Scientists
Jewellery Designer
Illustrator
Multimedia Designer
Web Designer
Interior Designer
Urban and Regional Planner
Chemical Engineer
Materials Engineer
Civil Engineer
Geotechnical Engineer
Quantity Surveyor
Structural Engineer
Transport Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Industrial Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Production or Plant Engineer
Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)
Petroleum Engineer
Aeronautical Engineer
Agricultural Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
Engineering Technologist
Environmental Engineer
Naval Architect/Marine Designer
Engineering Professionals nec
Agricultural Consultant
Agricultural Research Scientist
Agronomist
Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientist
Chemist
Food Technologist
Wine Maker
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Scientists nec
Geologist
Geophysicist
Hydrogeologist
Life Scientist (General)
Biochemist
Botanist
Marine Biologist
Entomologist
Zoologist
Life Scientists nec
Respiratory Scientist
Veterinarian
Conservator
Metallurgist
Meteorologist
Physicist
Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher
Primary School Teacher
Middle School Teacher \ Intermediate School Teacher
