120 Occupations removed from Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
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Quick answer: When the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) replaced the old MLTSSL/STSOL lists in December 2024, 120 occupations that had previously been eligible for skilled sponsorship were left off it. The CSOL has since been reviewed again – Jobs and Skills Australia ran public consultations in late 2025 and submitted updated advice to government in October 2025, with further changes expected through 2026. The list currently comprises 456 occupations. If your occupation isn’t listed here, check the live CSOL directly rather than relying on this article alone. |
Why the CSOL replaced the old occupation lists
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) was introduced alongside the Skills in Demand visa on 7 December 2024, replacing the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) that had governed the old Temporary Skill Shortage (482) visa. The CSOL is managed by Jobs and Skills Australia and is intended to be reviewed on a rolling basis to track genuine labour market need, rather than staying fixed for years at a time.
Occupations removed at the December 2024 transition
The following 120 occupations were not included on the CSOL when it launched. This is a historical record of the December 2024 transition – some of these occupations may have been reinstated or may return following the 2025–26 review (see below), so treat this as a reference point, not a current eligibility list.
This list is an overview of the occupations that have been removed from the Core Skills Occupation List.
| Acupuncturist |
| Amusement Centre Manager |
| Animal Attendants And Trainers |
| Art Teacher (Private Tuition) |
| Beef Cattle Farmer |
| Biotechnologist |
| Book Or Script Editor |
| Cafe Or Restaurant Manager |
| Camera Operator (Film, Television Or Video) |
| Caravan Park And Camping Ground Manager |
| Careers Counsellor |
| Child Care Centre Manager |
| Chiropractor |
| Commodities Trader |
| Community Arts Worker |
| Conference And Event Organiser |
| Conservation Officer |
| Copywriter |
| Cotton Grower |
| Counsellors |
| Crop Farmers |
| Customer Service Manager |
| Dance Teacher (Private Tuition) |
| Dancer Or Choreographer |
| Deer Farmer |
| Director (Film, Television, Radio Or Stage) |
| Disabilities Services Officer |
| Dressmaker Or Tailor |
| Driving Instructor |
| Economist |
| Education Adviser |
| Emergency Service Worker |
| Environmental Health Officer |
| Exercise Physiologist |
| Facilities Manager |
| Family And Marriage Counsellor |
| Fashion Designer |
| Film And Video Editor |
| Financial Dealers |
| Financial Institution Branch Manager |
| Financial Investment Manager |
| Financial Market Dealer |
| First Aid Trainer |
| Fitness Centre Manager |
| Florist |
| Footballer |
| Forester |
| Fruit Or Nut Grower |
| Funeral Workers |
| Gallery Or Museum Curator |
| Gardener (General) |
| Grain, Oilseed Or Pasture Grower (Aus) |
| Grape Grower |
| Graphic Designer |
| Greenkeeper |
| Gymnastics Coach Or Instructor |
| Health And Welfare Services Managers |
| Health Information Manager |
| Health Promotion Officer |
| Horse Breeder |
| Horse Riding Coach Or Instructor |
| ICT Security Specialist |
| ICT Support Engineer |
| ICT Trainer |
| Industrial Designer |
| Interpreter |
| Jeweller |
| Jockey |
| Liaison Officer |
| Librarian |
| Life Science Technician |
| Lift Mechanic |
| Livestock Farmers |
| Make Up Artist |
| Manufacturer |
| Market Research Analyst |
| Medical Laboratory Scientist |
| Medical Laboratory Technician |
| Microbiologist |
| Mixed Crop And Livestock Farmer |
| Mixed Crop Farmer |
| Mixed Livestock Farmer |
| Music Professionals |
| Musician (Instrumental) |
| Naturopath |
| Newspaper Or Periodical Editor |
| Nurse Manager |
| Nutritionist |
| Operating Theatre Technician |
| Osteopath |
| Pathology Collector |
| Photographer |
| Policy Analyst |
| Post Office Manager |
| Production Manager (Mining) |
| Property Manager |
| Public Relations Manager |
| Radio Communications Technician |
| Real Estate Representative |
| Records Manager |
| Regional Education Manager |
| Safety Inspector |
| Sheep Farmer |
| Ship’S Master |
| Snowsport Instructor |
| Social Professionals |
| Sports Administrator |
| Sports Centre Manager |
| Sportspersons |
| Stockbroking Dealer |
| Sugar Cane Grower |
| Swimming Coach Or Instructor |
| Teacher Of English To Speakers Of Other Languages |
| Tennis Coach |
| Transport Company Manager |
| Vegetable Grower (Aus) |
| Welfare Centre Manager |
| Welfare Worker |
| Zookeeper |
What’s changing in the 2025–26 CSOL review
Jobs and Skills Australia opened public consultations on the 2025 CSOL review on 25 August 2025, with submissions closing 26 September 2025, and submitted its formal advice to government on 20 October 2025. The accompanying National Occupation Shortage List (released October 2025) found shortages in roughly 29% of assessed occupations, with the most acute and persistent shortages concentrated in health, education, construction and regional trades – these are the sectors expected to be prioritised in the resulting CSOL update, which is rolling out through 2026.
As at mid-2026, the CSOL comprises 456 occupations. Because updates from this review are landing through the year, an occupation excluded in December 2024 may have been reinstated, and the reverse is also possible for occupations facing softening demand.
What this means if your occupation isn’t on the CSOL
- Check the current live CSOL via the Department of Home Affairs or Jobs and Skills Australia before assuming your occupation is ineligible
- If your occupation was removed in December 2024, it’s worth re-checking following the 2025–26 review given the sector priorities identified
- Nominations lodged while an occupation was on the list generally remain valid even if it’s later removed – timing your nomination matters more than trying to predict future list changes
- If your occupation earns above the Specialist Skills threshold ($146,717 from 1 July 2026), the Specialist Skills pathway doesn’t use an occupation list at all, which may be a faster route than waiting on a CSOL update
How many occupations are currently on the CSOL?
As at mid-2026, the CSOL comprises 456 occupations, though this is subject to change as the 2025–26 review outcomes are progressively implemented.
Were all 120 removed occupations permanently excluded?
Not necessarily. The December 2024 removal reflected the initial transition from the old MLTSSL/STSOL lists to the CSOL. Some occupations may be reinstated following the 2025–26 review, particularly in health, education, construction and regional trades, which have been flagged as shortage priorities.
What replaced the MLTSSL and STSOL?
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), managed by Jobs and Skills Australia, replaced both lists when the Skills in Demand visa launched on 7 December 2024.
Does my nomination stay valid if my occupation is later removed from the CSOL?
Generally yes – nominations submitted while the occupation was on the list typically remain valid even after a later removal, though this should be confirmed against current policy for your specific case.
