The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) was updated last month, and it’s important for employers in the tourism and hospitality sectors to stay informed about these changes.
The CSOL outlines the in-demand occupations that are eligible for employer-sponsored visas, such as the Skills in Demand visa. If your business relies on hiring international workers, make sure the positions you want to sponsor are still on the list.
WHAT'S NEW IN THE CSOL?
The updated CSOL is a single consolidated list of 456 occupations eligible for skilled migration to Australia. Relevant roles for the tourism and hospitality sector that are on the list include:
- Hotel or motel managers
- Hotel service managers
- Cooks
- Chefs
- Pastrycooks
- Winemaker
- Tour guide
- Travel consultant
Please note that restaurant managers are no longer on the list.
KEY IMPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS
As of 7 December 2024, the updated CSOL will be used for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), which now replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. It will also apply to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) for permanent visas. This means employers can continue sponsoring international workers for the roles listed above, but any roles not listed may require additional review.
There is more information about this on the Department of Home Affairs website, which you can visit here.
WHAT SHOULD EMPLOYERS DO?
- Monitor the CSOL regularly – it’s typically updated every 12 months, but updates can occur more frequently if there are significant changes in Australia’s labour market or migration needs.
- Review skill requirements for your workers, because every time the list is updated even if an occupation remains on the list, the qualifications required may change.
- Consult immigration experts to navigate changes and to ensure your business is compliant.
- Consider upskilling local talent if your sponsored roles become more competitive.
By staying informed about these updates, you can keep your workforce well-supported and navigate changes smoothly into 2025 and beyond.