Is my occupation in demand? CSOL, the shortage list and the Green List, answered

“In demand” means different things depending on which question you are asking. This page answers the four most common ones, with a source and a date on every fact.

What is the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)?

The Core Skills Occupation List is the Australian government’s list of occupations that qualify for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) Core Skills stream. It contains 456 occupations. Being on the CSOL means a sponsored employer can use that stream. It says nothing about whether the occupation is currently in shortage.

What is Australia’s 2025 Occupation Shortage List?

The 2025 Occupation Shortage List, published by Jobs and Skills Australia, rates each assessed occupation as S (national shortage), M (metropolitan shortage), R (regional shortage), or NS (no shortage). It is a point-in-time read, updated annually.

Does being on the CSOL mean my occupation is in shortage?

No. These are separate questions. Civil Engineer (233211) is on the CSOL and is also rated S on the 2025 shortage list. Software Engineer (261313) is on the CSOL, but is rated NS (no shortage) on the same 2025 list. List membership opens a visa pathway. The shortage rating is a separate, annual read of the labour market.

What is New Zealand’s Green List, and what are Tier 1 and Tier 2?

New Zealand’s Green List (effective 26 March 2025) is the jobs New Zealand is actively seeking. Tier 1 leads to a Straight to Residence Visa. Tier 2 leads to a Work to Residence Visa, but requires 24 months of relevant New Zealand work experience first. For example, Electrician, General (341111) is Tier 2; Civil Engineer (233211) is Tier 1.

Can an occupation be in demand in one country and not the other?

Yes. Software Engineer (261313) is on New Zealand’s Green List at Tier 1, which means New Zealand actively wants these workers. In Australia, the same occupation sits on the CSOL but is rated NS on the 2025 shortage list. The two countries run separate labour market assessments. Always check each country’s source separately.

Does being in shortage or on a list guarantee I will get a visa?

No. The lists show which occupations are eligible for certain pathways. Meeting other requirements, including skills assessment, salary thresholds, and sponsorship, is separate. The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) for Australian nominations from 1 July 2025 is AUD 76,515. For advice on your specific situation, speak to a registered migration agent.

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