Before: MLTSSL
Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List. Used by 189 and 186 Direct Entry. Long-term occupations with permanent pathways.
2024 Reform · Replaced Three Lists · One Unified CSOL
The CSOL replaced three occupation lists.
MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL were consolidated into a single Core Skills Occupation List in 2024. This changed which occupations have access to which pathways. Some occupations gained access; some lost it. Here is what the reform means for your application.
What changed
From three lists to one.
Before 2024, different visa pathways used different lists. CSOL consolidates them.
Before: STSOL
Short-Term Skilled Occupation List. Used by 482 short-term stream. Occupations with limited PR pathway.
Before: ROL
Regional Occupation List. Specific to regional visas. Broader than STSOL in some areas.
After: CSOL
Unified list covering 189, 190, 491, SID Core Skills, 186 Direct Entry. Single occupation reference.
What the reform means
Winners and losers among occupations.
Not every occupation came through the reform unchanged. Some gained pathways; some lost them.
Occupations that gainedSome previously STSOL-only occupations now have 189 pathway access. Skilled Independent visa suddenly available for more applicants.
Occupations that lostSome previously MLTSSL occupations are no longer on the CSOL. Standard skilled pathway closed unless state list or alternative applies.
No change for mostThe majority of previously-MLTSSL occupations are on the CSOL. 189 pathway continues.
SID streamsThe Skills in Demand visa has three streams. Core Skills uses CSOL. Specialist Skills covers high-earning senior roles regardless. Essential Skills covers specific essential sectors.
If your occupation is not on the CSOL
Alternative pathways remain.
Off-CSOL status does not close migration entirely. Several alternatives exist.
State and territory lists
State lists sit alongside the CSOL. Occupations not on CSOL may be on a state list. 190 or 491 pathways apply.
DAMAs
DAMAs cover occupations outside the CSOL in specific regions. NT DAMA particularly useful.
Alternative ANZSCO codes
Sometimes the same person qualifies under a different ANZSCO code that is on the CSOL. Duties analysis matters.
CSOL reviews happen annually with labour market input.
Occupations can be added or removed with each annual review. What is off the CSOL this year may be on next year. For borderline occupations, timing applications around review cycles can be valuable.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For CSOL occupation strategy, book with Gurjeev Bhalla or Sourabh Aggarwal.
I applied before the CSOL reform. Does it affect my pending application?
Generally no. Pending applications are assessed under the list in force at time of invitation or lodgement. Fresh applications use the current CSOL.
My occupation is on a state list but not CSOL. Which visa?
How do I check the current CSOL?
Department of Home Affairs publishes the current list. Changes appear with each annual review. Professional advice during application timing matters.
Can my 189 application be refused if my occupation was removed from CSOL during processing?
Complex. Usually the list at time of invitation governs. Specialist advice is essential for occupations going through list changes.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.