Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has initiated a crucial consultation phase for the 2025 Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL), marking a significant step in modernizing Australia's skilled migration system. This process is particularly focused on a "Targeted for Consultation" group of occupations, many of which are new classifications under the groundbreaking Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA).

For stakeholders, this is a pivotal opportunity to provide evidence that will shape the final list of occupations eligible for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa and other key migration pathways.

2025 CSOL: Understanding the Targeted Consultation Group

Released on August 25, 2025, the 2025 CSOL targeted list is not a final policy but a request for evidence. It focuses on occupations where JSA's data-driven Migration Model indicates uncertainty or a need for deeper validation from industry and employers.

This consultation is especially critical for "not elsewhere classified (nec)" occupations under the new OSCA framework. JSA is seeking concrete evidence of recruitment difficulties, salary pressures, and future skills needs to determine if these roles have a genuine shortage that should be addressed through migration.

The online survey and written submission process is open until midnight on September 26, 2025 (AEST).

Key Changes: Benchmarking the 2025 CSOL Against OSCA

The development of the 2025 CSOL is unique as it is the first to utilize the new Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA), which replaced the outdated ANZSCO system in late 2024.

OSCA represents a major overhaul, designed to reflect the modern Australian labour market with much greater accuracy. Key changes include:

• More Occupations: 1,156 detailed occupations (up from ~1,000 in ANZSCO), adding roles in AI, green energy, and care sectors.

• Granular Detail: 6-digit codes with task descriptions at the occupation level, not the broader group level.

• Australian-Focused: Tailored specifically to Australia's economic conditions, separating from the New Zealand framework.

This shift means the 2025 CSOL will be more responsive and accurate but requires careful stakeholder input to ensure a smooth transition.

What This Means for Skilled Migration and Visas

It is essential to understand that ANZSCO remains the official classification for all visa applications and skills assessments for now. The Department of Home Affairs has not yet announced a formal timeline for switching visa programs to OSCA.

However, the 2025 CSOL consultation is the first step in that journey. The evidence gathered now will inform the government's final list, expected by late 2025, and will likely influence the future Occupation Shortage List (OSL) for the Skills in Demand visa.

For potential applicants and businesses, this means:

• Current visa applications using ANZSCO are unaffected.

• The future OSCA-based lists could make more specific occupations eligible for migration.

• Staying informed on this transition is critical for future workforce planning.

For the latest updates on how this consultation will affect visa pathways, keep an eye on our analysis here at VisasUpdate.

Action for Stakeholders: How to Participate in the 2025 CSOL Consultation

If your industry or occupation is on the targeted list, your input is vital. JSA is prioritizing evidence such as:

• Labour market surveys and data.

• Specific examples of recruitment challenges.

• Insights from businesses and workers on current and future needs.

When making a submission, always reference the specific OSCA occupation title and 6-digit code to ensure your feedback is accurately recorded.

The deadline for submissions is September 26, 2025. This is your chance to help shape Australia's skilled migration list to better meet real-world needs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. For personalized advice, you should consult a registered migration agent.