Australia Expands Skilled Visa List with New Occupations: New Opportunities for 2025

Australia is set to enhance its skilled visa system with the introduction of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) in May 2025. This update opens exciting new opportunities for tech and cybersecurity professionals under several visa subclasses, including 189, 482, and 186. Here’s what you need to know.

Overview: Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

The CSOL is a streamlined list of occupations eligible for skilled work visas. Officially launched on December 7, 2024, it replaces outdated lists and aligns with the future of work.

Key Highlights of CSOL:

• Focuses on emerging industries like AI and cybersecurity.
• Updated regularly based on real-time labor market demands.
• Directly linked to key skilled visa categories.

Newly Eligible Roles in 2025

Australia’s government has added ten new tech and cybersecurity roles to the CSOL. The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has validated these roles, making them eligible for key Australian visas.

• Data Analyst (ANZSCO 224114): They analyze data in sectors like finance and healthcare, providing insights for strategic decisions.
• Data Scientist (ANZSCO 224115): These experts utilize AI and big data to solve complex problems and predict trends.
• Cyber Security Engineer (ANZSCO 261315): They design security systems to defend against cyber threats, ensuring data integrity.
• DevOps Engineer (ANZSCO 261316): These engineers streamline software delivery using cloud-native tools to enhance system reliability.
• Penetration Tester (ANZSCO 261317): As ethical hackers, they simulate attacks to identify vulnerabilities and improve security.
• Cyber Security Analyst (ANZSCO 262116): They monitor security events, detecting and responding to cyber threats effectively.
• Cyber Security Architect (ANZSCO 262117): These architects design security frameworks to protect organizations’ digital environments.
• Cyber Governance Specialist (ANZSCO 262114): They ensure compliance with cybersecurity regulations, developing policies to safeguard data.
• Cyber Security Advisor (ANZSCO 262115): Advisors assess risks and create strategic plans to enhance cybersecurity.
• Cyber Security Ops Coordinator (ANZSCO 262118): They manage security operations, coordinating incident responses to minimize impacts.

Visa Options Under the New CSOL

The updated CSOL significantly impacts eligibility for various Australian skilled visas. If your occupation is on the list, you can apply through several pathways.

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

This popular points-tested visa is for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer. It provides a pathway to permanent residency.

Key Features:

• Permanent residency opportunity.
• No employer sponsorship required.
• Based solely on points score.

Basic Requirements:

• Occupation on the CSOL.
• Minimum score of 65 points.
• Positive skills assessment.
• Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).

2. Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

This employer-sponsored temporary visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia. It focuses on occupations listed in the CSOL.

Key Features:

• Linked to employer sponsorship.
• Potential pathway to permanent residency after 2–3 years.

Basic Requirements:

• Job offer from an approved employer.
• Minimum English proficiency (IELTS 5.0).
• Relevant qualifications and experience.

3. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

This visa allows skilled workers to be nominated for permanent residency by an Australian employer.

Key Points:

• Employer-sponsored permanent visa.
• Requires nomination from an employer.

Basic Requirements:

• Skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Competent English (IELTS 6.0).

Benefits of the New CSOL

The CSOL reflects Australia’s urgent demand for tech talent. It simplifies the visa application process, making it quicker and easier for professionals in targeted fields.

Top Benefits:

• Easier visa eligibility for tech experts.
• Clearer pathways to permanent residency.
• Alignment with real job market demands.

Final Thoughts

Australia’s May 2025 Skilled Visa Reset is a significant step forward. If you are in data science, cybersecurity, or DevOps, now is the time to act. With three strong visa pathways and a fresh focus on future jobs, migrating to Australia is more accessible than ever!