Where can I find the CSOL caveats?

Caveats are contained in the legislative instrument that gives effect to the CSOL — the Migration (IMMI 24/024 or successor instrument) — available on the Federal Register of Legislation. The caveats are set out in a schedule or annex to the instrument, alongside each ANZSCO code. Do not rely on third-party summaries — always check the version of the instrument current at the date of lodgement.

Do caveats change over time?

Yes. The CSOL and its associated caveats are set out in a legislative instrument that can be remade or amended. A caveat that did not apply when you first assessed a nomination may apply by the time you lodge, or vice versa. Always confirm the current caveat position immediately before lodging a nomination.

Is there any way to satisfy a caveat the employer does not meet?

No. Caveats are legislated conditions — they cannot be waived or substituted. If the employer or position does not satisfy a caveat, the nomination cannot be approved in the Core Skills stream under that occupation code. The employer may need to consider whether a different occupation code applies, whether the Specialist Skills stream is available, or whether a Labour Agreement could provide an alternative pathway.

Can a nomination be refused solely on a caveat ground even if all other criteria are met?

Yes. A caveat is an independent criterion. The Department must refuse a nomination if a caveat condition is not satisfied, regardless of whether the salary is correct, LMT has been completed, and the genuine position test is met. Nomination refusals cannot be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) on the merits — they can only be challenged by judicial review, which is expensive and time-consuming.

How do I know if my occupation has a caveat?

You need to locate the current CSOL legislative instrument and read the caveat schedule for your specific ANZSCO occupation code. Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467) performs this check as part of every nomination assessment. If you are unsure whether a caveat applies to your occupation or business, contact us before proceeding with an employer nomination.

Employers · 482 / 186Sponsoring staff? Employer readiness discussion — no charge.Request a discussion

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)Subclass 482 · Nomination Requirement

ANZSCO Occupation Caveats
Why a Listed Occupation Can Still Be Refused

An occupation appearing on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) does not automatically mean your nomination will be approved. Many CSOL occupations carry caveats that restrict which businesses, roles, or positions can use them — and a caveat can sink a nomination even when the occupation is listed.

General information current as at August 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

The Short Answer

A caveat is a condition attached to a specific CSOL occupation in the legislative instrument. Caveats are not visible in a basic occupation search — they must be checked in the actual legislative text. Common caveat types include position-based caveats (restricting the role to a specific level of the organisation) and business-based caveats (restricting the occupation to businesses of a certain size, revenue, or type). Before a nomination is lodged, Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467) checks the current legislative instrument for every occupation to identify applicable caveats and assess whether the position and employer meet the caveat conditions.

Request a discussion Core Skills Occupation List →

Reviewed by Navpreet Aulakh, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2619467)

Last reviewed: July 2026

Overview What is a caveat?Types of caveat Examples How we check FAQ Related pages

Often missed

Caveats are not visible in basic searches

Standard occupation code lookups do not show caveats. They must be checked in the current legislative instrument — the CSOL instrument itself.

2 main types

Position-based and business-based

Most caveats restrict nominations by the seniority of the role or by the size and type of the employing business.

Nomination refused

Consequence of missing a caveat

If a caveat is not satisfied, the nomination will be refused — even if the occupation is listed on the CSOL and the salary is correct. Nomination refusals cannot be merits-reviewed by the ART.

Pre-lodgement check

How we protect your nomination

Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467) checks the legislative instrument for caveats before every nomination is lodged.

Explanation

What Is an Occupation Caveat?

The CSOL is not a simple list of occupation names and codes. Each entry in the legislative instrument may include one or more conditions — called caveats — that restrict the type of nomination that can use that occupation code. A caveat is a legally binding restriction. If your nomination does not satisfy an applicable caveat, the Department must refuse it.

This is the case even if:

The occupation is clearly listed on the CSOL

The nominated salary meets the CSIT

The LMT has been completed correctly

The genuine position test is satisfied

Caveats are an additional and independent criterion.

Two main types

Types of Occupation Caveat

Position-based caveat

A position-based caveat restricts a CSOL occupation to roles that occupy a specific level within a business's management or operational structure. For example, a caveat may require the position to be a "primary" role, or to sit at a senior level — excluding assistant, trainee, or support positions even if they carry the same ANZSCO title.

Business-based caveat

A business-based caveat restricts which businesses can use a particular CSOL occupation based on the business's size, revenue, or type of operation. For example, an occupation may only be available to businesses with annual turnover above a certain threshold, or to businesses whose primary activity matches the nominated occupation.

Real examples

Examples of Caveats in Practice

ANZSCO 351411

Cook

Caveat applies

BusinessA small cafe with 3 staff and $600,000 annual revenueCaveat conditionRequires the nominating business to be a 'restaurant' (not a cafe or catering business in some circumstances) and may impose a minimum establishment size requirementOutcomeNomination lodged. Refused because the business type and size did not satisfy the caveat.

This is a common refusal scenario for hospitality nominations. The specific caveat conditions for Cook must be checked in the current CSOL instrument.

ANZSCO 225113

Marketing Specialist

Caveat applies

BusinessA start-up with 4 employees and $800,000 annual turnoverCaveat conditionSome marketing occupations carry a business-size caveat requiring minimum annual turnover or employee countOutcomeNomination unable to proceed without satisfying the caveat condition, which the employer's business does not currently meet.

This example is illustrative. Always confirm the current caveat wording in the legislative instrument.

ANZSCO 261111

ICT Business Analyst

No caveat

BusinessA 20-person software consultancyCaveat conditionNo caveat — this occupation has no caveat in recent CSOL instrumentsOutcomeNomination can proceed (provided salary and LMT conditions are met).

Caveats can be added, amended, or removed each time the CSOL instrument is remade or amended. Always check the version current at the time of lodgement.

Our process

How Nanak Migration Group Checks for Caveats

Pre-lodgement caveat check — every time

Before advising an employer to proceed with a 482 Core Skills nomination, Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467):

Identifies the correct ANZSCO code for the position
Locates the current CSOL legislative instrument in force on the date of intended lodgement
Reads the full caveat text for that occupation code
Assesses whether the employer's business type, size, and revenue satisfy the caveat
Assesses whether the specific position description satisfies any position-based caveat

If a caveat cannot be satisfied, we advise the employer before the nomination is lodged — not after a refusal.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Check caveats before your nomination is lodged

Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467) reviews the current CSOL legislative instrument for every occupation before advising whether a Core Skills stream nomination can proceed.

Consultations in HindiConsultations in PunjabiConsultations in English

Request a discussion

General information only — not immigration advice

About this information

This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.

No outcome representation

Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.

Get personal advice

Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.

ANZSCO Occupation Caveats
Why a Listed Occupation Can Still Be Refused

General information current as at August 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

The Short Answer

What Is an Occupation Caveat?

Types of Occupation Caveat

Examples of Caveats in Practice

How Nanak Migration Group Checks for Caveats

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Pages

Check caveats before your nomination is lodged

What Is an Occupation Caveat?

Types of Occupation Caveat

Examples of Caveats in Practice

How Nanak Migration Group Checks for Caveats

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Pages

Check caveats before your nomination is lodged