As part of the Employer Nominated Scheme and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme review process the Government announced the implementation of a single list of occupations to provide a simpler and more consistent approach to sponsorship across the skill stream of visas without restricting the flexibility of programs such as the Labour Agreement and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme categories.

The Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) is a single list of occupations which replaces the State/Territory Nominated (STATSOL), the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENSOL), Subclass 442 Occupational Trainee and the Subclass 457 Skilled Occupation Lists and determines occupations that applicants can nominate under these programs from 1 July 2012. Not only does this make it easier for the visa applicant to find the right list, it also means for some 457 visa holders who were not able to apply for an ENS visa under the old rules that they are now eligible for permanent resident under the Employer Nomination Scheme.