Frequently Asked Questions

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is a skill-based classification system used to classify occupations in the Australian and New Zealand labour markets.

ANZSCO was maintained by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS ) and consists of a list of occupations, each of which is assigned a unique 6-digit code. The last revision, ANZSCO v.2022, was released on 22 November 2022, and no further updates will be made.

Despite the introduction of a new classification system (OSCA), ANZSCO is still used by the Department of Home Affairs for skilled visa programs. This means ANZSCO remains the official framework for assessing an applicant’s skills against a nominated occupation in Australia until OSCA is fully implemented in the migration system.

The Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA ) version 1.0 was officially released on 6 December 2024 as Australia’s new national occupation classification system.

OSCA is designed to better reflect Australia’s evolving labour market by providing more updated occupation classifications than ANZSCO. However, OSCA has not yet been adopted by the Department of Home Affairs for visa and migration purposes.

Until the migration system transitions to OSCA, ANZSCO remains the standard for skilled visas and occupation assessments in Australia.

Anzscosearch is a comprehensive search tool designed to help users navigate Australia’s skilled migration system. It is built on the ANZSCO catalogue and integrates all Federal and State/Territory skilled occupation lists in one platform.

With Anzscosearch, users can quickly find information on:

• General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa options
• Occupation eligibility under various skilled migration programs
• State and Territory nomination availability
• and more (see our Features)

Anzscosearch is daily reviewed and updated (if necessary) to ensure accuracy and up-to-date occupation listings. Whether you’re searching for visa pathways, occupation classifications, or state nomination details, Anzscosearch simplifies the process by providing all relevant information in one place.

Anzscosearch provides up-to-date information about General skilled migration visas for Australia and information about all Australian State/Territory skilled occupation lists.

It also provides 6 types of search.

Most of the data contained in Anzscosearch comes from official websites, including:

• Australian Bureau of Statistics 2013, ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations
• Department of Home Affairs
• Legislative Instruments
• All the different State and Territory official websites, and Regional Areas

All relevant content and sources of information are appropriately credited and cited throughout the website.

Anzscosearch data draws on information directly provided by third-party official websites and is thus as accurate as of the information on those websites.

Anzscosearch validation and verification processes ensure that all data published is as complete, accurate and reliable as possible.

Changes may occur daily. The frequency of these changes depends on all the different sources of information, including each Australian State and Territory or the Department of Home Affairs.

The links below provide a history of the last changes:

• Latest 100 changes on lists
• Latest updates by Australian State/Territory Occupation List

Yes, Anzscosearch partners with Registered Migration Agents who can provide professional immigration advice and assistance.

Immigration assistance is defined in section 276 of the Migration Act 1958. In general terms “immigration assistance” refers to the provision of assistance in immigration matters to persons, including advising clients about sponsorship/nomination, assisting in the preparation and lodgement of applications, client representation etc.
It is illegal for a person to give “immigration assistance” if they are not a registered migration agent (s.280 MA).

Should you need advice or assistance in relation to your specific circumstances, it is in your interests to consult a Registered Migration Agent.

SkillSelect is an online system used by the Australian Government to manage applications for skilled visas. It allows skilled workers from around the world to express their interest in working in Australia and to be considered for a skilled visa.

To use SkillSelect, an applicant must create an Expression of Interest (EOI) and provide information about their skills, qualifications, and work experience. The applicant must also nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and provide evidence of their English language ability.

SkillSelect uses a points-based system to assess the eligibility of applicants for skilled visas. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and English language ability.

SkillSelect is used to manage the allocation of places under the Skilled Independent, Skilled Regional, and Business Innovation and Investment visa programs. It is designed to help the Australian Government meet the skilled workforce needs of the country and to support the growth of the Australian economy.

In ANZSCO, the skill levels are used to classify occupations based on the level of education, training, and experience required to work in that occupation.

Skill Level is rated from 1 to 5.

Skill Level 1

Occupations at Skill Level 1 have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Skill Level 2

Occupations at Skill Level 2 have a level of skill commensurate with one of the following:

• NZQF Diploma or
• AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma.

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Skill Level 3

Occupations at Skill Level 3 have a level of skill commensurate with one of the following:

• NZQF Level 4 qualification
• AQF Certificate IV or
• AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training.

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Skill Level 4

Occupations at Skill Level 4 have a level of skill commensurate with one of the following:

• NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification or
• AQF Certificate II or III.

At least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Skill Level 5

Occupations at Skill Level 5 have a level of skill commensurate with one of the following:

• NZQF Level 1 qualification
• AQF Certificate I or
• Compulsory secondary education.

For some occupations a short period of on-the-job training may be required in addition to or instead of the formal qualification.
In some instances, no formal qualification or on-the-job training may be required.

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a system of national qualifications in Australia that covers all levels of education and training, from school to higher education.

The AQF consists of 10 levels, ranging from Certificate I to Doctoral Degree, and includes both formal qualifications, such as degrees and diplomas, and informal qualifications, such as industry-specific certifications. AQF level 1 has the lowest complexity and AQF level 10 has the highest complexity.

AQF Levels

• Level 1 – Certificate I
• Level 2 – Certificate II
• Level 3 – Certificate III
• Level 4 – Certificate IV
• Level 5 – Diploma
• Level 6 – Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree
• Level 7 – Bachelor Degree
• Level 8 – Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma
• Level 9 – Masters Degree
• Level 10 – Doctoral Degree

https://www.aqf.edu.au/framework/aqf-levels