As of 7 December 2024, the Department of Home Affairs has introduced significant legislative changes that affect how occupations are classified for various Australian visas. At Anzscosearch, we are committed to guiding you through these updates, though the task is complex.
Dual-Catalogue System
The changes to employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 482 and 186) have introduced an updated ANZSCO catalogue (ANZSCO v2022), which reflects the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations as in force on 23 November 2022. However, many other visas still rely on the older ANZSCO v1.2 (in force on 27 June 2013).
This dual-catalogue system creates complexities. The new ANZSCO v2022 not only amends occupation descriptions and tasks but also changes occupation codes or names and even removes certain occupations in some cases. For example, “Cabinetmaker” now appears under two distinct codes and with a slightly updated name:
- Cabinetmaker ANZSCO 394111 – Listed under ANZSCO v1.2 (older version)
- Cabinet Maker ANZSCO 394112 – Listed under ANZSCO v2022 (newer version)
Which Visas Use Which Catalogue?
The following table provides an overview of each visa subclass and corresponding stream, including the applicable occupation lists and the relevant ANZSCO catalogue.
In summary:
- ANZSCO v1.2 is relevant to Subclass 189, 190, 491, 485, 494, 407, and 187 visas.
- ANZSCO v2022 is relevant to Subclass 482 (Core & Specialist streams) and 186 (TRT & DE).
A mix of both catalogues, as well as non-ANZSCO occupations with a 6-digit code of 070499, is used under the Labour Agreement stream of Subclass 482, 186 and 494.
What are the Challenges?
Using multiple catalogues introduces the following issues:
1. Occupations in the v1.2 catalogue which do not exist in the new v2022 catalogue because they are obsolete or have been replaced by a new occupation.
Case in Point:
262112 ICT Security Specialist
This occupation is in the v1.2 catalogue and is included in the MLTSSL list. It is eligible for Subclasses 189, 190, 491, 485, 494, and 407.
However, this occupation does NOT exist in the new v2022 catalogue; therefore, it is no longer eligible for Subclass 482 and 186. This occupation has been replaced by:
262116 Cyber Security Analyst
The Cyber Security Analyst is in the v2022 catalogue. It is a new occupation included in the CSOL list and is eligible for Subclasses 482 and 186.
2. Occupations in the v1.2 catalogue that exist in the new v2022 catalogue but with a different or updated code.
Case in Point:
362212 Arborist (v1.2) vs 362511 Arborist (v2022)
3. Occupations listed in the v1.2 catalogue that exist in the new v2022 catalogue but with a different or updated name.
Case in Point:
322211 Sheetmetal Trades Worker vs 322211 Sheetmetal Worker
4. Occupations in the v1.2 catalogue that exist in the new v2022 catalogue but with a different or updated code and name.
Case in Point:
394111 Cabinetmaker (v1.2) vs 394112 Cabinet Maker (v2022)
5. New occupations included in the v2022 catalogue that did not exist in the v1.2 catalogue.
Case in Point:
139917 Regulatory Affairs Manager 224114 Data Analysts 224115 Data Scientist
Anzscosearch’s Approach
To address these challenges, Anzscosearch has taken the following approach:
1) ANZSCO catalogue v1.2 vs v1.3
In November 2019, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released a newer version of the v1.2 catalogue, Version 1.3 (v1.3).
This release was limited to updating the indicative skills level for some occupations. It did not result in adding, deleting, or moving any categories within ANZSCO. The changes were kept to a minimum in most cases, limited to removing the words “(Aus) (NZ)” from the title.
Version 1.2 has no longer been maintained by the ABS since 2019.
Anzscosearch is updated to v1.3.
2. Designated Badge
Each occupation has been assigned an identification ‘badge’ which labels each occupation as being from the old catalogue (v1.3), the new catalogue (v2022) or both (v1.3 & v2022)
Example of an occupation only in v1.3:
Example of an occupation only in v2022:
Example of an occupation in both catalogues with no code or name changes:
3. Search identification
If an occupation exists in both catalogues with no changes to its code or name, it appears in the search as normal. For example, 234211 Chemist:
If an occupation exists in both catalogues but its code or name has changed, it will appear twice in the search—once for each catalogue version (look out for the v2022 badge on the right-hand corner to differentiate between the two occupations). For example, Arborist:
4. New ANZSCO v2022 Tab
When you select a code from the two catalogues, the search will return two ANZSCO Tabs so that you can navigate the differences in occupation descriptions, tasks, etc.
5. Information Notes
We have added ‘Information Icons’ to display occupation-specific eligibility criteria for the Subclass 482 Specialist Skills stream and the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of Subclass 186 and 187.
Legislation
- Migration Amendment (2024 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2024
- Migration (Specification of Occupations—Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2024
- Migration (Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities—Subclass 186 Visa) Instrument 2024
- Migration (Language Test Requirements for Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2024
- Migration Amendment (Skills in Demand Visa and Related Matters) Instrument 2024
- Migration (Arrangements for Employer Nomination and Regional Employer Nomination Skilled Visas) Instrument 2024
- Migration Amendment (Skills in Demand and Nil VAC) Instrument 2024
- Migration (Skilling Australians Fund) Charges Amendment (Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) Visa) Regulations 2024
- Migration (ANZSCO Definition) Specification 2024
