Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is a system that collects, publishes and analyses occupation statistics across government agencies. It is used by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to capture information in all visa, settlement and citizenship programs. Importantly, it is used within the skilled visa programs as the standard by which a visa applicant’s skills and work experience to undertake a specific occupation in Australia are assessed.

ANZSCO sets out what qualifications and experience you need to perform specific jobs and what your tasks would be in that occupation. If you are applying for a visa under skilled migration, the DIAC case officer assessing your visa application will want to see proof that you have undertaken the required qualifications and/or have the necessary work experience as outlined for your listed occupation in ANZSCO. The requirements for transitional visas are generally less vigorous than those for direct entry visas.

Example: Cook

• ANZSCO code:  351411
• Assessing authority: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
• Description: prepare, season and cook food in dining and catering establishments.
• Indicative skill level: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Example: Marketing Specialists

• ANZSCO code:  225113
•  Assessing authority: Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS)
• Description: Identifies market opportunities and advises on the development, coordination and implementation of plans for pricing and promoting an organisation’s goods and services.
• Indicative skill level: This occupation has 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 (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

DIAC will use ANZSCO for assessing whether an application meets the criteria for nomination of a marketing specialist. They will want to ensure that the person being nominated has a Bachelor degree relevant to marketing or evidence of experience in marketing, for example, work references and pay advices.

Under the RSMS scheme, DIAC will also want to see that the nominated person has the required qualifications or experience. For example, a cook would need to show an AQF Certificate III that is relevant to the position of a cook including two years of on-the-job training as a cook, or three years experience as a cook.

Furthermore, applicants will also have to provide evidence of registration and/or licensing if it is compulsory for their nominated occupation. Depending on the visa, the occupation being applied for and the country of origin, the applicant may also be required to obtain a skills assessment.

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