Your Australian journey starts with a code. Do you want to know what that is? It is the Australia ANZSCO Code.
It’s a key that links your skills to Australia’s immigration system. In this guide, we break down the ANZSCO Occupation List, skill levels, and how to find the right code for your profile so that you can move one step closer to your Australia immigration dream with clarity and confidence.
Table Of Content
1What is ANZSCO Code in Australia?2What is the Importance of ANZSCO Code in Australia Immigration?3Australia ANZSCO Code Occupations List4How to Find your ANZSCO Code5ANZSCO Skill Levels6Common ANZSCO Code Mistakes to Avoid7Conclusion8Frequently Asked Questions
What is ANZSCO Code in Australia?
The ANZSCO code full form is Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. It is a numerical system used in Australia to classify and categorise all occupations and jobs in the Australian and New Zealand labor markets.
Each occupation is assigned a unique six-digit ANZSCO code that reflects its skill level, tasks, and responsibilities.
For example, a Software Tester is coded as 261314.
What is the Importance of ANZSCO Code in Australia Immigration?
ANZSCO codes are fundamental to Australia’s skilled migration system, serving several critical functions throughout the immigration process.
Here’s why the ANZSCO code is important:
1. Determining Visa Eligibility
- ANZSCO codes are used to match an applicant’s occupation with the skilled occupation lists relevant to various visa subclasses.
- Only occupations listed with valid ANZSCO codes are eligible for skilled migration pathways, making the code selection a decisive factor in whether an applicant can apply for a particular visa.
2. Australian Skill Assessment
- Each occupation’s ANZSCO code comes with a detailed description of tasks, required qualifications, and skill levels.
- Australian Skill Assessment authorities use the ANZSCO code to evaluate whether an applicant’s qualifications and work experience align with the nominated occupation’s requirements.
3. Points Calculation and Application Success
For points-tested visas, the nominated Australia ANZSCO code directly impacts how points are awarded for work experience, qualifications, and other criteria.
4. Labor Market Alignment
- ANZSCO codes help ensure that migrants’ skills match Australia’s labor market needs, supporting economic growth and addressing skill shortages.
- The codes also guide educational institutions in designing relevant courses and help job seekers understand the skills required for in-demand roles.
5. Legal and Policy Compliance
Immigration law requires that the nominated occupation and associated ANZSCO code appear on the appropriate skilled occupation list. Changes to ANZSCO codes or occupation lists can affect eligibility, making it vital for applicants to stay updated.
6. Streamlining the Application Process
- The ANZSCO framework standardizes occupation classification, making it easier for immigration officials to assess applications consistently and efficiently.
- Employers use ANZSCO codes to demonstrate genuine need and job alignment when sponsoring overseas worker
Australia ANZSCO Code Occupations List
Australia ANZSCO Code Occupations List, also called the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), includes jobs eligible for skilled migration visas. Each occupation is assigned a unique ANZSCO code and is categorized under lists such as:
- MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List): Lists high-demand occupations eligible for skilled migration and long-term visas across Australia.
- STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List): Contains occupations needed for short-term skilled visas, often with more limited pathways to permanent residency.
- ROL (Regional Occupation List): Includes occupations in demand specifically in regional areas, supporting regional migration programs.
List of In-demand ANZSCO Codes and their Occupations in Australia
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | List |
|---|---|---|
| Accountant (General) | 221111 | MLTSSL |
| Software Engineer | 261313 | MLTSSL |
| Registered Nurse (Aged Care) | 254412 | MLTSSL |
| Chef | 351311 | MLTSSL |
| Civil Engineer | 233211 | MLTSSL |
| Dentist | 252312 | MLTSSL |
| ICT Project Manager | 135112 | STSOL |
| Hotel or Motel Manager | 141311 | STSOL |
| Mechanical Engineer | 233512 | MLTSSL |
| Electrical Engineer | 233311 | MLTSSL |
| Secondary School Teacher | 241411 | MLTSSL |
| Early Childhood (Pre-primary) Teacher | 241111 | MLTSSL |
| General Practitioner | 253111 | MLTSSL |
| Physiotherapist | 252511 | MLTSSL |
| Social Worker | 272511 | MLTSSL |
| Marketing Specialist | 225113 | STSOL |
| University Lecturer | 242111 | MLTSSL |
| Medical Laboratory Scientist | 234611 | MLTSSL |
| Plumber (General) | 334111 | MLTSSL |
| Motor Mechanic (General) | 321211 | MLTSSL |
You can view the full, updated list and search by occupation or ANZSCO code on the official portal.
How to Find your ANZSCO Code
To find your ANZSCO code, you need to match your current job title and duties with the standardized occupation classifications used by the Australian government. The Australia ANZSCO code is essential for skilled visa applications and ensures your occupation aligns with the requirements for migration.
Steps to Find Your ANZSCO Code
- Go to the official ANZSCO or Australian Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List website.
- Enter your job title or related keywords in the search bar.
- Browse the results and select the occupation that closely matches your duties.
- Review the occupation’s description, required skills, and tasks to confirm it fits your role.
- Note the six-digit ANZSCO code for use in your visa application.
ANZSCO Skill Levels
ANZSCO skill levels group occupations by the complexity of their tasks and the qualifications or experience typically required. Here’s an overview of each level with job examples:
ANZSCO Skill Level 1
ANZSCO Skill Level 1 requires a bachelor’s degree or higher, or at least five years of relevant experience.
Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher
Experience/Training: At least 5 years relevant experience may substitute for formal qualification
Example (High Demand): Registered Nurse, Software Engineer, Civil Engineer, General Practitioner, Accountant (General)
ANZSCO Skill Level 2
ANZSCO Skill Level 2 requires an associate degree, advanced diploma, diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience.
Education: Associate degree, Advanced Diploma, or Diploma
Experience/Training: At least 3 years relevant experience may substitute for formal qualification
Example (High Demand): Construction Manager, Paramedic, Enrolled Nurse, Hotel or Motel Manager
ANZSCO Skill Level 3
ANZSCO Skill Level 3 requires Certificate IV, or Certificate III plus at least two years of on-the-job training, or three years’ relevant experience.
Education: Certificate IV, or Certificate III with at least 2 years on-the-job training
Experience/Training: At least 3 years relevant experience may substitute for formal qualification
Example (High Demand): Chef, Electrician, Carpenter, Motor Mechanic
ANZSCO Skill Level 4
ANZSCO Skill Level 4 requires Certificate II or III, or at least one year of relevant experience.
Education: Certificate II or III
Experience/Training: At least 1 year of relevant experience may substitute for a formal qualification
Example (High Demand): Truck Driver, Retail Supervisor, Security Officer
ANZSCO Skill Level 5
ANZSCO Skill Level 5 requires Certificate I or compulsory secondary education; sometimes only brief training or no formal qualification.
Education: Certificate I or compulsory secondary education
Experience/Training: Sometimes only brief training or no formal qualification required
Example (High Demand): Cleaner, Kitchen Hand, Labourer
Common ANZSCO Code Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing the right ANZSCO code is a key part of your skilled migration application. Even minor mistakes can slow down the process or lead to rejection.
Here are some common ANZSCO code mistakes to avoid:
Relying on Job Title Alone: Don’t choose a code based only on your job title; match your duties to the ANZSCO description.
Ignoring Required Skill Level: Check that your code is on the relevant Australian Skilled Occupation List for your visa.
Selecting an Ineligible Code for Your Visa: Make sure you meet the required skill level and qualifications for the code.
Splitting Experience Across Multiple Codes: Avoid splitting your experience across unrelated ANZSCO codes.
Inadequate Documentation: Provide complete, accurate, and well-organized documentation.
Not Meeting Assessing Authority Requirements: Follow the specific requirements of the assessing authority.
Not Seeking Professional Advice When Unsure: Seek professional advice if you’re unsure about the right code
Conclusion
In summary, the Australia ANZSCO code system has long been the backbone of Australia immigration, specifically for Australia PR, Australia Skilled Visas, and workforce planning—helping applicants, employers, and policymakers align skills with national needs. As Australia transitions to the new Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA), understanding and accurately using occupation codes remains crucial for PR pathways, migration strategies, and career decisions. For the most up-to-date occupation classifications and resources, visit the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Official Page.
