ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations)
Statutory definition
ANZSCO is not defined in the Migration Act 1958 or Migration Regulations 1994 but is referenced extensively in the legislative instruments that specify the skilled occupation lists and assessing authority assignments. The classification is maintained by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) jointly with Statistics New Zealand.
Explanation
ANZSCO assigns each occupation a six-digit code and a skill level. Skill level 1 (highest) corresponds to a bachelor degree or higher; skill level 5 corresponds to compulsory secondary education only. Skilled migration visas generally require occupations at ANZSCO skill levels 1, 2, or 3.
An applicant's nominated occupation must:
- Appear on the relevant occupation list (the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, Short-term Skilled Occupation List, or a state/territory specific list)
- Be assessed as suitable for the applicant by the designated assessing authority
- Match the applicant's qualifications and experience at the time of assessment and at the time of visa grant
ANZSCO Version 1.3 introduced updated codes for several technology and healthcare occupations in 2022. Skills assessments issued under the previous ANZSCO version remain valid for the period specified by the assessing authority.
How this term is used
ANZSCO codes drive the entire skilled migration skills assessment process. The code determines which assessing authority applies, what documentation is required, and how the work experience is mapped. Where an occupation straddles two ANZSCO codes, the assessing authority will nominate the most appropriate code.