Australia will introduce a new occupation classification system in December this year called the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA), version 1.0. This new framework will replace the existing Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) on the 6th December 2024.
Why Do ANZSCO Codes matter to Sponsoring Employers and Skilled Migrants?
ANZSCO codes are used as a reference for defining occupations in migration and skills assessment processes. Each occupation on the Skilled Occupation Lists is identified by an ANZSCO code, which outlines the job’s title, tasks, and qualifications. For example, if an employer wants to sponsor a mechanical engineer, they would refer to the ANZSCO code for Mechanical Engineer (233512). This code helps ensure that the job description, the role being offered, and the candidate’s qualifications all align with the requirements of Australian immigration.
Why the Skilled Occupation Lists Are Important for Employers
When employers look to sponsor an overseas worker, they must first check that the vacant position qualifies for sponsoring. The role must be on the Skilled Occupation List.
Without an occupation being listed, sponsoring a temporary skilled visa like a 482 visa or a Employer Nominated Scheme 186 visa is not possible. This makes the accurate classification of jobs using ANZSCO numbers critical for visa success.
Employers who want to sponsor an overseas worker need to be certain the candidate’s work history and professional experience matches the ANZSCO job description for that occupation.
Here’s why these skilled occupation lists are important:
- Visa Eligibility: Whether you’re looking to sponsor workers for temporary or permanent skilled migration, the occupation must be present on one of the Skilled Occupation Lists. These lists outline which occupations are eligible for different visa streams, ensuring that employers hire individuals with the skills that Australia needs.
- Job Descriptions: The job descriptions provided in ANZSCO (and eventually OSCA) form the basis for evaluating whether a position matches an occupation on the Skilled Occupation Lists. Employers must ensure their job descriptions align with the relevant classification, as this helps to establish that the role is genuine and in line with Australia’s migration requirements.
- Skills Assessments: For many skilled visa applications, candidates are required to undergo a skills assessment. This assessment checks whether the applicant’s qualifications, experience, and skillset match the ANZSCO description of the occupation they are applying for. If a job is inaccurately classified or poorly described, it could lead to application delays or refusals.
Australia’s decision to replace ANZSCO with OSCA is driven by changes in the labour market and the growing differences between Australia and New Zealand’s occupational classifications.
Preparing for OSCA: What Employers and Visa Applicants Need to Do
With the release of OSCA on 6 December 2024, standard business sponsors will do well to prepare. The introduction of OSCA will affect subclass 482 visa nominations, as well as the subclass 407 training visa, the subclass 485 graduate visa and permanent residency visas like the ENS subclass 186 visa.
- Update Job Descriptions: Employers will need to ensure that their job advertisements and sponsorship applications reflect the new OSCA classifications.
- Skills Assessment Alignment: Skilled visa applicants will need to ensure their skills assessments align with the new classifications under OSCA, which may require updating the documentation submitted to assessing bodies.
- Stay Informed: As the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) releases more information about OSCA, we will keep you updated on how these changes will affect specific occupations on the Skilled Occupation Lists.
As Australia moves towards implementing OSCA, it’s crucial for sponsoring employers and skilled visa applicants to understand how these changes will affect their roles in the skilled migration process. By keeping job descriptions updated and aligned with the new classifications, accredited business sponsors
can ensure that they continue to meet Australia’s requirements for sponsoring skilled workers.
To find out more about sponsoring employees or becoming a standard business sponsor, call 1300 794 680 today.
Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics, MIA