ANZSCO Skill Lists and How It Works for Australia Immigration 2026
The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is the foundation of Australia's skilled migration system. Understanding ANZSCO codes and skill assessments is crucial for determining your visa eligibility and pathway to Australian permanent residency in 2026.
What is ANZSCO?
ANZSCO is a standardized classification system that categorizes over 1,000 occupations based on skill level and specialization. Every occupation has a unique 6-digit code (e.g., 261313 - Software Engineer). This code determines which visas you can apply for and which assessing authority evaluates your qualifications.
ANZSCO Structure Explained
| Level | Digits | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Group | 1 digit | Broad occupational category | 2 = Professionals |
| Sub-Major Group | 2 digits | Specific professional area | 26 = ICT Professionals |
| Minor Group | 3 digits | Detailed specialization | 261 = Business & Systems Analysts, Programmers |
| Unit Group | 4 digits | Occupation family | 2613 = Software and Applications Programmers |
| Occupation | 6 digits | Specific occupation | 261313 = Software Engineer |
Key Point: You must choose the most specific 6-digit ANZSCO code that matches your primary job duties and qualifications. Choosing the wrong code can lead to skill assessment rejection or visa refusal.
ANZSCO Skill Levels
ANZSCO classifies occupations into 5 skill levels based on required education and experience:
| Skill Level | Education Required | Experience | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill Level 1 | Bachelor degree or higher | 5+ years (or Master's + 2 years) | Engineers, Doctors, Accountants |
| Skill Level 2 | AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma | 3+ years | Technicians, Tradespeople, Chefs |
| Skill Level 3 | AQF Certificate IV or III | 1+ year | Electricians, Plumbers, Hairdressers |
| Skill Level 4 | AQF Certificate II or III | 1+ year | Sales Assistants, Machine Operators |
| Skill Level 5 | High school (Year 10) | On-the-job training | Cleaners, Laborers, Packers |
Important: Most skilled migration visas (189, 190, 491) require Skill Level 1, 2, or 3 occupations. Skill Levels 4 and 5 are generally not eligible for permanent residency pathways except in specific circumstances.
Skills Assessment: The Critical First Step
Before applying for any skilled visa, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from the designated assessing authority for your occupation. This confirms your qualifications and experience match Australian standards.
What Skills Assessment Evaluates
- Educational qualifications: Degree/diploma equivalence to Australian standards
- Work experience: Relevance, duration, and seniority level
- Job duties: Must match ANZSCO occupation description 80%+
- English proficiency: Most authorities require Competent English minimum
- Licenses/registrations: For regulated professions (doctors, nurses, electricians)
Major Assessing Authorities in Australia 2026
| Authority | Occupations | Processing Time | Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACS (Australian Computer Society) | ICT Professionals, Software Engineers, Business Analysts | 6-12 weeks | $530-$695 |
| Engineers Australia (EA) | All Engineering disciplines | 8-13 weeks | $785-$1,100 |
| CPA Australia / CA ANZ / IPA | Accountants, Auditors, Tax Advisors | 6-10 weeks | $650-$1,200 |
| AHPRA (Health Practitioner Regulation) | Nurses, Doctors, Physiotherapists, Pharmacists | 12-20 weeks | $800-$3,000 |
| TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) | Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, Chefs, Hairdressers | 8-16 weeks | $1,200-$2,000 |
| VETASSESS | General professional occupations (HR, Marketing, Managers) | 10-12 weeks | $930-$1,100 |
| AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching) | Teachers (Primary, Secondary, Early Childhood) | 12-16 weeks | $550-$650 |
| AIMS (Australian Institute of Medical Scientists) | Medical Laboratory Scientists | 8-12 weeks | $900-$1,200 |
Find Your Assessing Authority: Visit the Department of Home Affairs website and search for your ANZSCO code. The official list shows which authority assesses each occupation. Do not apply to the wrong authority – applications are non-refundable.
Step-by-Step: Skills Assessment Process
Step 1: Identify Your ANZSCO Code
- Search ANZSCO database on abs.gov.au or immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Read the full occupation description and task lists
- Match your job duties to the occupation (need 80% match)
- Choose the most specific code that fits your role
Step 2: Gather Documents
- Academic: Degree certificates, transcripts, course syllabi
- Employment: Reference letters on company letterhead (detailed job duties, dates, position)
- Identity: Passport, birth certificate
- English: PTE/IELTS/TOEFL test results (if required)
- Additional: Payslips, employment contracts, project portfolios
Step 3: Submit Application
- Create account on assessing authority website
- Complete online application form (accuracy critical)
- Upload certified copies of all documents
- Pay assessment fee (non-refundable)
- Submit and receive acknowledgment with reference number
Step 4: Wait for Assessment
- Processing times: 6-20 weeks depending on authority
- May request additional information (respond within deadline)
- Some authorities conduct verification with employers
- Track application status online
Step 5: Receive Outcome
- Positive: Skills assessment letter issued (valid 3 years typically)
- Negative: Reasons provided; may appeal or reapply with additional evidence
- Partial: Some experience periods deemed not relevant
- Use positive outcome to apply for EOI (Expression of Interest) via SkillSelect
Common ANZSCO Occupations for Indian Migrants
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation | Assessing Authority | Typical Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 261313 | Software Engineer | ACS | ★★★★★ Very High |
| 261314 | Software Tester | ACS | ★★★★ High |
| 261312 | Developer Programmer | ACS | ★★★★★ Very High |
| 221111 | Accountant (General) | CPA/CA ANZ/IPA | ★★★★ High |
| 254111 | Midwife | AHPRA | ★★★★★ Critical |
| 254411 | Nurse Practitioner | AHPRA | ★★★★★ Critical |
| 233214 | Structural Engineer | Engineers Australia | ★★★★ High |
| 233914 | Engineering Technologist | Engineers Australia | ★★★ Moderate |
| 351311 | Chef | TRA | ★★★★★ Very High |
| 241111 | Early Childhood (Pre-primary) Teacher | AITSL | ★★★★ High |
Common Skills Assessment Mistakes
Top Reasons for Assessment Rejection
- Wrong ANZSCO code chosen: Job duties don't match selected occupation description
- Insufficient work experience: Not meeting minimum years for skill level
- Poor reference letters: Missing detailed job duties, dates, or on wrong letterhead
- Qualification not recognized: Degree from unaccredited institution
- Employment gaps unexplained: Missing periods in employment history
- Insufficient English test score: Not meeting authority requirements
- Document inconsistencies: Dates/titles don't match across documents
How to Ensure Success
- Read ANZSCO description thoroughly - Match 80%+ of listed tasks
- Get reference letters from direct supervisors/HR on company letterhead
- Include detailed job duties (3-5 bullet points minimum per role)
- Provide certified copies (Justice of Peace, Notary, or authority-accepted certifier)
- Get qualification assessed through Country Education Services (CES) first if unsure
- Achieve required English score before applying (saves time and money)
- Consider using a migration agent for complex cases
Skills Assessment Validity & Updates
| Authority | Validity Period | Can Update? |
|---|---|---|
| ACS | 2 years | Yes, request update with new experience |
| Engineers Australia | 3 years | Yes, Stage 2 reassessment available |
| CPA/CA ANZ/IPA | No expiry (visa lodgment) | N/A - valid until visa lodged |
| VETASSESS | 3 years | Yes, new assessment required |
| TRA | Varies by pathway | Yes, progression through TRA stages |
Pro Tip: If your skills assessment is about to expire, lodge your EOI (Expression of Interest) before expiry. You can then update the assessment after receiving invitation. This prevents delays in receiving invitations.
Skills Assessment Costs 2026
| Item | Cost (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment Fee | $530 - $3,000 | Varies by authority and occupation |
| Document Certification | $50 - $200 | Justice of Peace/Notary fees |
| Document Translation | $100 - $500 | If non-English documents (NAATI translator) |
| English Test (PTE) | $385 AUD (~₹24,000) | Required by most authorities |
| Qualification Verification | $200 - $400 | CES or university verification service |
| Migration Agent (Optional) | $1,500 - $4,000 | Professional assistance for complex cases |
| Total Estimate | $1,300 - $8,000+ | Depending on occupation and complexity |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for skills assessment while still employed overseas?
Yes. You do not need to be in Australia or have a job offer. Skills assessment is based solely on your qualifications and past work experience. However, you must have completed education and gained sufficient work experience before applying.
What if my job title doesn't match the ANZSCO occupation?
Job titles don't matter - job duties matter. For example, "Senior Associate" in IT consulting might match "261313 Software Engineer" if 80%+ of daily tasks involve designing, developing, and testing software. Focus on matching task descriptions, not titles.
Can I get assessed for multiple ANZSCO codes?
Yes, but you must pay separate assessment fees for each occupation. Only do this if you genuinely have qualifications and experience in multiple distinct fields. Most authorities assess only closely related occupations in one application.
How much work experience do I need for skills assessment?
Varies by occupation and authority:
- ACS (ICT): Bachelor's degree + 2 years OR Diploma + 5 years
- Engineers Australia: Bachelor's degree (minimum) + varies by discipline
- CPA/CA ANZ: 1 year post-qualification experience minimum
- VETASSESS: 1-5 years depending on qualification level
What happens if I get a negative assessment?
You can:
- Appeal: If you believe assessment was incorrect (limited time, fees apply)
- Reapply: With additional evidence (new fee required)
- Try different occupation: Assess under another ANZSCO code that better matches your profile
- Gain more experience: Work another 1-2 years and reapply
After Skills Assessment: Next Steps
- Lodge EOI via SkillSelect: Create profile with your skills assessment, English scores, age, education points
- Get Invited: If your points are competitive, receive invitation to apply for visa (189/190/491)
- Apply for Visa: Lodge full visa application within 60 days of invitation
- Health & Character Checks: Complete medical exams and police clearances
- Visa Grant: Receive permanent or temporary visa grant
English Proficiency: The Foundation
Most skills assessing authorities require Competent English minimum (PTE 50+ each). Higher scores (65+, 79+) add 10-20 extra visa points.
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Last Updated: January 2026 | Author: PTE Test India Migration Team | Sources: Department of Home Affairs, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Individual Assessing Authority Websites | Disclaimer: This is general information. Always verify current requirements with official assessing authorities and migration agents.
