In both Australia and New Zealand, the ANZSCO dictionary of occupations is used by immigration authorities as its primary reference for determining the roles that are or are not suitable for immigration purposes.

Clients will be familiar with the need to confirm the suitability of a particular ANZSCO classification for a particular role and often find this challenging because of the lack of relevant classifications.

The current ANZSCO dictionary was last revised in 2013. Many of today’s fastest growing jobs in the Australian economy did not exist in 2013, and as a result, the occupations lists, upon which the visa programs are based, are seriously out of date.

There have been widespread calls for urgent review of ANZSCO, however according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, this is unlikely to occur until after the 2021 Census.

Until then, advisers on both sides of the Tasman, will be challenged when trying to find appropriate classifications especially for occupations in fast-moving and newly emerging industries.

However there is some encouragement for employers and advisers that Australia’s skilled occupation lists are under review (See separate article), even if ANZSCO is not.

DISCLAIMER This information is current as of 18 September 2019 and subject to change. The information contained in this publication is of a general nature only. It should not be used as legal advice. To the extent permissible by law, Ajuria Lawyers and its associated entities shall not be liable for any errors, omissions, defects or misrepresentations in the information or for any loss or damage suffered by persons who use or rely on such information. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.