ANZSCO is changing to Occupation and Skills Classification of for Australia (OSCA). Read on to find out what this change means.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has recently announced a significant transition from the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) to the new Occupation and Skills Classification for Australia (OSCA). This change is set to revolutionise the way skilled occupations are classified and is crucial for migrants, employers, and stakeholders to understand its implications.

What Is the OSCA and Why the Change?

The OSCA is designed to reflect the current Australian labor market better, capturing more detailed information about the skills and qualifications required for various occupations. Unlike its predecessor, the ANZSCO, which was last updated comprehensively in 2006, OSCA is set to be a more dynamic and responsive classification system. The transition aims to ensure that the classification system remains relevant and accurately represents the evolving job landscape.

Impact on Immigration Policy

It is important to note that the Minister for Immigration will need to issue a new Legislative Instruments Instrument to bring the OSCA changes into effect. The Department of Home Affairs will officially announce this process to bring the OSCA changes into effect. The Department of Home Affairs will officially announce this process in due time, with the specific date of change to be provided. Although the OSCA changes are scheduled for December 6th, this does not immediately alter immigration legislation and policy. The existing policies will remain in place until the new legislative instrument is enacted. The Department of Home Affairs will officially announce this process.

For skilled migrants, the shift from ANZSCO to OSCA is particularly significant. Visa applications will need to align with the new OSCA classifications, which may affect eligibility criteria, occupation lists, and points assessments. Migrants should review the new classifications and ensure their qualifications and work experience match the updated requirements. Employers sponsoring skilled migrants will also need to familiarize themselves with OSCA to ensure compliance and facilitate smooth visa processing.

Key Changes for Migrants

• Update Occupation Lists: The new OSCA classification will reflect current labor market demands more accurately. This means that some occupations may be added or removed from the skilled occupation lists used for visa applications. Migrants ill need to check the updated lists to ensure their occupation is still eligible for migration.
• Potential Changes in Visa Eligibility: The new OSCA classifications may affect visa eligibility for certain occupations. Migrants should review the updated requirements to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for their desired visa subclass.
• Skills Assessment: Skills assessment authorities will update their criteria to reflect OSCA classifications. This may impact the assessment outcomes for prospective migrants, particularly those in occupations that have undergone significant changes. Migrants should ensure their skills assessments are aligned with the new OSCA requirements.
• Employer Sponsorship: Employers sponsoring skilled migrants will need to familiarize themselves with the new OSCA classifications to ensure compliance with visa requirements. This includes updating job descriptions and ensuring that sponsored positions align with the new classification.

Need more information? Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below or book a consultation with one of our expert agents to understand how these changes may apply to you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide any legal or professional advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified expert before making any decisions based on this article. 

Source:

• ABS consultation news
• OSCA Search

Bill Mitroulas

Head of Migration at Questra Immigration. Managing and overseeing the growth and performance of Questra’s team of migration agents, while maintaining a client-centric and quality-driven approach. A registered migration agent since 2015 and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, with over 15 years’ experience in international education and 11 years in Australian Migration law.