Australia PR for Skilled Professionals: How to Check If Your Occupation Qualifies

Your profession can shape your Australia PR journey right from the start. Australia uses occupation lists to identify skilled roles that may qualify for different migration programs. Finding your occupation on the list is not sufficient for eligibility. There are other parameters that you need to qualify for, such as the ANZSCO code, visa subclasses, work duties, and fulfilling skills assessment requirements. So verify all these aspects and then move to the next section as all these can vary in migration pathways. This article explains how skilled professionals can check occupation eligibility and prepare an occupation-based Australia PR strategy.

Understanding Occupation Eligibility for Australia PR

Occupation eligibility means that your nominated profession meets the requirements of the skilled visa pathway you plan to use. Australia currently uses different occupation lists for different visa programs, including the MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL, and CSOL. Visa applicability varies in different occupations. Therefore, before applying, check the occupation name, ANZSCO code, subclass, caveats, and assessing authority. 

Check Eligibility of Your Occupation

Follow these checks before treating your profession as eligible for an Australian skilled migration pathway.

Search for Your Occupation on the Relevant Skilled Occupation List

Start with the Australian Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation information. Search for your occupation and check which list covers it. Most importantly, consider the visa subclass/codes that are connected with that occupation, not the visas that are available.

Match Your Job Duties With the Occupation Description

Do not rely only on your current job title. Compare the work you actually perform with the duties and responsibilities attached to the relevant occupation classification. Another thing: the occupation that you have chosen from the list needs to be aligned with your educational qualifications, work experience, and job responsibilities. 

Check the Applicable Visa Subclass

Once you check the occupation you are applying for on the list, now it’s time to look for the visa type assigned to it. Alongside this, you also need to meet the eligibility requirements for the assigned visa subclasses such as 189, 190, 491, 186, 482, and 494.

Identify the Relevant Assessing Authority

Most skilled occupations have a nominated assessing authority. This organization evaluates whether your qualifications, skills, and employment experience meet its standards for the nominated occupation. Always apply to the authority specified for your occupation and migration pathway.

Preparing Your Occupation-Based Australia PR Strategy

When your occupation seems to be eligible, link it to the migration pathway which is suitable to your background.

• Compare suitable visa pathways: Read about the types of skilled visa categories which your profession may be eligible for: independent skilled visa, state nomination, regional visa or employer-sponsored visa. The occupation coverage can differ considerably between subclasses.
• Review your full eligibility profile: If your occupation is eligible, it does not guarantee a visa. Other elements that may also have an impact on the pathway include age, English language proficiency, qualifications, work experience, skills assessment, points, nomination, sponsorship, registration and licensing.
• Prepare evidence early: Collect certificates of qualifications, transcripts, employment references, payslips, tax or payment records, identity documents and other evidence that is needed for your assessing authority. As procedures vary across authorities, it is better that you verify all the documents before assessment submission.

How Do Skills Assessment and Occupation Eligibility Work Together?

Eligibility for occupation shows whether a profession is used for a specific skilled migration pathway. A skills assessment mainly inquires whether you can show that you have the skills and experience required for the nominated occupation. Applicants must have the required skills assessment for their nominated occupation for points-tested visas, which include subclass 189, 190 and 491 General Skilled Migration visas. The relevant assessing authority is determined by the occupation listed by Home Affairs.

Can Your Occupation Qualify Through Different Australia PR Pathways?

Yes; this is because a skilled occupation can be found in multiple migration pathways, but with varying conditions. An occupation may be applicable for subclass 189 visa, 190 visa, 491 visa, 186 visa or 494 visa. These regional pathways could also offer access to a broader range of professions. Therefore, ensure you examine the specific list and legislative parameters relevant to the applicable visa. 

What to Do After Confirming Your Occupation Is Eligible

After determining eligibility to occupy, review all other visa criteria for the desired visa. Complete the relevant skills assessment as needed; review English language requirements; determine points for a points based pathway; and examine state/territory nomination requirements (where applicable). SkillSelect is used for submitting an Expression of Interest for subclass 189, 190 and 491 visas. Keep your employment and qualification evidence accurate because the information you claim must be supported during the migration process.

FAQs

Conclusion

When you are planning to move to Australia based on a skilled visa, first you need to verify whether your current occupation is listed. Then also verify the applicable visa subclass, skills assessment parameters, authorities, and appropriate skilled occupation list to ensure visa availability. It is important to make sure that each subsequent stage is easier to manage and avoid selecting a pathway that may be inappropriate. Aspire Square can help you understand the requirements that apply to your individual migration profile. Connect with Aspire Square to turn your occupation check into a clearly planned Australia PR pathway.