ANZSCO Code Finder: How to Find Your Occupation Code for Australian PR
One of the first and most important steps in the Australian skilled migration process is identifying the correct ANZSCO code for your occupation. Getting this right determines which skills assessing body assesses you, which visa subclasses you can apply for, and whether your occupation is currently on Australia's skilled occupation list. This guide explains what ANZSCO codes are and how to find the right one for your situation.
What Is an ANZSCO Code?
ANZSCO stands for the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. It is a system developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to classify all occupations in a standardised way. Each occupation is assigned a unique 6-digit code.
For skilled migration purposes, your ANZSCO code is the central identifier for your application. It determines:
- Which skills assessing authority is responsible for your occupation (Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS, TRA, etc.)
- Whether your occupation is currently on the skilled occupation list (MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL)
- Which visa subclasses are available to you
- Whether you need a full CDR, an RPL, or another type of assessment
How to Find Your ANZSCO Code
There are several ways to identify your ANZSCO code:
- ABS ANZSCO Search Tool: The Australian Bureau of Statistics website (abs.gov.au) has an official ANZSCO search tool. Search by job title or by key skills and tasks.
- Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List: Search the skilled occupation list on the Home Affairs website — this also shows which assessing authority applies to each occupation.
- Task Matching: Read the ANZSCO occupation description carefully. Focus on whether the tasks described match what you actually do in your job — not just whether the title matches.
- Professional Advice: If you are uncertain between two codes, consult a qualified migration professional. An incorrect code selection can waste months and significant fees.
Common Engineering ANZSCO Codes
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation | Assessing Body |
|---|---|---|
| 233111 | Chemical Engineer | Engineers Australia |
| 233211 | Civil Engineer | Engineers Australia |
| 233212 | Geotechnical Engineer | Engineers Australia |
| 233213 | Quantity Surveyor | AIQS |
| 233214 | Structural Engineer | Engineers Australia |
| 233311 | Electrical Engineer | Engineers Australia |
| 233411 | Electronics Engineer | Engineers Australia |
| 233512 | Mechanical Engineer | Engineers Australia |
| 233611 | Mining Engineer | Engineers Australia |
| 233999 | Engineering Professionals NEC | Engineers Australia |
| 233916 | Environmental Engineer | Engineers Australia |
| 233913 | Biomedical Engineer | Engineers Australia |
Common ICT ANZSCO Codes
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation | Assessing Body |
|---|---|---|
| 261111 | ICT Business Analyst | ACS |
| 261112 | Systems Analyst | ACS |
| 261312 | Developer Programmer | ACS |
| 261313 | Software Engineer | ACS |
| 261399 | Software and Applications Programmers NEC | ACS |
| 262111 | Database Administrator | ACS |
| 262112 | ICT Security Specialist | ACS |
| 263111 | Computer Network and Systems Engineer | ACS |
| 263112 | Network Administrator | ACS |
| 135111 | ICT Project Manager | ACS |
Common Mistakes When Selecting an ANZSCO Code
- Matching job title instead of tasks: A "Software Engineer" at one company might do systems architecture work that better matches "Systems Analyst" (261112). Always compare task descriptions.
- Choosing a code that's not on the skilled occupation list: Not all ANZSCO codes qualify for skilled visas. Always cross-reference with the current skilled occupation list.
- Selecting based on points rather than accuracy: The occupation you nominate must genuinely match your skills and experience. Using a code that doesn't fit can result in a negative skills assessment or visa refusal.
- Ignoring the assessment body: Two similar-sounding occupations may be assessed by different bodies (e.g., Computer Systems Engineer by Engineers Australia, Software Engineer by ACS), with very different processes.
Checking Your Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
Australia maintains several occupation lists for skilled migration:
- MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List): Access to Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas
- STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List): Access to some employer-sponsored visas
- ROL (Regional Occupation List): Access to Subclass 491 only in some cases
Occupation lists are updated periodically. Always check the current list on the Department of Home Affairs website before proceeding with your skills assessment application.
Not Sure Which ANZSCO Code Applies to You?
Our team will review your work history and qualifications to confirm the correct ANZSCO code and the best migration pathway for your situation. Book a free consultation today.
Book Free Consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ANZSCO code?
ANZSCO stands for Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. Each occupation has a unique 6-digit code that determines your skills assessing body, visa eligibility, and migration pathway.
How do I find my ANZSCO code?
Use the ABS ANZSCO search tool (abs.gov.au) or the Department of Home Affairs skilled occupations list. Match on tasks you perform, not just your job title.
Can I have two ANZSCO codes?
For a single visa application, you nominate one ANZSCO code. You can assess your eligibility under multiple codes separately and choose the best one for your migration strategy.
What if my job title doesn't match any ANZSCO code?
ANZSCO is based on tasks, not titles. Read the task descriptions for candidate codes and match them to what you actually do day-to-day rather than matching your title literally.
Related: ACS vs Engineers Australia | Engineers Australia Skill Assessment | How Many Points for Australian PR