When applying for an employer-sponsored visa such as the Subclass 482, 494, or 186, one of the critical steps is matching the nominated position to the correct ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code. But what happens when the ANZSCO code for your nominated occupation doesn’t list any specific tasks? This situation is more common than you might think, and it can create confusion for both employers and applicants.
Why ANZSCO Task Matching Matters
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For employer-sponsored visa nominations, the Department of Home Affairs requires that the tasks or duties of the nominated position include a significant majority of the tasks listed in ANZSCO for that occupation. Similarly, the nominee’s work experience must include tasks that are the same as, or closely related to, those outlined in ANZSCO for the nominated occupation.
This is straightforward when the ANZSCO listing includes a detailed list of tasks. But some unit groups — particularly those ending in “99” (which are “not elsewhere classified” categories) — may not have any tasks listed at all.
What to Do When No Tasks Are Listed
According to experienced migration professionals, the solution is to look at the broader classification hierarchy. If the specific unit group has no tasks listed, you should step back to the minor group level in the ANZSCO structure. The minor group will typically include a general set of tasks that apply to all occupations within that group.
For example, if you’re dealing with ANZSCO code 141999 (Accommodation and Hospitality Managers Not Elsewhere Classified), and no specific tasks are listed at the unit group level, you would refer to the tasks listed under Minor Group 141 (Accommodation and Hospitality Managers) on the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) website.
How the ANZSCO Hierarchy Works
The ANZSCO classification follows a hierarchical structure:
- Major Group (1 digit) — e.g., 1 = Managers
- Sub-Major Group (2 digits) — e.g., 14 = Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers
- Minor Group (3 digits) — e.g., 141 = Accommodation and Hospitality Managers
- Unit Group (4 digits) — e.g., 1411 = Café and Restaurant Managers
- Occupation (6 digits) — e.g., 141999 = Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec
When tasks aren’t available at the occupation or unit group level, moving up to the minor group level gives you a broader but still relevant set of tasks to reference in your nomination and position description.
Tips for Preparing Your Position Description
- Use the ABS website: Always check the latest ANZSCO listings on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website for the most current task descriptions.
- Reference the minor group tasks: If your specific occupation code has no tasks, use the tasks from the minor group to frame your position description.
- Be thorough: Ensure the position description clearly demonstrates how the role’s duties align with the ANZSCO tasks, even if you’re drawing from a broader group.
- Document the nominee’s experience: Show that the nominee has performed tasks that match those listed in the relevant ANZSCO group.
Get Expert Help
Matching your occupation to the right ANZSCO code and ensuring the position description aligns with the required tasks is one of the most important parts of an employer-sponsored visa application. Getting it wrong can lead to a nomination refusal. If you’re unsure about how to handle an ANZSCO code with no tasks listed, our team can help you get it right.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Visa rules and policies can change, and individual circumstances vary. We recommend booking a consultation with one of our registered migration agents for advice tailored to your specific situation.
Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This article is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.
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