ANZSCO codes: the basics, answered

Six plain answers to the questions we see most often. Each answer links its source.

What is an ANZSCO code?

ANZSCO stands for Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. It is a numbered system that groups every occupation into a six-digit code. Governments, skills-assessment authorities, and immigration departments use the code to talk about your job in a consistent way. The 2022 edition, published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, covers 1,076 occupations.

Why doesn’t my code match my job title?

ANZSCO uses standard occupation titles, not the job titles on your contract. Your title might say “Solutions Architect” but the closest code could be Computer Network and Systems Engineer (263111). The match is based on the tasks and duties you actually perform, not the label your employer chose. Always read the official description for a code before relying on it.

What do the skill levels 1 to 5 mean?

Each code carries a skill level from 1 (highest) to 5. The level maps to a typical entry qualification: skill level 1 usually means a bachelor degree or higher; skill level 5 is generally short on-the-job training. The ABS ANZSCO 2022 classification defines the full criteria. Skill level matters for visa pathways because some streams are restricted to specific levels.

Does being on a skills occupation list mean my occupation is in shortage?

No. These are two separate questions. An occupation on a list, such as the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), is eligible for certain visa streams. The shortage rating comes from a different source: the 2024 Occupation Shortage List, published by Jobs and Skills Australia. An occupation can be on the CSOL with a “No Shortage” rating, or rated in shortage without being on the CSOL. Check both separately.

How do I know if my occupation is on New Zealand’s Green List?

New Zealand publishes a separate list called the Green List. It splits into two tiers. Tier 1 leads to a Straight to Residence visa. Tier 2 leads to a Work to Residence visa, which requires 24 months of relevant New Zealand work experience first. The authoritative list is Appendix 13 of the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual, effective 26 March 2025. You can browse by code in the ANZSCO 2022 directory.

Is ANZSCO being replaced?

In Australia, yes. The ABS released OSCA (Occupation Standard Classification for Australia) on 6 December 2024. The ABS says OSCA replaces ANZSCO for use in Australia. However, migration still runs on ANZSCO for now: the CSOL is benchmarked to the November 2022 release of ANZSCO. Whether and when Home Affairs switches migration to OSCA is not confirmed on a primary source. New Zealand has its own separate National Occupation List (NOL). For the current position, check the ABS OSCA page directly.

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Still not sure which code is yours? You can search the codes yourself, and if you would rather not guess, the CV matcher will map your CV to its closest codes. Information only, with a source and date on every fact.