Understanding the Occupation List for the Specialist Skills Stream

How This List Is Used

Determining eligibility under the Specialist Skills stream differs from visa pathways that rely on a specific occupation list. Rather than looking for an individual job title on a prescribed list, employers and applicants must determine whether the nominated occupation falls within an eligible ANZSCO major group and whether the other requirements of the stream are satisfied.

How This System Determines Eligibility for the Specialist Skills Stream

Eligibility for the Specialist Skills stream is determined by assessing the nominated occupation against the relevant ANZSCO code and ensuring that the position falls within an eligible major occupational group. The applicant must also satisfy the applicable Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT).

Under the relevant requirements, eligible positions may fall within ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6. These groups include:

Positions classified under ANZSCO Major Groups 3 (Technicians and Trades Workers), 7 (Machinery Operators and Drivers) and 8 (Labourers) are excluded from the Specialist Skills stream, regardless of the proposed salary.

Another key feature of the stream is that eligibility does not depend on being included on the Core Skills Occupation List. However, the nominated salary must meet or exceed the applicable Specialist Skills Income Threshold, while also satisfying the Annual Market Salary Rate requirements for the position.

If you are assessing whether a position may qualify, identifying the appropriate ANZSCO code and checking the proposed remuneration against the applicable income threshold are important first steps in determining whether the role may be eligible for the Specialist Skills stream.