ANZSCO to OSCA Transition: Australia's Classification Update
The ANZSCO to OSCA transition is one of Australia’s most significant changes to its skilled migration system in nearly two decades. On 6 December 2024, the Australian Bureau of Statistics formally released the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia. This new system formally replaces the ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) that has underpinned skilled occupation lists for more than 15 years.
In fact, OSCA code is not just a new badge; it’s an entirely new approach to ensure that occupational standards meet the needs of Australia’s fast-changing labor market and industries. Engineers getting ready with their CDR, skilled migrants in the application process, and employers wanting to evaluate the quality of their global employees should be familiar with this change.
This detailed blog answers everything you need to know about what the transition is, why it’s important, a comparison between ANZSCO and OSCA, and how it could affect your journey to migration in the years down the line.
Understanding the Old System ANZSCO
Since 2006, the classification system in Australia and New Zealand has been using the ANZSCO code as a foundation for skilled migration, visa eligibility, and skills assessment. This framework applied six-digit occupation codes and provided:
- A structured hierarchy of occupations
- Task descriptions at the unit group level
- Skill level definitions
- MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL are occupation lists, and ANZSCO
Note: ANZSCO was central to visa subclasses such as the Skilled Independent Visa, the Skilled Nominated Visa, and the Skilled Work Regional Visa.
OSCA: Australia’s New Classification Framework
OSCA replaced the old joint trans-Tasman approach. ANZSCO was outdated; many modern occupations and skills were missing, and updates were infrequent. That’s why it was released on December 6, 2024.
Key Features
- Five‑level hierarchy similar to ANZSCO
- 1,156 occupations across eight major groups and 421 unit groups
- Regular update cycles
- Inclusion of emerging roles such as content creators for social media
- A skills‑focused, flexible structure
- Detailed six‑digit occupation‑level descriptions
The OSCA code, a new Australia-only classification system, greatly represents the current labor market in the country. It is developed to bring accuracy and improvement to government bodies, employers, and industries.
Why Did Australia Make this Change?
There are a number of compelling factors that encouraged Australia’s decision to transition from ANZSCO to OSCA. This includes poorly configured ANZSCO’s rigid classification system for upcoming roles within the technology and renewable energy sectors. Also, New Zealand’s pulling away from participation in updates, together with Australia’s joint revisioning, was a driving factor.
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Key Difference Between ANZSCO and OSCA
While both ANSCO and OSCA share foundational principles, there are several key differences that set them apart. If you are navigating the evolving needs of Australia’s specific workforce dynamic, then look at the simplified distinction table.
Aspect | ANZSCO | OSCA |
Geographic Scope | Australia & New Zealand | Australia only |
Established | 2006 | 2024 |
Total Occupations | 1,076 | 1,156 |
Update Frequency | Rare | Regular |
Task Descriptions | Unit group level | Occupation level |
Emerging Roles | Limited | Strong inclusion |
Flexibility | Low | High |
Benefits of the ANZSCO to OSCA Transition
The shift to OSCA delivers numerous advantages across Australia’s economic and migration ecosystems such as.
- Rapidly enhances economic growth through improved elasticity in the capture of new opportunities in high-growth sectors.
- Improved flow efficiency of economic migrants and better matching of migrants to employers.
- Recognizes newer niche professions that were poorly covered under the old ANZSCO system.
- Diminishes ANZSCO’s misalignment that affected workforce planning, immigration policy, and labor market analysis.
Overall, the change continues to be helpful in the field of skilled migration, enhancing policy gaps and meeting the needs of emerging occupations.
What Happens to ANZSCO?
While OSCA replaces ANZSCO as Australia’s primary occupational classification system, ANZSCO doesn’t disappear entirely. This ANZSCO will remain accessible on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website for reference. This ensures historical data continuity and longitudinal analysis from 2006 to 2024.
In order to map ANZSCO occupations to their new OSCA equivalents, ABS has developed a comprehensive correspondence table. As Australia moves to OSCA, New Zealand has implemented its own parallel system. Both countries maintain a degree of comparability to support trans-Tasman data sharing, allowing each nation to tailor classifications to its specific labor market needs.
Challenges of Adopting OSCA
Although the gains are enormous, the ANZSCO to OSCA transition should be managed:
- A steep learning curve to understand the new structure and codes.
- Integrating OSCA requires complex updates to numerous databases and IT systems.
- Organizations must overhaul extensive documentation, policies, and job descriptions.
- The gradual, sector-by-sector rollout requires managing expectations and temporary dual-system use
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Our expert writers have helped professionals streamline their pathway to Australia by preparing high-quality CDR reports, career episodes and submission-ready documents.
Choosing the Right Service Provider
When selecting a CDR writing service, look for providers with:
- Experienced engineers on their team who understand technical competencies
- Proven track record of successful Engineers Australia assessments
- Knowledge of both the ANZSCO and OSCA classification systems
- Commitment to original, customized content rather than templates
- Revision and support services to address any feedback from Engineers Australia
CDR Australia Writer offers comprehensive CDR preparation services with experienced engineers and licensed professionals who guide clients through every step of the skills assessment process, ensuring alignment with current classification requirements.
Need Expert Help with Your CDR?
The ANZSCO to OSCA transition doesn’t have to be complicated when it comes to the preparation of your CDR. The professional CDR writing services, such as those offered by CDR Australia Writer ensure your documents comply with Engineers Australia. The following reason why you need expert assistance.
1. Expert, Engineer-Led Writing
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Up to date with the classification systems so that your CDR is done in terms of the right and the current needs.
3.100% Approval Focus
Our focus is to make an excellent report that is compliant and that fulfills the strict standards of Engineers Australia.
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The professional’s help provides your professional portfolio with the edge it requires. You will receive assistance with customer support till you are satisfied with the final report.
Also read our other blog: Top CDR Writing Service in UAE for Engineers
Wrapping Up
The shift from the ANZSCO to the Occupation Standard Classification of Australia is a progressive move towards enhancing skilled migration in Australia. If are intending to submit your application through skilled migration, use that time to revise your documents and make sure that your ANZSCO code is up to the current requirements.
While OSCA replaces ANZSCO as Australia’s primary occupation-based classification system, it doesn’t disappear entirely. OSCA brings updated definitions of occupations, better skill‑based classifications, and more recognition of contemporary roles.
The ANZSCO to OSCA transition might affect your migration pathway. Regardless, keep an eye on the official timeline and review the detailed task descriptions and skill level requirements for your profession. Don’t let this update jeopardize your skills assessment. For expert CDR preparation, reach out to our customer service representative and compare the pricing. We won’t disappoint you!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to use OSCA codes for my CDR report?
Check with Engineers Australia for current requirements. While OSCA is now official, Engineers Australia may still be transitioning its systems. Professional CDR services can confirm current requirements.
2. How do I find my occupation’s OSCA code?
Use the Australian Bureau of Statistics OSCA search tool, visit anzscosearch.com, which includes OSCA v1.0, or consult with professional services like CDR Australia Writer.
3. Is OSCA used for all visa types?
Not yet. OSCA is currently being integrated into migration systems. The timeline for full adoption across all visa types has not been finalized.
4. How often will OSCA be updated?
Unlike ANZSCO’s largely static nature, OSCA is designed for regular updates, though specific update frequencies have not been announced.
5. Can I use both ANZSCO and OSCA codes?
Follow the official requirements from your assessing authority and the Department of Home Affairs. Currently, ANZSCO remains the standard for migration purposes.