Migration Lawyers - Common Questions (Do I Need Qualifications to be Sponsored under a 457 visa?)

As migration agents and lawyers in Brisbane, a common question we are asked is “do I need formal qualifications in order to be sponsored on a 457 visa”. Accordingly, the answer to this question will vary depending on the occupation you are nominated under. Accordingly, to keep it nice and simple, our flow chart below summarizes when formal qualifications will and will not be necessary:

Whether or not a Subclass 457 visa applicant will be required to show formal qualifications in their nominated occupation will depend on the requirements of that occupation under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) located here (http://goo.gl/Tc6VXe). Accordingly, ANZSCO is the current authority and source which guides Departmental case officers as to whether qualifications are necessary, what level of qualification, or how many years of work experience an applicant would need to have to substitute for not having formal qualifications, in all sponsored occupations.

To give you an example, let’s apply this to the occupation of Electrician (General) which has an ANZSCO code of 341111. Accordingly, when looking at the definition of the occupation of Electrician (General) (see here) the following is clearly stated in ANZSCO:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:
AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3).

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Accordingly, ANZSCO tells us that applicants for a 457 visa will need to demonstrate that they either have a qualification equivalent to an Australian Certificate III with two years on the job-training or an Australian Certificate IV. Importantly however, ANZSCO also goes on to clarify that three years of relevant experience can be used to substitute for not having formal qualifications.

In contrast, the occupation of Civil Engineer (ANZSCO 233211) only states the following:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

As you can see, the clear distinction is that the occupation of Electrician (General) clearly specifies that work experience can be used as a substitute, whereas the occupation of Civil Engineer does not. Meaning that applicants for 457 visas as a Civil Engineer, will be required to demonstrate a Bachelor level qualification.

Please note however, even for occupations under ANZSCO that do not require qualifications,  applicants of Subclass 457 visa’s who hold a passport from a certain list of countries and are applying under a certain list of occupations may be required to provide evidence of a 457 Migration Skills Assessment. To see if you fall within this category of applicant, refer to this link (http://goo.gl/b3QshN).

If you have any questions about the qualifications or work experience required to be sponsored under a 457 visa and would like to speak to a migration agent in Brisbane, then give us a call on 1300 MIGR8TE (644 788) or send your questions to enquiry@salvomigration.com.au.