 Australia will replace the Australian and New Zealand Standard){kind=link}
Australia to Release Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) in December 2024
Australia will replace the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) with the new Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA). This transformation has substantial implications for skilled workers, businesses, industries, and migration professionals. Both countries will implement their own bespoke occupational statistical classifications.
Australia will release its revised Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) on Friday, December 6, 2024.
The transition from ANZSCO to OSCA is based on the changing needs of the Australian labor market. Continue reading this blog to find out more about OSCA, how it differs from ANZSCO, and what it means for skilled migration and employment in Australia.
What is ANZSCO?
ANZSCO stands for the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. It is used to categorize and describe occupations in the Australian and New Zealand labour markets. It categorizes employment with similar tasks and responsibilities, assigning each occupation a unique six-digit identifier.
In general, individuals seeking skilled visas must select a profession from the ANZSCO list that matches their training and work experience. Basically, this approach assists the Department of Home Affairs in determining whether an applicant is qualified to address skills gaps in the Australian job market.
What is OSCA?
OSCA stands for Occupation Standard Classification for Australia. It is a new framework for categorizing various jobs based on the existing and future needs of the Australian labour market.
OSCA’s goal is to provide a more comprehensive, up-to-date, and adaptable classification of jobs. It is intended to increase accuracy and usability for employers, businesses, and government agencies.
So, what are the key distinctions between ANZSCO and OSCA?
What’s the difference between ANZSCO and OSCA?
The primary distinction between these two classification systems is that ANZCO deals with both New Zealand and Australian labour markets, whilst OSCA is created solely for the Australian manpower industry. To learn more about the distinctions between ANZSCO and OSCA, see the table below:
| Feature | ANZSCO | OSCA |
| Development | The joint system for Australia and New Zealand was formed in 2006. | The Australia-specific classification system will be introduced on December 6, 2024. |
| Focus | Cover the Australian and New Zealand labour markets. | Designed exclusively for the Australian labour market. |
| Flexibility | Less adaptable to fast changes in the workplace | More adaptable and versatile. |
| Occupational Classifications | Roles may be outdated. | More adaptable and versatile. |
| Skill level definitions | Although skill levels are defined, categorization may be unclear. | Refined definitions of skill levels. |
| Support for Emerging Roles | Support for fast-developing industries is limited. | Designed for new and developing occupations. |
Change from ANZSCO to OSCA: Drivers of Change
After years of deliberation, government statisticians in Australia and New Zealand decided to alter the classification system for jobs. Here are the drivers of this transition:
Labour Market Differences
Since the formation of ANZSCO in 2006, the labour markets in Australia and New Zealand have become increasingly distinct. Initially, both countries’ skill levels were the same for all jobs. Now, 56 of 1,076 vocations have differing skill levels in Australia and New Zealand.
Limited participation of New Zealand
New Zealand’s statistics bureau was unable to participate in the targeted updates that occurred in 2021 and 2022. Furthermore, they did not engage in the ABS’s detailed examination of the classification over the previous four years. As a result, the Australian government plans to implement its classification system on December 6, 2024.
Flexible Classification for Industry Needs
Both the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the New Zealand Statistics Agency have acknowledged that they require distinct approaches to suit the needs of respective stakeholders. The goal of this transformation is to build a more relevant and accurate classification system that addresses each country’s unique labour market situation.
How Will the ANZSCO to OSCA Transition Affect Skilled Migrants and Employers?
The transition to OSCA is expected to have a substantial impact on skilled migration processes in Australia.
- Skilled migrants will find it easier to navigate the visa application procedure thanks to clearer occupation categories. The system concentrates on the most recent market demands and is adaptable enough to make necessary changes.
- Employers will benefit from a more exact classification system that meets their specific requirements. The system will allow for more effective recruitment techniques.
- OSCA’s design allows for frequent changes, ensuring that it remains relevant in an ever-changing economic situation.
Effect on other joint classifications
The future of equivalent but similar industry categories for both nations, such as the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC), is currently under consideration.
- The current configuration for two more joint categories has not changed.
- Australian and New Zealand Standard Offender Classification (ANZSOC)
- Australia and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC)
Final Thoughts
The shift from ANZSCO to OSCA is scheduled to begin on December 6, 2024. This is an important stride in Australia’s approach to occupational classification. This motivation seeks to streamline the immigration process by matching it with labour market requirements. It is critical for all parties, including employers, skilled migrants, and migration professionals, to stay current on the newest developments.