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How to Choose the Right Occupation for Your 482 Visa

Jan 17, 2025 | AUS | 0 comments

Choosing the right occupation on the Core Skills List is essential for a successful visa application. Your chosen occupation must match your work experience, proposed job responsibilities, and your employer’s business needs. This article will help you understand how to select the right occupation.

1. Check Your Resume and Work Experience

Start by going through your resume and work experience carefully. Take note of:

  • Your job titles from the past five years
  • Your main responsibilities in each role
  • Any industry-specific skills that might apply to more than 1 occupation 

Many jobs have similar responsibilities, so focus on finding one that matches what you actually do rather than just your job title.

2. Compare Your Job Description with ANZSCO Codes

The ANZSCO outlines details for each job, including:

  • Main tasks and responsibilities
  • Required skills and qualifications
  • Areas of specialisation

Compare the tasks in your current job with the ANZSCO descriptions. Try to find a match where at least 80% of your tasks align with the ANZSCO description.

3. Check for Any Caveats

Caveats are simply restrictions placed on the occupation. Some occupations on the list have them, and some don’t. Do this, as they may affect your eligibility. Some common caveats include:

  • Minimum salary requirements
  • Limits on business size or business turnover 
  • Exclusions for certain locations (e.g., some jobs may not be available in major cities)

4. Find Out if a Skills Assessment is Needed

For some occupations, you require a skills assessment.

5. Make Sure the Occupation Fits Your Employer’s Business

The job you choose must be genuine and necessary for your employer’s business. Ask yourself:

  • Does the company typically hire for this position?
  • Does the business actually need someone in this role?
  • Does the role support the company’s operations and growth?

For example, applying as a Health Promotion Offer at an accounting firm could raise red flags with immigration.

6. Get Expert Advice

Choosing the right Occupation can be tricky, and mistakes can lead to visa refusal. Speaking with a migration lawyer or registered migration agent can help you:

  • Select the right occupation
  • Ensure compliance with ANZSCO and visa requirements
  • Prepare proper documentation to support your application

If you need help selecting the right job for your 482 visa, contact our team for help.