An Overview of Nominated Occupation in Australia: A Pathway to Skilled Migration
Working in Australia is a big opportunity for someone who wants to develop a career for a more prosperous life. Australia’s skilled migration program is a popular pathway for skilled workers from around the world to live and work in Australia. The program is designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to Australia’s economy and fill skills shortages in the Australian workforce.
Before understanding the nominated occupation in more detail, get to know the flow of the Australian migration system first. People who want to migrate to Australia must have a visa first to be able to enter Australia. They must have a working or skilled visa which is in the independent or sponsorship category.
In applying for this work visa, workers must nominate who is relevant to the visa eligibility set by the Australian government. What is meant by nominated occupation?
In this article, we will review in more detail what is the nominated occupation, the purpose of the nominated occupation, the benefits of having a nominated occupation and show an example case study about how to determine a nominated occupation.
What is the Nominated Occupation?
The Australian government identifies a nominated occupation as a profession in demand within Australia. Occupations are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
The purpose of the nominated occupation is to determine the occupation within the skilled migration program and in accordance with the skills assessment contained in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Occupation List & Classification of Occupations (ANZCO) definitions.
In the Skilled Occupation List, skilled migrant workers who want to work in Australia can see what types of jobs are relevant to skilled migrant workers’ past occupations. Job descriptions have also been well prepared by the Australian Government in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZCO).
Purpose of Nominated Occupation
The purpose of a nominated occupation is to identify a position that can be filled by a migrant skilled worker in Australia. Nominated occupation is to make it easier for workers to know what jobs they are eligible for in several industries in Australia and to get a skilled migration visa to work as a skilled worker in Australia.
Skilled Occupation List for Hospitality Jobs
You can check the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) to determine if your occupation is nominated. The Skilled Occupation List is divided into the Short-Term Strategic Skills List (STSOL) and the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Occupations on the STSOL are in demand in the short term, while occupations on the MLTSSL are in demand in the medium and long term.
These are some examples of nominated jobs that are relevant in the hospitality industry in the skilled occupations list:
| Occupation | ANZCO Code | List |
|---|---|---|
| Baker | 351111 | STSOL |
| Cafe or Restaurant Manager | 141111 | STSOL |
| Chef | 351311 | MLTSSL |
| Hotel or Motel Manager | 141311 | STSOL |
| Accommodation and Hospitality Managers | 141999 | STSOL |
If you are interested in migrating to Australia or working in Australia on a temporary basis, it is a good idea to check the Skilled Occupation List to see if your occupation is listed.
Benefits of Having Nominated Occupation
These are the benefits if you have nominated an occupation to work in Australia:
- Priority processing of visa applications: If you have a nominated occupation, you will have a better probability of being called to apply for an Australian skilled migration visa.
- Access to a broader range of occupations: Each state and territory government has its own list of nominated occupations, which may include occupations not on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This implies that even if your occupation is not on the Skilled Occupation List, you may be eligible to apply for a visa.
- Increase job opportunities: If you have a nominated occupation, you will be in high demand by employers in Australia. This is because state and territory governments nominate occupations that are in high demand in their respective jurisdictions.
- Higher salary: In Australia, the government has set a minimum salary standard of AUD 70,000 under the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). This amount has increased from before 1 July 2023 which was at a nominal minimum salary of AUD 53,900. The occupations in the nominated occupation list are often high-paying occupations. This is because they are in high demand and require specialised skills and knowledge.
- Improved career prospects: Having a nominated occupation can help you advance your career and achieve your career goals. Indeed, you’ll be working in a high-demand field and will have access to a variety of career development opportunities.
How to Choose a Nominated Occupation
To choose a nominated occupation, you need to consider the following factors:
- Your skills and experience: You must have the relevant skills and experience to meet the requirements of the nominated occupation. This includes having the necessary qualifications, work experience, and training.
- The labour market: You should choose an occupation that is in demand in Australia. You can check the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) to see which occupations are on the list.
- Your personal preferences: You should also consider your personal preferences when choosing a nominated occupation. This includes factors such as your desired salary, lifestyle, and career goals.
Here are some steps you can follow to choose a nominated occupation:
- Research your skills and experience: Make a list of your skills and experience, including your qualifications, work experience, and training.
- Identify occupations that match your skills and experience: Use the Skilled Occupation List to identify occupations that match your skills and experience. You can also use the ANZSCO website to learn more about different occupations.
- Research the labour market: Check the Department of Home Affairs website to see which occupations are in demand in Australia. You can also use the Job Outlook website to learn more about the job prospects for different occupations.
- Consider your personal preferences: Think about your desired salary, lifestyle, and career goals. Choose an occupation that is aligned with your personal preferences.
Once you have chosen a nominated occupation, you need to meet the skills assessment requirements for that occupation. You can find more information about skills assessment requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Case Study of Nominated Occupation: What if My Job Doesn’t Have Relevancy?
When you want to apply for a skilled visa to migrate to Australia for work purposes, you may need clarification about whether your previous work experience is relevant to the work you will undertake while in Australia.
To know what to do if you encounter this case, you can understand several examples of these cases:
Example Case: Want to Work as a Bar Manager in Australia
Mike worked as a bar manager in one of the cafes & bars in Indonesia for five years and wants to develop his career in Australia. While working as a bar manager, Mike was responsible for:
- Supervising the performance of employees in the cafe & bar
- Managing the purchase of products
- Managing and monitoring inventory of beverages to ensure adequate stock is maintained
- Ensuring quality preparation of beverages and products served to customers
- Ensuring cafe & bar facilities comply with health regulations and clean
- Resolve customer complaints promptly
Mike then planned to apply for a job as a bar manager in one of the bars & restaurants in Western Australia, but the job as a bar manager was not included in the skilled occupation list set by the Australian Government.
In this case, Mike can look for what types of jobs are available in Australian cafes, bars or restaurants and positions that are still relevant to the bar manager or have a job description that is almost the same as the bar manager job.
If you investigate further, Mike’s job description as a bar manager for five years is closely related to the job as a cafe and restaurant manager or licensed club manager in Australia.
Cafe and restaurant managers in Australia categorised in unit group 1411 have the responsibility of organising and controlling the operations of cafes, restaurants and related establishments to provide dining and catering services.
Licensed club managers in Australia categorised in unit group 1414 have the responsibility to organise and control the operations of licensed clubs to provide food, beverage, gaming, entertainment, sporting and other amenities for members.
A job as a cafe and restaurant manager in Australia has responsibilities almost similar to Mike’s experience working as a bar manager for five years in one of the cafes & bars in Indonesia. Therefore, Mike can apply for work as a cafe and restaurant manager during the employment process and processing of skilled migration visas.
Read more:
Cafe and Restaurant Managers Tasks and Qualifications
Licensed Club Managers Tasks and Qualifications
Are You Still Confused About Determining Nominated Occupation?
Neurone Recruitment can provide professional guidance regarding determining nominated occupations or closely related occupations from previous jobs. Neurone Recruitment will be screening your skills and experience and provide suggestions on which jobs are in accordance with the previous job description and you can choose the title of the nominated occupation that is closest to your previous work experience.
Do you Need Professional Help About the Nominated Occupation? Neurone Recruitment can be Your Professional Assistant!
Neurone is a Perth-based Employment Agency with years of experience and expertise. Our services assist hundreds of local & international workers in securing jobs in Australia. Neurone offers a wide range of opportunities for job seekers to find the best options for their careers.
Neurone also partnered with one of the best and most reputable Migration Consultancy Agencies in Australia. Our programs are designed to ensure all legal paperwork and migration requirements are met and job seekers have the right visa classification for working in Australia.
Neurone is the best place for job seekers who are looking to kick-start their careers on the Australia soil. We are ready to assist you in achieving the goals you envisioned. Neurone consultants will cater to job seeker’s needs and will always be ready to assist job seekers through the journey.
Contact us through email at [email protected] or phone at 1300 045 809, or you can send the details here.
