Introduction of the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA)
The Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) is a newly introduced framework designed to replace the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). It aligns with the evolving job market and skills requirements in Australia.
Key Details about OSCA
First Edition:This inaugural version marks a pivotal change in how occupations are classified and reported in Australia.
Implementation Timeline:
OSCA will be integrated into official labour market statistics starting September 2026.
It will also feature in the outputs of the 2026 Census data.
Transition Support:
Correspondence files are available to help users map classifications between OSCA and ANZSCO.
Future Updates:
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) commits to regular updates, with plans to incorporate community and industry feedback into future revisions.
Purpose:OSCA provides a more accurate and contemporary classification framework, enhancing the relevance of labour market statistics to reflect Australia’s occupational landscape.
Impact on Immigration Legislation and Policy
The introduction of OSCA brings significant implications for immigration processes, but changes will be gradual:
No Immediate Impact:ANZSCO remains the governing system for immigration until a new Legislative Instrument is issued by the Minister for Immigration.
Legislative Process: The Department of Home Affairs will oversee the transition by defining timelines and enacting the necessary policy changes.
Validation of Existing Assessments:
Positive skills assessments under ANZSCO will remain valid.
These assessments are expected to be mapped to equivalent OSCA codes during the transition.
Transition Plan Pending:
Details of the transition plan, including timelines and procedures, are yet to be announced.
Future Updates: The Department of Home Affairs will release details about legislative instruments and policy adjustments as they are finalized.
Advice for Stakeholders
Stay Informed: Visa applicants, migration agents, and other stakeholders should monitor official announcements from the Department of Home Affairs.
Be Prepared: Familiarize yourself with OSCA's framework and its potential alignment with ANZSCO to ensure a smooth transition.
The implementation of OSCA represents a forward-thinking approach to aligning occupational classifications with modern job market dynamics while maintaining clarity during the transition period.