Does Your Job Title Matter for an Employer-Sponsored Visa in Australia?

If you are applying for an Australian employer-sponsored visa, you may be worried that your current job title does not match the occupation you want to nominate. The good news is that for an employer-sponsored visa job title, what matters most is whether your actual duties match the ANZSCO occupation description, not the title written on your contract.

Why Job Duties Matter More Than Your Title

For all employer-sponsored visas, including the 482 Skills in Demand Visa, 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa, and 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, the Australian Government assesses applicants based on what they do on a day-to-day basis.

When a nomination is submitted, the employer must select a nominated occupation from the ANZSCO list. This occupation must accurately reflect the tasks the employee performs—not the company’s internal job title conventions.

Examples include:

• A “Marketing Coordinator” who performs full-scope digital marketing strategies may be nominated under Marketing Specialist.

• An “Operations Assistant” who manages supply chain processes may be more aligned with Supply and Distribution Manager.

• A “Team Leader” may actually meet the requirements for a Supervisor or Manager role depending on responsibilities.

This is normal and fully accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.

Why Job Titles Often Differ

Companies use their own naming systems to suit internal structures, seniority levels, or branding preferences. ANZSCO, however, uses standardised occupation descriptions for migration purposes.

Therefore:

• Your internal job title does not need to match ANZSCO exactly.

• You will provide both your real job title and the nominated occupation in the application.

• The Department only checks whether your duties align with the occupation you are applying for.

This is why assessing your role properly before applying is crucial.

How to Check If Your Duties Match the ANZSCO Occupation

You can compare your job description against the ANZSCO occupation by reviewing:

• The listed tasks

• The skill level required

• The specialisations under that occupation

If most of your responsibilities align, you may be suitable for that occupation, even if your formal title is different.

If your duties do not match closely enough, the Department may refuse the nomination, so choosing the correct ANZSCO code is essential.

Eligible Employer-Sponsored Visa Pathways

Your duties and nominated occupation help determine eligibility for several visa pathways, including:

• 482 Skills in Demand Visa

• 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa

• 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition streams)

Each pathway requires employers to nominate an occupation that matches ANZSCO, and the applicant must demonstrate relevant skills and experience.

Employer-Sponsored Visa Job Title: Book A Consultation

Your internal job title does not determine your eligibility for an employer-sponsored visa. What matters is that your employer-sponsored visa job title aligns with your day-to-day duties and the ANZSCO occupation chosen for your nomination.

If you are unsure whether your role aligns with an eligible occupation or which ANZSCO code fits your experience, book a consultation to discuss your study or visa options

Book Consultation