Immigration glossary.
50 common Australian immigration terms explained in plain English.
ANZSCO
Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. A 6-digit code system used to classify occupations for immigration purposes. Every skilled visa applicant must nominate an ANZSCO code.
ACS
Australian Computer Society. The skills assessment authority for all ICT occupations including software engineers, developers, and IT managers.
AHPRA
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Regulates health practitioners in Australia. Nurses, doctors, and other health professionals need AHPRA registration to practise.
AITSL
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. Assesses teaching qualifications for migration purposes.
ANMAC
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council. Assesses nursing and midwifery qualifications for migration.
BVA
Bridging Visa A. A temporary visa granted to applicants in Australia when they lodge a new visa application. Allows lawful stay while the application is processed.
BVB
Bridging Visa B. Allows travel in and out of Australia while waiting for a visa decision. Must be applied for separately before departing.
CDR
Competency Demonstration Report. A written assessment required by Engineers Australia for applicants whose engineering degree is not from an accredited program.
CSOL
Core Skills Occupation List. A consolidated occupation list used under the new migration framework for employer-sponsored and some skilled pathways.
DHA
Department of Home Affairs. The Australian government department responsible for immigration, citizenship, and border protection.
EOI
Expression of Interest. A declaration submitted through SkillSelect indicating your interest in applying for a skilled visa. EOIs are ranked by points score in invitation rounds.
IELTS
International English Language Testing System. One of the accepted English language tests for Australian migration. Scored on a 0-9 band scale.
ImmiAccount
The Department of Home Affairs online portal for lodging and managing visa applications. All visa applications are submitted through ImmiAccount.
MARA
Migration Agents Registration Authority (now OMARA). The government body that regulates migration agents in Australia. Only MARA-registered agents can legally provide immigration advice for a fee.
MLTSSL
Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List. Occupations on this list are eligible for the widest range of visas including 189, 190, 491, 482, and 186.
NAATI
National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. Provides accreditation for translators. NAATI-certified translations are required for non-English documents.
Nomination
In migration context, this refers to either state/territory nomination (for 190/491 visas) or employer nomination (for 482/186 visas). Nomination means the state or employer formally supports your visa application.
OMARA
Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority. The current name for the body that regulates migration agents. Maintains the public register of registered agents.
OET
Occupational English Test. An English language test specifically designed for healthcare professionals. Accepted for migration and professional registration purposes.
PCC
Police Clearance Certificate. A document showing your criminal history (or lack thereof) from a specific country. Required for all countries you have lived in for 12+ months.
PR
Permanent Residency. The right to live and work in Australia permanently. PR holders can access Medicare, work without restrictions, and eventually apply for citizenship.
PTE
Pearson Test of English Academic. A computer-based English language test accepted for Australian migration. Known for fast results (2 business days).
ROL
Regional Occupation List. Occupations on this list are eligible for the 491 regional visa only.
RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning. An assessment pathway offered by some authorities (like ACS) for applicants who lack formal qualifications but have extensive work experience.
SkillSelect
The Australian government's online system for managing skilled migration EOIs. Candidates submit EOIs through SkillSelect and wait for invitation rounds.
Skills Assessment
An evaluation by an approved authority verifying that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. Mandatory for all points-tested skilled visas.
SOL
Skilled Occupation List. The combined term for MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL. Your occupation must be on the relevant list to qualify for a skilled visa.
STSOL
Short Term Skilled Occupation List. Occupations on this list are eligible for 190, 491, and 482 (short-term stream) visas but not the 189.
Subclass 186
Employer Nomination Scheme visa. A permanent residency visa for workers nominated by an Australian employer. Available through Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition streams.
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent visa. A points-tested permanent residency visa that does not require employer or state sponsorship. The most independent skilled visa pathway.
Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated visa. A points-tested permanent residency visa requiring nomination from an Australian state or territory. Adds 5 bonus points.
Subclass 191
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. The permanent visa that 491 holders can apply for after living and working regionally for 3 years.
Subclass 407
Training visa. Allows overseas workers to participate in occupational training in Australia.
Subclass 417
Working Holiday visa. Available to young people (18-35) from eligible countries for up to 12 months of work and travel in Australia.
Subclass 462
Work and Holiday visa. Similar to the 417 but for different eligible countries including the USA, Argentina, and Ireland.
Subclass 482
Temporary Skill Shortage visa. Allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers for positions they cannot fill locally. Pathway to 186 permanent residency.
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. A provisional visa for skilled workers willing to live in regional Australia. Adds 15 bonus points. Pathway to 191 permanent residency.
Subclass 500
Student visa. Allows international students to study in Australia. Can lead to a post-study graduate visa (485) and eventually skilled migration.
Subclass 820/801
Partner visa. For partners (spouse or de facto) of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
TFN
Tax File Number. A unique identifier issued by the Australian Taxation Office. Required before you can start working in Australia.
TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language. A computer-based English test accepted for Australian migration, though less common than IELTS or PTE.
TRA
Trades Recognition Australia. The skills assessment authority for trade occupations including chefs, electricians, plumbers, and mechanics.
TRN
Transaction Reference Number. The unique identifier assigned to your visa application when you lodge through ImmiAccount.
VAC
Visa Application Charge. The fee paid to the Department of Home Affairs when lodging a visa application. Non-refundable regardless of outcome.
VETASSESS
Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services. The largest skills assessment authority, covering 237+ general professional and managerial occupations.
Visa Conditions
Rules attached to your visa that you must comply with. Common conditions include work restrictions, study limits, and health insurance requirements.
Visa Grant
The official approval of your visa application. You receive a visa grant letter via ImmiAccount email with your visa details and conditions.
Visa Label
Australia no longer issues physical visa labels or stamps. Your visa is linked electronically to your passport number.
Washington Accord
An international agreement recognising engineering degrees across member countries. Graduates from Washington Accord-accredited programs have a simpler Engineers Australia assessment.
Work Rights
The permission to work in Australia as specified by your visa conditions. PR holders and most skilled visa holders have unrestricted work rights.
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