Tasmania Migration Skilled Employment: What Does Gold, Green, and Orange-Plus Attributes Mean?

What Is the Gold, Green, and Orange-Plus Attributes? 

To qualify for gold, green, or orange-plus attributes related to employment, candidates must be engaged in roles classified as ANZSCO Skill Level 1, 2, or 3. This classification is based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), which has now been replaced by the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) and outlines the skills and qualifications required for various occupations. 

How Is Skilled Employment Defined? 

A role is considered skilled if it aligns closely with the descriptions provided in the ANZSCO guidelines. If a candidate’s occupation is not explicitly listed, they may still qualify if their duties are similar to those of a listed occupation. Candidates are encouraged to refer to the general descriptions provided by ANZSCO for each skill level if they cannot find a direct match. 

What Factors Are Considered in Evaluating Skilled Employment? 

Migration Tasmania evaluates claims for skilled employment based on three main factors: 

1. Skills and Qualifications: The applicant's credentials and training are relevant to the role. 

2. Duties: The specific tasks and responsibilities performed in the job. 

3. Pay Rate: The compensation associated with the role, which serves as an indicator of skill level. 

Migration Tasmania may determine the role is not skilled if the above factors are not aligned.  

How Does Pay Rate Influence Skilled Employment Classification? 

A pay rate above the current Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) (currently $73,150) is generally seen as an indicator of skilled employment. Conversely, salaries at or around the National Minimum Wage are inconsistent with skilled roles, making it unlikely that such positions can claim gold, green, or orange-plus attributes. 

Comparison with Industry Standards 

Migration Tasmania may also compare the pay rates of a candidate's role with those of similar positions in the industry to determine if the applicant is receiving appropriate compensation. 

Can You Provide Some Examples of Skilled Employment Evaluations? 

Example 1: Cook 

• A candidate claims to be a cook classified as ANZSCO Skill Level 1-3. Although their duties align with those of a fully qualified cook, the case officer notes that their pay rate of $25 per hour matches that of a kitchenhand (ANZSCO Skill Level 5).  

• Migration Tasmania would likely determine that the role does not meet the skilled employment criteria. 

Example 2: Mechanic 

• A candidate claims to be a fully qualified mechanic with relevant qualifications. However, their pay rate of $26 per hour is equivalent to that of a Driveway Attendant (ANZSCO Skill Level 5). Thus, the case officer may conclude that the role does not reflect skilled employment. 

What If My Duties Include Both Higher and Lower Skilled Elements? 

For instances where a role encompasses both lower (ANZSCO Skill Levels 4-5) and higher (ANZSCO Skill Levels 1-3) duties, a substantial portion of the duties must align with an occupation classified as Skill Level 1, 2, or 3. Specifically, the Tasmanian Skilled Employment pathway requires at least a 70% match. 

Example: Disability Support Worker 

• A candidate working as a Disability Support Worker, classified as ANZSCO Skill Level 4, would not be able to claim priority attributes unless their duties substantially match a role aligned with Skill Level 1, 2, or 3. 

Example: Assistant Accountant 

• An Assistant Accountant role may only be accepted if there is a 70% match with the duties outlined for Group 2211 Accountants. Roles primarily focused on administrative support do not qualify as skilled roles. 

Candidates are encouraged to consult the Fair Work Ombudsman for further guidance on appropriate pay rates and conditions, ensuring their employment roles meet the necessary standards for skilled migration. 

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

Candidates interested in the General Skilled Migration program for Tasmania state should understand the criteria for skilled employment to claim attributes for the state’s specific skilled migration requirement. Contact us at Agape Henry Crux, our Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law and our team of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents for any queries. The team specialises in handling highly complex matters. You may schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.  

We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.  

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.