Social Worker – ANZSCO 272511
Social Workers assess the social needs of individuals, families, and groups, assists and empowers people to develop and use the skills and resources needed to resolve social and other problems, and furthers human wellbeing and human rights, social justice and social development.
| Key facts | Social Worker |
|---|---|
| ANZSCO code | 272511 |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List) |
| Skill level | 1 |
| Eligible visa subclasses | 189, 190, 491 (state nominated and family sponsored), 494, 482 Core Skills, 186 Direct Entry, 407, 485 (Post-Vocational Education Work) |
| Caveats | No |
| Assessing authority | AASW |
Get advice on your visa options
Book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne to find out more about your visa options and your path to Australian permanent residency or applying for citizenship.
Specialisations
- Whanau Support Worker (Family Support Worker) (NZ)
Skills Assessment Requirement
You need a positive skills assessment from AASW for the visas above.
Skills assessment criteria (AASW)
Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.
Skills Assessment authority for Social Worker is Australian Association of Social Workers Limited (AASW). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:
- Criterion 1, Qualification must be specific to social work
- Criterion 2, Qualification must be regarded as a professional social work qualification in the country of training
- Criterion 3, Learning outcomes of the social work qualification must be comparable to graduates of AASW accredited social work qualifications
- Criterion 4, At least 980 hours of field education in at least two placements in two different practice areas AND one of those placements must be in direct practice
- Criterion 5, A high level of English Language Skill
- IELTS, minimum overall score of 7.0 AND a minimum score of 7.0 in each component and no component is below 6.5
- The AASW only accepts the IELTS test to demonstrate and fulfill the English Language Requirement.
Did you know?
The AASW have developed Country Assessment Guidelines which provides direction for applicants applying for a skills assessment from the following countries to assist in determining the likely outcome of their assessment:
Canada Norway
Chile India
Ireland Netherlands
New Zealand Philippines
South Africa Switzerland
United Kingdom United States of America
Potential Visa Pathways for Social Worker
| ANZSCO | Occupation | Skills Assessment | 189 | 190 | 485 | 491 (State) | 491 (Family) | 186 (Direct) | 407 (Training) | 494 (regional Sponsored) | 482 (TSS Medium Term) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 272511 | Social Worker | AASW | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
ANZSCO description
Social Worker is in ANZSCO unit group 2725 Social Workers.
ANZSCO description: 2725 Social Workers
Description
Assess the social needs of individuals, families and groups, assist and empower people to develop and use the skills and resources needed to resolve social and other problems, and further human wellbeing and human rights, social justice and social development.
Tasks
- Acting as a facilitator between clients in need and community services
- Assessing resources for health, welfare, recreation, housing, employment and other community services
- Providing leadership and assistance for the implementation of pilot projects in community development and self-help, and planning and implementing research projects to address client needs, organisation goals and social policy
- Cooperating with community organisations, social agencies and voluntary groups to improve services and develop new services
- Conducting individual and family case interviews to identify the nature and extent of clients’ problems
- Assisting clients to understand and resolve problems by providing information, acting as a mediator and referring them to community and self-help agencies
- Analysing, developing, promoting and implementing social policies through the use of practice experience, research, analytic frameworks, and negotiation skills to respond to social need through a fair, equitable and effective allocation of social resources
- Monitoring the progress of clients by maintaining contact
- Compiling case records and reports
Skill Level
Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).
Registration or licensing may be required.
Occupations in this Group
- 272511 Social Worker
How to calculate your points for skilled visas
To apply for a skilled visa, you need to know how many points you can score. The minimum score to be eligible for application is 65 points. However, depending on your occupation, the competitiveness, and the states you are applying to, you might need to score more points to get an invite.
Points will be given to you based on the following:
- Age
- Educational Qualifications
- Points for Professional Year
- Points for NAATI- Credentialled Community Language
- Points for 2 Year Study
- Points for English
- Points for Regional Study
- Points for Work Experience
- Points for Specialist Educational Qualifications (STEM)
- Points for Partner
Click here to calculate your points.
189 visa: Skilled Independent Visa
This 189 visa allows you to live, work and study in Australia permanently. It is a points-tested visa. The minimum score to apply is 65 points. However, based on previous invitation rounds, you would need to achieve a higher score to have a better chance of obtaining an invitation.
In short, to be eligible for visa 189, you need to meet the following criteria:
Immigration Points
Must score at least 65 points. Due to the competitive nature of this visa, a pool mark does not guarantee an invitation to apply.
English
Must have at least Competent English, i.e., IELTS 6.0 in each band, or equivalent.
Age
Must be under 45 years of age.
be invited
Must lodge the EOI and be invited by the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa.
Skills assessment
Must have positive skills assessment. Each occupation has a specific assessing authority.
HEALTH AND CHARACTER
Must meet health and character requirements.
Subclass 190 visa: Skilled Nominated Visa & Subclass 491 visa: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
To apply for visa subclass 190 and visa subclass 491, you need to have a nomination from the state/territory government where you want to live and work. Each State and Territory have individual requirements that must be met in order to receive nomination. (See below)
While the 190 visa is a permanent visa, subclass 491 visa gives you right to live and work in regional Australia for 5 years with a pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa.
Another difference between the 190 and 491 visa is that you can only apply for visa subclass 491 if you are living and working in regional areas in Australia, while it is not a requirement if you are applying for the 190 visa.
In summary, to be eligible for 190 visa, you need to meet the following criteria:
Immigration Points
Must score at least 65 points, or higher points if the state or territory requires.
English
Must have at least Competent English, i.e., IELTS 6.0 in each band, or equivalent, or higher if the state or territory requires.
Age
Must be under 45 years of age.
be invited
Must lodge an EOI and be invited by the state or territory and then apply for the visa.
Skills assessment
Must have positive skills assessment. Each occupation has a specific assessing authority.
HEALTH AND CHARACTER
Must meet health and character requirements.
To check if the state/ territory government requirements for your occupation, refer to the following links
State/ Territory |
Links to requirements |
| New South Wales |
|
| Victoria | |
| South Australia | |
| Western Australia | |
| Northern Territory | |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | |
| Tasmania | |
| Queensland |
485 Visa: Post-Higher Education Work Stream
The 485 visa is a work visa available to international students who have completed at least two years of study in Australia in a bachelor, masters or doctoral degree. It is a 2 to 3 year visa, depending on your degree, that has full work rights and full study rights. It also allows you to travel freely to and from Australia throughout the validity of the visa.
To be eligible for visa 485, you need to meet the following criteria:
Visa History
Must hold a student visa when applying or have held one in the last 6 months.
English Level
Must have at least IELTS 6.5 overall or equivalent with no band less than 5.5.
Age
You must be 35 years of age or under when you apply (50 for masters by research and doctoral graduates, and Hong Kong and BNO passport holders).
Education
Must have completed a two-year CRICOS registered course(s).
Skills assessment
You don't need a skills assessment or a nominated occupation for this stream.
Eligible Degrees
bachelor, bachelor (honours), masters by coursework or research or doctoral degree
Subclass 491 Family Sponsored visa: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
This 491 Family sponsored visa requires you to have a family member who is living in regional area to sponsor you. This visa offers pathway to permanent residency through visa subclass 191.
Immigration Points
Must score at least 65 points, or higher points as it is competitive.
English
Must have at least Competent English, i.e., IELTS 6.0 in each band, or equivalent.
Age
Must be under 45 years of age.
be invited
Must lodge an EOI and be invited by the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa.
Skills assessment
Must have positive skills assessment. Each occupation has a specific assessing authority.
HEALTH AND CHARACTER
Must meet health and character requirements.
Subclass 186 visa: Employer Nomination Scheme
If you have an employer who is willing to sponsor you, you may be eligible for a Subclass 186 visa. This visa is permanent and will allow you to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely. To be eligible for this visa, you need to have at least 3 years of working experience in your nominated occupation and a positive skills assessment. Alternatively, if you hold a Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa (or an earlier TSS or 457 visa), you can apply for Subclass 186 after working for your employer for at least 2 years under the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
Experience
At least 3-year full-time work experience in the nominated occupation.
English
Must have at least Competent English, i.e., IELTS 6.0 in each band, or equivalent.
Be Sponsored
Must be sponsored by an Australian employer.
Skills assessment
Must have a positive skills assessment. Exemptions apply for the 186TRT.
HEALTH AND CHARACTER
Must meet health and character requirements.
407 Training Visa
The 407 visa is a temporary visa for individuals to participate in occupational training or professional development in Australia. This visa is generally valid to stay in Australia for 2 years. Please note this visa is subject to condition 8102 which forbids work apart from the training that is specified in the visa application. You are also required to maintain health insurance whilst in Australia.
To be eligible for visa 407, you need to meet the following criteria:
GTE
You must prove that you genuinely stay in Australia for training and will depart when you complete the training.
English Level
Must have Functional English, i.e. IELTS overall 4.5 with no band less than 4, or equivalent.
Age
Must be over 18 years old.
Be Sponsored
You must be sponsored by an approved temporary activities sponsor (can be an employer or a commonwealth agency)
HEALTH INSURANCE
Must hold valid private health insurance.
Health and Character
Must meet health and character requirements.
Subclass 494 visa: Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa
You can apply for subclass 494 if you have a regional employer who is willing to sponsor you. To be eligible for this visa, you must have at least 3 years of working experience in your nominated occupation and have a relevant skills assessment. With this visa, there is a requirement that you must work for the employer who is sponsoring you.
This visa provides pathway to permanent residency through the 191 visa.
Experience
At least 3 years full-time work experience in the nominated occupation.
English
Must have at least Competent English, i.e., IELTS 6.0 in each band, or equivalent.
Be Sponsored
Must be sponsored by an Australian regional employer.
Skills assessment
Must have a positive skills assessment.
Location
Must live and work in regional areas in Australia.
482 SID visa: Skills in Demand visa (Core Skills Pathway)
The 482 SID visa (Core Skills Pathway) requires sponsorship from an Australian employer. You must be nominated to work in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), and the position must pay at least the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and the market salary rate. This visa allows you to live and work in Australia for up to 4 years. You may apply for as many 482 visas as you want, as long as the employer is willing to sponsor you. The SID 482 visa has a pathway to permanent residency through the 186 transition stream.
Experience
At least 1 year work experience in the nominated occupation.
English Level
Must have IELTS overall of at least 5.0 with no band less than 5.0, or equivalent.
Age
There is no age requirement for this visa.
Be Sponsored
Must be sponsored by an Australian employer.
Skills assessment
Generally not required unless on this list.
Health and Character
Must meet health and character requirements.
Job Outlook
Study Pathway to Social Worker
To become a Social Worker, a Bachelor of Social Work is required. Alternatively, a degree in a related field can be followed with a Masters in Social Work. It should be noted that becoming a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers may be useful. You may also need to acquire the following:
- National police check
- Working with children check
- First aid certificate
- Current immunisations
Course Details
Bachelor of Social Work
- Duration: 4 years
- Total Course Cost Approx: $147,400
Requirements
- English proficiency requirement – IELTS 7.0 with no band less than 7.0
- Completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent
- Academic score entry requirements apply depending on the country in which you completed your studies
Related Courses
- Doctor of Social Work
- Master of Social Work
