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Importer or Exporter – ANZSCO 133311

Importer or Exporter (ANZSCO 133311) is a skill level 1 occupation assessed by VETASSESS (Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services) for Australian skilled migration. It is on the ROL list and can be used for subclass 494.

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Quick facts

  • ANZSCO code: 133311
  • Skill level: 1 – Bachelor degree or higher, or at least 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Assessing authority: VETASSESS
  • Occupation lists: ROL
  • English test for skills assessment: Not required
  • ANZSCO unit group: 1333 Importers, Exporters and Wholesalers

Importer or Exporter job description and duties

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the operations of an importing or exporting establishment.

Tasks include

  • Identifying local and overseas business opportunities
  • Developing and implementing business plans, and marketing, operating, human resource, pricing and credit policies and procedures
  • Determining the mix of products and services to be provided and negotiating conditions of trade
  • Liaising with local and overseas suppliers and distributors about orders and products
  • Researching regulatory and statutory requirements affecting the importing, exporting, wholesaling and distribution of goods
  • Monitoring business performance and preparing estimates, financial statements and reports of operations
  • Appointing agents and distributors
  • Arranging the shipping of goods into and out of the country
  • Overseeing the display and sale of merchandise and preparation of product information for customer service staff and customers
  • Implementing after-sales service procedures

Education and skill level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal 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).

What the assessing authority expects: VETASSESS Group B: minimum AQF Bachelor degree or higher. Highly relevant fields include International Business, International Trade.

Visa options for Importer or Exporter

Eligible means the occupation is on a list the visa accepts. You still need to meet every other requirement.

  • Subclass 189 Skilled Independent: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
  • Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL)
  • Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
  • Subclass 491F Skilled Work Regional – Family sponsored: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
  • Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate – Post-Vocational Education Work: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
  • Subclass 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream: Not eligible (via CSOL)
  • Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry: Not eligible (via CSOL)
  • Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
  • Subclass 407 Training visa: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)

State and territory nomination for Importer or Exporter

This occupation is not on the federal lists for the 190 or 491 visas, so no state or territory can nominate it. Employer-sponsored visas may still apply.

Skills assessment for Importer or Exporter

VETASSESS checks two things: that your qualification is at the right Australian (AQF) level and in a relevant field, and that you have enough relevant work experience at the right skill level. You need a positive result on both.

The process

  1. Pick the right occupation: Match your duties to the occupation description and check its VETASSESS group.
  2. Prepare documents: Qualifications, transcripts, employment references, payslips and ID as high-quality colour scans.
  3. Apply online: Create a VETASSESS account, upload documents and pay. You can change occupation free within 10 days of payment.
  4. Assessment: An officer reviews your file and may ask for more documents (you get 28 days to respond).
  5. Outcome: Download your outcome letter and use it for your EOI and visa.

What you need for this occupation

Importer or Exporter is a VETASSESS Group B occupation. You need a qualification at AQF Bachelor degree or higher level and must meet one of these pathways in full:

  • Pathway 1: AQF Bachelor degree or higher in a highly relevant field + 1 year of highly relevant post-qualification employment in the last 5 years
  • Pathway 2: AQF Bachelor degree or higher (not highly relevant) plus an extra highly relevant qualification at Diploma level or above + 2 years of highly relevant post-qualification employment in the last 5 years
  • Pathway 3: AQF Bachelor degree or higher in a field that is not highly relevant + 3 years of highly relevant post-qualification employment in the last 5 years
  • Pathway 4: AQF Bachelor degree or higher in any field + 6 years of employment at the right skill level, including 1 year of highly relevant employment in the last 5 years

Highly relevant fields of study include: International Business, International Trade.

Employment must be paid, 20 or more hours a week and at the right skill level. Official VETASSESS page for Importer or Exporter.

Documents checklist

  • Passport bio page
  • Degree certificates and full academic transcripts
  • Employment reference letters on company letterhead (duties, dates, hours, salary)
  • Payslips, tax or bank records for each job
  • CV/résumé
  • English translations of non-English documents

Key facts

  • Fee (full assessment): AUD 1,146 from outside Australia (no GST); AUD 1,260.60 in Australia
  • Priority processing: + AUD 863 (outside Australia) / AUD 949.30 (in Australia); about 10 business days
  • Outcome valid for: 3 years from the issue date
  • Work hours that count: 20 hours or more per week
  • Validity for visas: Home Affairs generally accepts an assessment for 3 years unless the letter says otherwise

English language requirement

For the VETASSESS skills assessment

No English test required. No English test is needed for the VETASSESS skills assessment. VETASSESS checks your qualification and employment; your English is tested later, for the visa.

For the visa (189, 190 and 491)

Separately, the visa needs at least Competent English. Minimum scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025:

  • IELTS (Academic or General): Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Speaking 6.0
  • PTE Academic: Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54
  • TOEFL iBT: Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 19, Speaking 19
  • OET: Listening 290, Reading 310, Writing 290, Speaking 330

Proficient English adds 10 points and Superior English adds 20 points in the points test.

Related occupations in unit group 1333

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Importer or Exporter?

The ANZSCO code for Importer or Exporter is 133311. It is a skill level 1 occupation.

Who assesses Importer or Exporter for Australian migration?

Importer or Exporter is assessed by VETASSESS (Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services). You need a positive skills assessment before you can apply for most skilled visas.

Which Australian visas can a Importer or Exporter apply for?

Importer or Exporter is on the ROL list, so it can be used for: 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored. You must still meet every other visa requirement.

Do I need an English test for the Importer or Exporter skills assessment?

No. No English test is needed for the VETASSESS skills assessment. VETASSESS checks your qualification and employment; your English is tested later, for the visa.

Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics ANZSCO 2022 (CC BY 4.0), Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation lists, VETASSESS and state and territory nomination pages. Checked November 2026. General information only, not migration advice. Search all ANZSCO occupations.

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