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Interpreter – ANZSCO 272412

Interpreter (ANZSCO 272412) is a skill level 1 occupation assessed by NAATI for Australian skilled migration. It is on the STSOL list and can be used for subclass 190, subclass 491, subclass 494, subclass 407. 3 of 8 states and territories currently nominate it.

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Quick facts

  • ANZSCO code: 272412
  • Skill level: 1 – Bachelor degree or higher, or at least 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Assessing authority: NAATI
  • Occupation lists: STSOL
  • English test for skills assessment: Check with the authority
  • ANZSCO unit group: 2724 Social Professionals

Interpreter job description and duties

Transfers a spoken or signed language into another spoken or signed language, usually within a limited time frame in the presence of the participants requiring the translation.

Specialisations: Kai Whakaruruhau (Advisor) (NZ)

Tasks include

  • Assembling historical data by consulting sources of information such as historical indexes and catalogues, archives, court records, diaries, newspaper files and other materials
  • Organising, authenticating, evaluating and interpreting historical, political, sociological, archaeological, anthropological and linguistic data
  • Undertaking historical and cultural research into human activity, and preparing and presenting research findings
  • Providing simultaneous and consecutive verbal or signed renditions of speeches into another language
  • Rendering the meaning and feeling of what is said and signed into another language in the appropriate register and style in a range of settings such as courts, hospitals, schools, workplaces and conferences
  • Studying original texts and transcripts of recorded spoken material to comprehend subject matter and translating them into another language
  • Rendering the meaning and feeling of written material, such as literary, legal, technical and scientific texts, into another language in the appropriate register and style, so that it will read as an original piece rather than as a translation

Education and skill level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Visa options for Interpreter

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: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL)
  • Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated: 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: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)

State and territory nomination for Interpreter

3 of 8 states and territories currently list this occupation: Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania. Onshore means already living in that state; offshore means living outside Australia.

  • New South Wales: 190 No, 491 Closed 26–27, onshore No, offshore No. Unit group 2724 is not on the NSW Skills List.
  • Victoria: 190 Yes, 491 Not yet open, onshore VIC residents, offshore Yes. All 190-eligible occupations (no state list).
  • Queensland: 190 No, 491 No, onshore No, offshore No. Not on the Queensland onshore or offshore list.
  • South Australia: 190 No, 491 No, onshore No, offshore No. Not on the SA Skilled Occupation List.
  • Western Australia: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore WA graduates, offshore No. Graduate stream (WA study): 190 & 491.
  • Tasmania: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore TAS residents, offshore No. Living in Tasmania: Skilled Employment, Graduate or Established Resident pathways; Overseas 491 (OSOP) closed for 2026–27.
  • Australian Capital Territory: 190 No, 491 No, onshore No, offshore No. Not on the ACT occupation list (Canberra small-business owners may still qualify).
  • Northern Territory: 190 Closed, 491 By exception, onshore NT grads/residents only, offshore No. 491 onshore only, by exception for NT Graduate or Resident applicants with urgent visa or age deadlines.

Based on each state's official 2026–27 lists and program pages. Being listed does not guarantee an invitation.

Skills assessment for Interpreter

This authority assesses whether your qualifications (and, for some occupations, registration or work experience) meet the Australian standard for this occupation. Requirements are set by the authority and approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

The process

  1. Confirm the authority: Check that this body assesses your occupation for your visa.
  2. Check criteria: Read the qualification, registration, experience and English requirements.
  3. Prepare documents: Qualifications, transcripts, ID and any registration or employment evidence.
  4. Apply and pay: Lodge with the authority, usually online.
  5. Outcome: Use your outcome letter for your EOI and visa.

What you need for this occupation

NAATI sets the criteria for this occupation. Requirements usually cover qualification level and field, any registration or licence, and in some cases work experience and English.

Documents checklist

  • Passport
  • Qualification certificates and full transcripts
  • Registration or licence evidence (if applicable)
  • Employment references (if applicable)
  • English test results (if required)

English language requirement

For the NAATI skills assessment

NAATI sets its own English rule for this occupation. Many professional and registration bodies ask for IELTS Academic 7 or equivalent, so check before you book a test.

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 2724

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Interpreter?

The ANZSCO code for Interpreter is 272412. It is a skill level 1 occupation.

Who assesses Interpreter for Australian migration?

Interpreter is assessed by NAATI. You need a positive skills assessment before you can apply for most skilled visas.

Which Australian visas can a Interpreter apply for?

Interpreter is on the STSOL list, so it can be used for: 190 Skilled Nominated; 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated; 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored; 407 Training visa. You must still meet every other visa requirement.

Which states nominate Interpreter?

3 of 8 states and territories currently list Interpreter: Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania. Each state has extra criteria such as residence, employment and points.

Do I need an English test for the Interpreter skills assessment?

NAATI sets its own English rule; check its website. The visa itself needs at least Competent English (for example IELTS 6 in each band).

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

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