Glossary

Words used on YourVisaSite

Short, plain-English meanings of the terms in our menus and pages. For legal definitions, open the Home Affairs glossary below.

ANZSCO

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. Its six-digit codes identify the occupations on the skilled occupation lists, such as 261313 for Software Engineer.

Assessing authority

An organisation the government names to assess skills or qualifications for a listed occupation.

Bridging visa

A temporary visa that can let a person stay lawfully in Australia while a substantive visa application is decided, or while they make arrangements to leave. Its conditions depend on the type.

CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)

The document an education provider issues when a student accepts a place in a CRICOS-registered course. A Student visa application uses it to show the enrolment.

CRICOS

The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students: the official list of providers and courses registered to teach student visa holders.

CSOL

The Core Skills Occupation List. Since 7 December 2024 it is the occupation list for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).

EOI (expression of interest)

A profile lodged in SkillSelect to be considered for an invitation to apply for some skilled visas. It is not a visa application.

Genuine Student requirement

A Student visa criterion: the applicant genuinely intends to study in Australia, and study is the main purpose of the visa.

ImmiAccount

The Department of Home Affairs online account used to lodge many visa applications and follow their progress. YourVisaSite never asks for or uses ImmiAccount details.

Invitation to apply

A notice sent through SkillSelect that lets a person apply for a skilled visa within a set time.

Labour agreement

An agreement between an employer and the government that sets terms for sponsoring overseas workers.

LIN

The number the Department gives a migration legislative instrument, written as year and number. LIN 19/051 sets the MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL; LIN 22/022 sets the designated regional areas.

MLTSSL

The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, set by LIN 19/051. It is the occupation list for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and one of the lists for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas.

nec

Short for "not elsewhere classified". ANZSCO uses it in the title of an occupation that no other code covers, such as Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec.

Nomination

An application by a state or territory government or an employer that supports a person for a particular visa or position.

OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)

Health insurance from an approved insurer for student visa holders and their families. The official page explains who needs it and for how long.

Permanent visa

A visa that lets the holder stay in Australia indefinitely. The travel rights that come with it can expire.

Points test

A score some skilled visas use, based on factors such as age, English, skilled employment and qualifications. The official points table sets the scores.

Provisional visa

A temporary visa that can be a step towards a permanent visa, if the later visa's own requirements are met.

Regional postcode

A postcode inside a designated regional area. LIN 22/022 lists them, and each visa's own rules say which regional definition it uses.

ROL

The Regional Occupation List, set by LIN 19/051. It is an occupation list for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).

Skills assessment

An assessing authority's decision on whether a person's skills or qualifications suit a nominated occupation.

SkillSelect

The Australian Government online system where expressions of interest are lodged and invitations to apply are sent.

Sponsor

A person, employer or organisation that supports a visa application and takes on obligations under the sponsorship rules.

State occupation list

A list a state or territory publishes of occupations it may nominate. Each state updates its own list.

STSOL

The Short-term Skilled Occupation List, set by LIN 19/051. It is an occupation list for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas.

Temporary visa

A visa that lets the holder stay in Australia for a set period or until a set event.

Visa condition

A rule attached to a visa, such as a limit on work or study. The visa grant notice lists the conditions.

Visa grant notice

The letter or email from the Department that confirms a visa has been granted, with its conditions and dates.

Visa subclass

The number Home Affairs gives each visa, such as subclass 189. Our visa and form pages use it to name a visa.