On the 189 visa, what people call a “social worker” is the occupation Social Worker, ANZSCO code 272511 — an occupation on the MLTSSL whose assessing authority is the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers). The legislative basis for this list is the legislative instrument LIN 19/051, and assessment is carried out on the basis of a professional social work qualification at Bachelor or Masters level.
This precise clarification comes from Dr Sirous Ahmadi, Australian migration lawyer, MARA registration number 0854826, in response to a question that leaves a great many Persian-speaking social workers confused every year: the literal translation of an occupation title. What is referred to in everyday conversation as a “social worker” has a specific professional title within the ANZSCO framework, and it is only that exact title and that exact code which carry any weight for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189).
Dr Ahmadi emphasises that an AASW assessment is not simply a matter of holding a qualification. Alongside an AASW-approved professional social work qualification at bachelor or master’s level, two further requirements are decisive: completion of the required field education hours, and achieving the AASW’s own specific English language score, which sits above the visa’s Competent English requirement. Put simply, an applicant may well satisfy the visa’s English requirement and still find that the same score falls short for the purposes of the AASW skills assessment. These two thresholds need to be planned for separately.
The second point concerns being realistic about what inclusion on a list actually means. The presence of Social Worker on the MLTSSL means only that the occupation is “eligible” for the 189 visa — nothing more. An invitation depends on your points score, on the available places, and on how invitation rounds are prioritised; no list on its own guarantees an invitation. Understanding this distinction sets an applicant’s expectations on a sound footing from the outset.
The third caution is about distinguishing between similar-sounding titles. 272511 should not be confused with Welfare Worker, Community/Welfare Support Worker, or occupations in the Counsellors group; these titles have different codes and different list status, and they do not all appear on the MLTSSL. Because ANZSCO codes and skilled occupation lists are reviewed periodically, the exact status of any given title should be checked against the current version of LIN 19/051 and the Skilled occupation list page at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au as at that date.
If your education and work background lie in social work, a careful case assessment session can make all the difference between guessing and knowing. For personal guidance tailored to your own circumstances, please get in touch with the office of Dr Sirous Ahmadi.
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This answer reflects the law and policy as verified on October 8, 2026. Immigration rules change frequently — confirm the current position before acting.
Dr. Sirous Ahmadi Registered Migration Agent 0854826
This article is general information only, current at the date shown, and is not legal advice. Do not rely on it for your own situation — immigration law and policy change frequently. Seek advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer about your circumstances.