Assessing Authority Updates: Surveyors and ANZSCO 224999 Occupations

The Migration Legislation Amendment (Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/027) introduces a targeted update following the liquidation of the Geospatial Council of Australia.

These changes affect both Surveyor (ANZSCO 232212) and Information and Organisation Professionals NEC (ANZSCO 224999).

As part of these updates, the Institution of Surveyors New South Wales Ltd (ISNSW) has been appointed as the new assessing authority for Surveyors. At the same time, assessment pathways for ANZSCO 224999 occupations have been  specified.

The instrument sets out how existing skills assessments issued by the Geospatial Council of Australia (GCA) are to be treated:

• Skills assessments issued on or before 21 August 2025 remain valid for visa applications lodged but not yet finalised on or after 8 October 2025.

• Skills assessments issued after 21 August 2025 do not meet the updated requirements, and a new assessment from the Institution of Surveyors New South Wales Ltd (ISNSW) is required.

The instrument also clarifies the assessing authorities for “Information and Organisation Professionals NEC” (ANZSCO 224999).

Under the updated framework:

• The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the assessing authority for Data Scientist roles

• VETASSESS remains the assessing authority for other roles within this occupation

  
  

Quick reference - assessing authority changes:

Practical implications:

• Applicants must ensure the correct assessing authority is selected at lodgement

• Existing GCA assessments may remain valid depending on the assessment date

• New applicants for Surveyor must apply through ISNSW

• Applications already lodged may still be affected if not yet finalised

• An incorrect assessing authority results in the application not meeting legislative requirements

For further information and assistance, Book a consultation with one of experienced Registered Migration Agents today.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please get in touch with SCA Connect.