Author (ANZSCO 212211)
Updated
What an Author does
Produces literary or other written work for publication or performance. This occupation requires high levels of creative talent or personal commitment and interest as well as, or in place of, formal qualifications and experience.
- Specialisations
- Novelist, Playwright, Poet, Screenwriter, Script Writer
Key facts
- ANZSCO code
- 212211
- Skill level
- 1Bachelor degree or higher
- Skilled lists
- Regional Occupation List (ROL)
- Visas that list it
- 494
- Assessing authority
- VETASSESS
- National shortage
- No shortage
Visa options
Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.
Points-tested
- Subclass 189 Skilled IndependentNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 190 Skilled NominatedNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 491, state or territory nominatedNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 491, family sponsoredNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Employer-sponsored
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand, Core Skills streamNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, Direct Entry streamNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Main tasks
- creating and developing ideas and themes for written works, such as novels, plays, musicals, screen productions, educational texts, information texts and multimedia products
- researching subject matter through original and secondary materials, interviews and other media
- planning, organising and writing material
- reviewing and evaluating manuscripts of novels, biographies, short stories, poems, educational texts and other books, and ensuring coherence of style and development of theme, plot and characterisation
- advising publishers about potential of works for publication and conditions of publication contract
- negotiating publication details such as royalties, publication dates and numbers of copies to be printed
- reviewing and assessing stories and other material for film, television, radio and stage productions
- directing the preparation of scripts to be read by announcers to introduce and connect parts of musicals, news, sports and special events programs
Shortage by state
- NationalNo shortage
- ACTNo shortage
- NSWNo shortage
- NTNo shortage
- QLDNo shortage
- SANo shortage
- TASNo shortage
- VICNo shortage
- WANo shortage
State and territory nomination
For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.
Common questions
What does an Author do?
Produces literary or other written work for publication or performance. This occupation requires high levels of creative talent or personal commitment and interest as well as, or in place of, formal qualifications and experience. (ABS ANZSCO description.)
Is Author on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Author (ANZSCO 212211) is on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 494 visa.
What is the ANZSCO code for Author?
212211. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.
How can an Author migrate to Australia?
The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Author for the Subclass 494 visa. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.
Who assesses Author for an Australian visa?
VETASSESS, the skills assessing authority listed for 212211.
Is Author in demand in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "No shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.