This is a 2026 step-by-step pathway guide for a Translator migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 272413. 272413 is on MLTSSL and CSOL — full skilled visa stack: Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491 → 191, Subclass 186, Subclass 494 → 191, Subclass 482 → 186 TRT.
For the cost / timeline view see the 272413 cost & timeline case study. For NAATI details see the skills assessment guide.
Step 1 — Confirm 272413 is the right code
ANZSCO 272413 covers written translation — document translation for migration / legal / medical / commercial / technical purposes, certified document translation (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts for visa purposes), literary translation, audiovisual translation / subtitling. Use ANZSCO search to verify against 272412 Interpreter (spoken / signed).
Step 2 — NAATI skills assessment
NAATI (naati.com.au) is the assessing authority. Tiers:
- Recognised Practising Translator (RPT) — older / pre-2018 transitional tier.
- Certified Provisional Translator (CPT) — entry-level (limited language coverage).
- Certified Translator (CT) — primary professional tier required for migration.
- Certified Specialist Translator (CST) — Health / Legal specialist endorsement.
- Certified Advanced Translator (CAT) — senior tier.
For migration, NAATI Certified Translator (CT) is the migration-relevant tier.
Step 3 — Translation direction
NAATI certifies translators for specific direction:
- Into English (e.g., Mandarin → English).
- From English (e.g., English → Mandarin).
- Bidirectional (both directions, sit both tests).
Many migrant translators hold one-direction certification only (typically into English) — sufficient for most migration / legal document translation work.
Step 4 — English
EOI requires Competent English. NAATI requires Proficient English (IELTS 7.0+ each) for Certified tier when translating into English. For visa points, target Superior (8.0+ each).
Step 5 — Choose a visa pathway
Subclass 189 / 190 / 491
189 Independent for Certified Translators with high points. 190 +5 points; 491 +15 points regional. Demand varies by language community.
Subclass 186 / 494 / 482
Translation agencies — All Graduates Translating and Interpreting, OnCall Interpreters, Polaron Language Services, LanguageLoop / VITS, 2M Language Services. Government translation services — TIS National, Department of Home Affairs (immigration document translation), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Legal sector — major law firms hire dedicated translators for international cases. Audiovisual / subtitling — SBS Australia, ABC, streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime — outsourced / contracted). Literary translation — niche but exists for major translators.
Step 6 — Score / Step 7 — Submit
Use points calculator. NAATI bonus 5 points via separate CCL test also applicable. Lodge via SkillSelect.
Tools
- Visa fee calculator
- Document checklist — NAATI evidence pack
- Eligibility wizard
- Invitation rounds tracker
Authoritative sources
Next step
Want to map your translator profile against 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.