Skilled occupation profile

Detective

ANZSCO 441311

Detective investigates serious crimes, such as terrorism, homicide, armed robbery, vice and arson, and gathers evidence to arrest and prosecute suspected offenders.

Community / Personal Service

Occupation guide

Occupation details and migration pathways

This guide brings together the key occupation tasks, possible visa pathways and skills assessment information for Detective ANZSCO 441311.

Typical tasks and duties

Detective may perform the following tasks:

  • investigating and prosecuting offences committed in areas such as organised, corporate and computer crime, environmental offences, drug trafficking, fraud, counterfeiting and terrorism
  • securing and examining scenes of crimes and accidents to locate and obtain evidence for analysis
  • protecting witnesses and investigating official corruption
  • maintaining public order and safety
  • patrolling assigned areas to minimise potential for public disturbance and crime
  • investigating accidents, crimes, minor offences and citizens' complaints, gathering evidence, and pursuing, arresting and interviewing suspected offenders
  • testing persons suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and issuing infringement notices for traffic offences
  • directing and re-routing traffic at congested areas
  • attending community meetings and answering inquiries from the public where necessary
  • providing advice and assistance to victims of crime and their families
  • maintaining records and preparing reports

Possible visa pathways

This occupation appears on the relevant skilled occupation list. The right visa pathway depends on factors such as your age, English level, qualifications, work experience, skills assessment, points score, nomination options and employer sponsorship.

Skills assessment

For skilled migration purposes, Detective may require a suitable skills assessment. The correct assessment pathway depends on the visa stream and your personal circumstances.

Legacy subclass 187 pathway

Do you currently hold, or have you previously held, a subclass 457 or 482 visa?

If you have worked for a sponsoring employer in regional Australia, please note that Detective — ANZSCO 441311 was included in the legacy Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) occupation list. The subclass 187 Direct Entry stream is closed to new applications, but the Temporary Residence Transition stream may remain available to certain transitional subclass 457 and subclass 482 workers. Eligibility is limited and depends on your visa history, relevant dates, sponsored regional employment, employer nomination, age, English and other requirements. Being included on this occupation list does not establish eligibility.

If this may describe your circumstances, we can assess whether the subclass 187 transitional arrangements may still apply to you.

Check your options

Check your skilled migration options

If Detective is your nominated occupation, complete our skilled visa assessment form so we can review your possible migration pathways.

Mohammad Reza Azimi

Reviewed by Principal Migration Consultant

Reviewed by Mohammad Reza Azimi

This occupation page has been reviewed for migration context by Shada Migration Services. Mohammad has assisted clients with Australian migration matters since 2009 and holds a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from the Australian National University.

Last reviewed: July 2026

This occupation is on the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Occupation List (RSMS ROL) , you may be eligible to apply for the following visa subclass:

  • Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme (subclass 187)