EA Skill Assessment

If you want to migrate to Australia as an engineer, you must obtain a migration skills assessment from Engineers Australia. This assessment confirms whether your tertiary qualifications and professional experience meet Australian standards for your nominated engineering occupation and provides the outcome letter you will include with your Department of Home Affairs visa application.

Recent change for advanced diplomas and associate degrees

Effective 1 September 2024, Engineers Australia updated its approach to assessing advanced diploma and associate degree qualifications from Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Applicants with these qualifications should check the revised requirements before applying, as assessment pathways or evidence requirements may differ from those for bachelor’s and higher degrees.

Six‑step assessment process

Applying for a skills assessment is structured into six steps:

1. Check your qualification — verify that your qualification is recognised and matches an engineering occupation the organisation assesses.
2. Understand the four engineering occupational categories — determine which occupational category (e.g., Professional Engineer, Engineering Technologist, Engineering Associate, or Engineering Manager) best fits your qualifications and experience.
3. Choose an assessment pathway — select the appropriate pathway (e.g., accredited qualification, competence demonstration, or recognition of prior learning) based on your education and work history.
4. Prepare your application — gather required documents (academic transcripts, certified qualifications, employment references, CV, and any additional evidence relevant to your chosen pathway).
5. Submit your application — lodge your application and pay the applicable fees through Engineers Australia’s online portal.
6. Receive the outcome — Engineers Australia will assess your submission and issue an outcome letter. If successful, this letter is used for migration visa applications.

Preparing your application and documentation

Thorough preparation improves the likelihood of a smooth assessment. Provide clear, certified copies of academic records, detailed employment references that specify duties and dates, and any evidence of continuing professional development. If your documents are not in English, include accredited translations.

Occupational categories and choosing the right one

Engineers Australia assesses applicants against four broad occupational categories; selecting the correct category is essential because it determines the competencies and evidence required. Use Engineers Australia guidance and the online quiz/tool to help match your qualifications and role to the appropriate occupation.

Assessment pathways and eligibility

Different pathways exist depending on whether your qualification is accredited in Australia (or recognised under international accords), obtained overseas, or if you are relying on substantial work experience in lieu of formal qualifications. Read the pathway criteria carefully to ensure you submit the correct evidence and choose the correct application type.

Outcome reviews and appeals

If you disagree with an assessment decision, Engineers Australia provides information on outcome review and appeal processes. Timeframes and grounds for review vary — check the published policy and submit any requests within the specified deadlines.

Processing times, fees and support

Processing times and fees vary by pathway and application complexity. Applicants can view current processing times on the Engineers Australia website. For help, contact Engineers Australia directly or use available resources (guides, FAQs, and contact channels) to reduce errors and delays.