Skills Assessment Guide for Australian Immigration
Complete guide to understanding skills assessment requirements, choosing the right assessing authority, and preparing your application for Australian immigration.
Skill Assessment
Professional Assessments
Trade Assessments
Assessment Tools
Your Complete Skills Assessment Guide
A skills assessment is a critical step in your Australian immigration journey. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about skills assessments, from understanding what they are to successfully completing your application.
Understanding Skills Assessments
A skills assessment is an official evaluation by a designated Australian assessing authority that verifies your qualifications and work experience are suitable for your nominated occupation. This assessment is mandatory for most skilled migration visa pathways, including:
- Skilled Independent Visa (189): Points-tested permanent residence
- Skilled Nominated Visa (190): State-nominated permanent residence
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (491): Regional provisional visa
- Temporary Graduate Visa (485): Post-study work rights
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482): Employer-sponsored work visa
- Employer Nomination Scheme (186): Permanent employer sponsorship
Major Assessing Authorities in Australia
ACS - Australian Computer Society
For: ICT and technology professionals
Assesses qualifications and experience for software engineers, developers, IT managers, business analysts, and other ICT occupations.
Engineers Australia
For: Engineering professionals
Assesses all engineering disciplines including civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and software engineering.
VETASSESS
For: General professional occupations
Covers over 350 professional occupations including managers, marketing professionals, HR specialists, and more.
TRA - Trades Recognition Australia
For: Trade occupations
Assesses trade qualifications for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, chefs, hairdressers, and other skilled trades.
ANMAC
For: Nursing and midwifery professionals
Assesses nursing qualifications and provides pathway to AHPRA registration for nurses and midwives.
CPA Australia / CAANZ
For: Accounting professionals
Assesses accountants, auditors, and finance professionals for migration purposes.
Document Requirements - What You'll Need
⚠️ Important: All Documents Must Be Certified
Most assessing authorities require certified copies of documents, not originals. Documents can be certified by a Justice of Peace, notary public, or other authorized certifiers.
Academic Qualifications
- Degree/diploma certificates (all tertiary qualifications)
- Complete academic transcripts showing all subjects and grades
- Course curriculum or syllabus (if required by authority)
- Trade certificates and apprenticeship documents (for trades)
Employment Evidence
- Detailed employment references on company letterhead
- Job descriptions and responsibilities
- Payslips (usually 2-3 per year of employment)
- Tax returns or group certificates
- Employment contracts
- Organizational charts (if available)
Additional Documents
- Current passport (bio-data page)
- English language test results (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL)
- Professional registration certificates (if applicable)
- CPD/continuing education records
- Published papers or portfolio (for some professions)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incomplete Employment References
Employment references must include specific details: job title, employment dates, duties performed, hours worked, and supervisor contact details. Generic references often lead to delays or refusals.
❌ Missing or Unclear Documents
Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and properly certified. Poor quality scans or uncertified documents will be rejected.
❌ Applying to Wrong Authority
Each occupation has a specific assessing authority. Applying to the wrong one wastes time and money. Always check the official skilled occupation list first.
❌ Insufficient Work Experience
Most authorities require a minimum period of skilled work experience in your nominated occupation. Ensure you meet the requirements before applying.
Tips for a Successful Application
✅ Start Early
Begin gathering documents months before you plan to apply. Some employers may take time to provide references, and overseas documents may need translation.
✅ Get Professional References Right
Employment references are the most scrutinized documents. Ensure they are detailed, on letterhead, signed by a manager, and include all required information.
✅ Check Authority-Specific Requirements
Each authority has unique requirements. Read the guidelines carefully and ensure you meet all criteria before submitting your application.
✅ Consider Professional Help
A registered migration agent can review your documents, ensure completeness, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome on the first attempt.
After Your Assessment
Once you receive a positive skills assessment, you can proceed with your visa application. Your assessment is typically valid for 3 years, during which you can:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for points-tested visas
- Apply for state nomination (subclass 190/491)
- Use it for employer-sponsored visa applications
- Apply for multiple visa applications using the same assessment
Need Expert Guidance?
Skills assessments can be complex and vary significantly by occupation and assessing authority. Our experienced migration consultants can help you:
- ✓ Choose the correct assessing authority for your occupation
- ✓ Review and prepare all required documents
- ✓ Ensure employment references meet authority requirements
- ✓ Complete your application correctly the first time
- ✓ Handle communication with the assessing authority
- ✓ Develop your complete migration strategy
Don't risk delays or refusals. Get it right the first time with professional assistance.
Related Resources
ACS Assessment
For ICT professionals
VETASSESS
General professions
Engineers Australia
Engineering occupations
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about skills assessments. Requirements, fees, and processing times are subject to change by assessing authorities. Always check the official website of your assessing authority for the most current information before applying.
Why Choose Our Assessment Services
Right Authority
We help you choose the correct assessing authority for your occupation and pathway.
Document Readiness
Clear document checklists and review to minimise delays and rework.
PR Strategy
Align your assessment outcome with the right PR or work visa strategy.
Faster Turnaround
Well-prepared applications typically lead to quicker outcomes.
Common Occupations Assessed
This assessing authority commonly evaluates the following occupations:
Processing Times
Typical assessment processing timeframes (subject to change):
Processing times are indicative and may vary based on individual circumstances and authority workload.
Assessment Costs
Current fees for skill assessment services:
| Assessment Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACS Assessment | AUD $530-$600 | ICT professionals |
| VETASSESS | AUD $990-$1,300 | General professions |
| Engineers Australia | AUD $720-$1,050 | Engineering professionals |
| TRA Assessment | AUD $300-$1,500 | Trade qualifications |
| ANMAC (Nursing) | AUD $1,300-$2,000 | Includes registration |
| CPA/CAANZ | AUD $850-$1,100 | Accounting professionals |
Fees are current as of the last update and may change. Please verify with the assessing authority.
Need Help With Your Skill Assessment?
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