Skills Assessment Processing Times & Timeline
Complete guide to skills assessment processing times for all major Australian assessing authorities. Learn about standard, priority, and complex case timelines, plus tips to avoid delays.
Skill Assessment
Professional Assessments
Trade Assessments
Assessment Tools
Skills Assessment Processing Times & Timeline Guide
Understanding skills assessment processing times is crucial for planning your migration timeline. This comprehensive guide provides current processing times for all major assessing authorities, factors that affect processing speed, and strategies to avoid delays.
⏰ Quick Reference - Average Processing Times
Detailed Processing Times by Authority
ACS (Australian Computer Society)
For ICT Professionals
Processing Breakdown:
- • Week 1-2: Initial document review and completeness check
- • Week 2-4: Qualification verification with institutions
- • Week 4-10: Employment verification and experience assessment
- • Week 10-12: Final review and outcome preparation
- • Week 12-14: Quality assurance and notification
VETASSESS
For 350+ General Professional Occupations
Typical Timeline:
- • Week 1: Application lodged and acknowledgment sent
- • Week 2-3: Preliminary assessment and document checks
- • Week 4-8: Detailed qualification and experience evaluation
- • Week 8-10: Verification of employment and qualifications
- • Week 10-14: Final assessment and outcome letter preparation
Engineers Australia
For All Engineering Disciplines
CDR Assessment Process:
- • Week 1-2: CDR submission and completeness check
- • Week 2-6: Detailed CDR review by assessors
- • Week 6-8: Verification and cross-checking
- • Week 8-10: Second assessor review
- • Week 10-13: Final outcome and notification
Note: CDR (Competency Demonstration Report) applications may take longer if the report requires clarification or additional evidence.
TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)
For Trade Occupations
- • Stage 1 (Provisional): 90 days
- • Stage 2 (Employment): 12 months minimum
- • Stage 3 (Assessment): 2-3 months
- • Stage 4 (Final): 30-60 days
Important Notes:
TRA processing times can vary significantly depending on the complexity of verification required for overseas qualifications and the availability of workplace assessors for JRP candidates. Peak periods may extend processing times.
ANMAC
For Nursing and Midwifery
After ANMAC assessment, AHPRA registration can take an additional 8-12 weeks. Total timeline from ANMAC assessment to AHPRA registration: 18-24 weeks.
Processing Stages:
- • Week 1-2: Application registration and initial review
- • Week 2-4: Qualification verification with nursing boards
- • Week 4-8: Detailed assessment of education and clinical hours
- • Week 8-10: English test verification and final checks
- • Week 10-12: Outcome letter and next steps
Note: International nursing qualifications may require additional time for verification, especially from countries with limited documentation systems.
CPA Australia / CAANZ
For Accounting Professionals
Assessment Timeline:
- • Week 1: Application received and fees processed
- • Week 2-3: Academic transcript analysis (12 core subjects)
- • Week 4-6: Employment verification and experience assessment
- • Week 6-8: Final review and outcome preparation
- • Week 8-10: Outcome notification and certificate issue
Common Causes of Delays
❌ Incomplete Applications
Delay: +2-4 weeks
Missing documents, unclear photocopies, or incomplete forms require follow-up and delay initial processing. Always submit complete applications with all required documents.
❌ Poor Employment References
Delay: +3-6 weeks
Generic references without specific duties, missing contact details, or unsigned references require additional verification or replacement documents.
❌ Qualification Verification Issues
Delay: +4-8 weeks
Difficulties contacting overseas universities, institutions that have closed, or qualifications from countries with limited verification systems significantly delay processing.
❌ Unreachable Employers
Delay: +2-6 weeks
If employers cannot be contacted to verify employment, authorities may request alternative evidence or statutory declarations, causing delays.
❌ Peak Application Periods
Delay: +2-4 weeks
September to December sees increased applications from international students. Processing times may be extended during these busy periods.
❌ Complex or Borderline Cases
Delay: +4-12 weeks
Cases requiring panel review, qualifications not clearly aligned with occupation, or mixed employment experience require additional scrutiny.
How to Avoid Delays - Expert Tips
✅ Submit Complete Applications
- • Use official checklists from the assessing authority
- • Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and properly certified
- • Include all pages of multi-page documents
- • Double-check forms are fully completed and signed
✅ Prepare Detailed Employment References
- • Work with employers to create comprehensive references before leaving jobs
- • Ensure references include all required elements (duties, dates, hours, supervisor contact)
- • Get references on official letterhead and properly signed
- • Keep backup evidence like payslips, contracts, and tax returns
✅ Verify Documents Early
- • Contact universities early to request official transcripts
- • Get documents certified while still accessible
- • Arrange NAATI translations in advance if needed
- • Obtain police clearances before applying (if required)
✅ Respond Quickly to Information Requests
- • Monitor your email daily for correspondence from the authority
- • Respond to information requests within 7-14 days (don't wait until deadline)
- • Provide complete responses - partial information causes further delays
- • Keep copies of all correspondence
✅ Consider Priority Processing
- • If you have tight deadlines, priority processing is worth the additional cost
- • Particularly useful if applying close to visa invitation rounds
- • Still requires complete application - priority doesn't fix missing documents
- • Not all authorities offer priority; check availability
✅ Seek Professional Review
- • Have a migration agent review your application before submission
- • Professional review identifies missing elements and potential issues
- • Expert preparation reduces risk of delays and refusals
- • One-time cost often saves months of delays
What to Do While Waiting
Productive Steps During Processing:
Prepare Your Expression of Interest (EOI)
Draft your SkillSelect EOI so you can submit immediately once you receive your positive assessment.
Organize Financial Evidence
Start gathering financial documents you'll need for your visa application - bank statements, proof of funds, etc.
Schedule Health Examinations
Some visa applications require health checks. Research requirements and locate panel physicians.
Gather Family Documents
If including family members, collect birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other relationship evidence.
Research Visa Options
Use the waiting time to thoroughly research visa pathways, state nomination programs, and requirements.
Improve Your Points
Work on improving English scores, gaining additional experience, or completing professional year if applicable.
After Receiving Your Assessment
Positive Assessment - Next Steps:
Immediate Actions (Week 1)
- • Download and save your assessment certificate
- • Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) if applicable
- • Research state nomination opportunities
- • Verify your points calculation
Short-term Actions (Weeks 2-4)
- • Engage migration agent if not already done
- • Start gathering visa application documents
- • Schedule English tests if scores need improvement
- • Research employer sponsorship options
Ongoing (Until Visa Invitation)
- • Monitor SkillSelect invitation rounds
- • Keep documents updated and current
- • Continue gaining relevant work experience
- • Maintain English test validity
Don't Let Delays Derail Your Migration Plans
Expert preparation minimizes processing time and maximizes your chances of success. Our team ensures your application is complete, accurate, and optimized for fast processing.
Faster Processing
Complete applications avoid delays from information requests
Higher Success Rate
Professional preparation reduces refusals and need for reapplication
Strategic Planning
We plan your entire migration timeline, not just skills assessment
Expert Guidance
Navigate complex requirements with confidence and clarity
Time is critical in migration planning. Contact us today to start your skills assessment journey.
Disclaimer: Processing times shown are current as of 2025 and are indicative only. Actual processing times vary based on individual circumstances, application complexity, verification requirements, and authority workload. Peak periods may extend timeframes. Always check the official website of your assessing authority for current processing times before applying. Priority processing availability and fees are subject to change.
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 Standard | 12-14 weeks | Priority: 4-6 weeks |
| VETASSESS Standard | 12-14 weeks | Fast-track: 10 business days |
| Engineers Australia Standard | 10-13 weeks | Fast-track: 20 business days |
| TRA (Job Ready) | 90 days | From complete application |
| ANMAC | 10-12 weeks | Can vary significantly |
| CPA/CAANZ | 8-10 weeks | From complete application |
Fees are current as of the last update and may change. Please verify with the assessing authority.
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