What Is a Skills Assessment?

A skills assessment is an independent assessment of your skills and qualifications by the relevant Australian assessing authority.

The assessment helps determine whether your background is suitable for the occupation you are nominating for migration purposes.

Depending on the occupation and assessing authority, the assessment may consider:

• Educational qualifications
• Academic transcripts
• Employment history
• Relevant work experience
• Job duties
• Technical skills
• Professional experience
• Professional registration
• Licensing
• Industry experience
• Country of qualification
• Course content
• English language evidence where applicable

The requirements are different for different occupations.

Home Affairs identifies specific assessing authorities against eligible occupations and visa programs. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Why Is a Skills Assessment Important?

Your skills assessment can be one of the most important stages of your Australian skilled migration journey.

A suitable assessment may be required to:

• Nominate an occupation
• Submit a SkillSelect EOI
• Claim skilled migration points where applicable
• Apply for certain skilled visas
• Demonstrate that your qualifications and experience are relevant to your nominated occupation
• Support certain employer-sponsored visa applications

However, a positive skills assessment does not guarantee a visa invitation or visa grant.

You must still satisfy the requirements of the visa you are applying for.

Which Australian Visas May Require a Skills Assessment?

Skills assessment requirements depend on the visa and occupation.

They can be relevant to:

Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189

The subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent skilled visa.

Applicants generally need a suitable skills assessment before submitting their SkillSelect EOI. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190

Subclass 190 is a points-tested permanent visa requiring state or territory nomination.

A suitable skills assessment is generally required for the nominated occupation, along with the relevant state or territory requirements.

Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491

Subclass 491 is a points-tested regional provisional visa available through state or territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship.

A suitable skills assessment is generally an important part of the skilled migration process.

Skills in Demand Visa Subclass 482

The Skills in Demand visa subclass 482 is employer sponsored.

Skills assessment requirements are different from the points-tested skilled visa pathways and can depend on the occupation and applicant circumstances.

Home Affairs may require a suitable skills assessment in relevant cases. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186

For the Direct Entry stream, applicants generally need a skills assessment unless an applicable exemption applies.

Relevant registration or licensing must also be held where required. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Subclass 494

For the Employer Sponsored stream, applicants generally require a skills assessment unless an exemption applies. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Important: There Is No Single Skills Assessment Authority

One of the most common misunderstandings about Australian migration is that every occupation is assessed by the same organisation.

That is not correct.

Australia has different assessing authorities for different occupations.

Examples include:

• Engineers Australia
• Australian Computer Society (ACS)
• VETASSESS
• Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
• Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
• CPA Australia
• CA ANZ
• Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)
• Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL)
• Other occupation-specific assessing authorities

The relevant authority must be identified based on your nominated occupation and the visa pathway.

Home Affairs publishes the occupation and assessing-authority information through the relevant legislative instruments. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Skills Assessment Authorities in Australia

Engineers Australia

Engineers Australia is the relevant assessing authority for many engineering occupations.

Engineering applicants may need to demonstrate that their qualifications and competencies meet the requirements applicable to their nominated engineering occupation.

Engineering assessment pathways can depend on factors such as:

• Engineering qualification
• Country of education
• Accreditation
• Academic background
• Engineering competencies
• Professional experience

Potential occupations include:

• Civil Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Electrical Engineer
• Electronics Engineer
• Chemical Engineer
• Telecommunications Engineer
• Industrial Engineer
• Structural Engineer
• Environmental Engineer

ACS Skills Assessment

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) assesses eligible ICT and computing-related occupations for applicable migration pathways.

Potential occupations can include:

• Software Engineer
• Developer Programmer
• Software and Applications Programmer
• ICT Business Analyst
• Systems Analyst
• Computer Network and Systems Engineer
• ICT Security Specialist
• Web Developer
• Database Administrator
• ICT Project Manager

ACS assessment requirements depend on your qualifications, ICT content and employment experience.

Applicants should select the occupation that accurately reflects their skills and professional background.

VETASSESS Skills Assessment

VETASSESS is an Australian skills assessing authority that assesses a wide range of professional and other occupations.

The assessment requirements can vary substantially between occupations.

VETASSESS may consider:

• Qualification relevance
• Qualification level
• Course content
• Employment experience
• Relevance of employment
• Professional background
• Evidence of employment

Applicants should check the specific requirements for their nominated occupation rather than assuming that the same documentation applies to every VETASSESS occupation.

Trades Recognition Australia

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is responsible for skills assessment and related assessment programs covering a range of trade occupations.

Potential trade occupations can include:

• Electrician
• Plumber
• Carpenter
• Motor Mechanic
• Welder
• Metal Fabricator
• Other eligible trades

TRA has different assessment programs depending on the occupation, applicant circumstances, country and migration pathway.

It is important to identify the correct TRA program before submitting an application.

ANMAC Skills Assessment

The Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) is involved in migration skills assessment for eligible nursing and midwifery occupations.

Potential occupations include:

• Registered Nurse
• Registered Midwife
• Other eligible nursing and midwifery occupations

Migration skills assessment and Australian professional registration are separate requirements.

A nurse or midwife may need to satisfy professional registration requirements in addition to the migration assessment process.

Accounting Skills Assessment

Accounting professionals may be assessed by an appropriate accounting assessing authority depending on their occupation and migration pathway.

Relevant authorities can include:

• CPA Australia
• CA ANZ
• Institute of Public Accountants

Potential occupations can include:

• Accountant
• Management Accountant
• Taxation Accountant
• Other eligible accounting occupations

The appropriate authority and assessment requirements should be confirmed before applying.

Teaching Skills Assessment

Teachers may need to satisfy the requirements of the relevant assessing authority and Australian registration requirements.

Potential occupation areas include:

• Early Childhood Teacher
• Primary School Teacher
• Secondary School Teacher
• Special Needs Teacher
• Other eligible teaching occupations

Applicants should distinguish between:

Migration skills assessment

and

Teacher registration/employment requirements in Australia.

These may involve different organisations and requirements.

How to Choose the Correct Occupation

Selecting the right occupation is one of the most important parts of the skills assessment process.

Do not select an occupation simply because the title sounds similar to your current job.

Consider:

• Your actual job duties
• Responsibilities
• Qualifications
• Employment experience
• Technical skills
• Industry
• Professional registration
• Occupation description
• ANZSCO classification
• Visa-specific occupation requirements

Home Affairs uses different occupation instruments for different skilled visa programs. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

ANZSCO and Skills Assessment

ANZSCO is the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations.

It provides occupation classifications and information about the skill level, qualifications and experience associated with occupations.

Your nominated occupation should reflect your actual work.

For example, someone working in an IT company should not automatically nominate an IT occupation simply because their employer is an IT business.

The actual duties and professional responsibilities are important.

Home Affairs currently uses:

ANZSCO 2022

For:

• Subclass 482
• Subclass 186

This includes the occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List.

ANZSCO 2013

For other skilled visa subclasses, including relevant occupations under:

• 189
• 190
• 491
• Other applicable programs

The applicable ANZSCO version should therefore be checked for the visa you are considering. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Skills Assessment Process Australia

Step 1 – Identify Your Occupation

Determine the occupation that best represents your qualifications, skills and employment.

Step 2 – Check Visa Eligibility

Determine which visa pathway you are considering.

Examples include:

• 189
• 190
• 491
• 482
• 494
• 186

Step 3 – Identify the Assessing Authority

Find the organisation authorised to assess your occupation for the relevant migration pathway.

Step 4 – Check the Assessment Requirements

Review:

• Qualification requirements
• Employment requirements
• English requirements where applicable
• Document requirements
• Professional registration
• Country-specific rules
• Assessment pathway

Step 5 – Prepare Your Documents

Collect your academic and employment evidence.

Step 6 – Lodge the Assessment

Submit the application to the relevant assessing authority.

Step 7 – Respond to Requests

If the assessing authority requests additional information, respond within the specified timeframe.

Step 8 – Receive the Outcome

The authority will issue the relevant assessment outcome.

Step 9 – Use the Assessment for Your Migration Pathway

If the assessment is suitable and valid for your intended visa pathway, you can proceed to the next stage.

For SkillSelect applicants, the assessment information is entered into the EOI. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Documents Required for Skills Assessment

The exact documents depend on your occupation and assessing authority.

Common documents may include:

Identity Documents

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• National identity document
• Name-change evidence

Education Documents

• Degree certificate
• Diploma
• Academic transcripts
• Course completion letter
• Professional qualification
• Training certificates

Employment Documents

• Employment reference letters
• Employment contracts
• Payslips
• Tax records
• Bank statements
• Superannuation records
• Position descriptions

Professional Documents

• Registration
• Licence
• Professional membership
• Professional certificates

Translation Documents

Documents not written in English may need to be translated according to the requirements of the relevant assessing authority and Australian immigration process.

Employment Evidence for Skills Assessment

Employment evidence can be one of the most important parts of an assessment.

A simple employment reference may not always be enough.

Depending on the assessing authority, you may need evidence such as:

• Employer reference
• Position description
• Employment contract
• Payslips
• Tax records
• Bank statements
• Superannuation records
• Government employment records

Your evidence should demonstrate:

• Employer
• Position
• Start date
• End date
• Hours worked
• Salary
• Duties
• Responsibilities

The information should be consistent across your documents.

Home Affairs also advises skilled visa applicants to provide detailed evidence of their employment history, including documents such as bank statements, payslips and tax statements where relevant. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Qualification Requirements

Depending on your occupation, the assessing authority may consider:

• Qualification level
• Institution
• Course duration
• Course content
• Country of education
• Study mode
• Relevance to the occupation
• Professional accreditation

An overseas qualification is not automatically accepted for every occupation or visa pathway.

The relevant assessing authority determines whether your qualification satisfies its assessment criteria.

Positive Skills Assessment

A positive skills assessment means that the relevant assessing authority has assessed your qualifications, skills and/or experience as suitable under its applicable criteria for your nominated occupation.

A positive assessment can help you proceed with the relevant skilled migration pathway.

However, it does not automatically guarantee:

• An EOI invitation
• State nomination
• Employer sponsorship
• A visa grant
• Permanent residence

You must still meet the requirements of your selected visa.

What If Your Skills Assessment Is Negative?

If your skills assessment is unsuccessful, the available options depend on the rules of the assessing authority and the reason for the outcome.

Depending on the circumstances, options may include:

• Reviewing the assessment
• Requesting reassessment
• Providing additional evidence
• Addressing qualification gaps
• Obtaining additional relevant experience
• Considering another genuinely suitable occupation
• Exploring another migration pathway

You should not select an occupation simply because it appears easier to assess.

The nominated occupation should accurately reflect your qualifications and actual professional experience.

Skills Assessment and SkillSelect

If you are considering a points-tested skilled visa, your skills assessment is an important part of the SkillSelect process.

Home Affairs states that applicants need to obtain a skills assessment in their nominated occupation before submitting their EOI.

You need to provide:

• Assessment date
• Assessing authority
• Reference or receipt number

along with the other required EOI information. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

The general pathway is:

Skills Assessment

↓

English Test

↓

SkillSelect EOI

↓

Invitation

↓

Visa Application

Skills Assessment and Points

For points-tested visas, your nominated occupation and skills assessment are part of your overall migration profile.

The relevant points-tested skilled visas include:

• Subclass 189
• Subclass 190
• Subclass 491

Home Affairs currently states that these visas are points-based and require applicants to meet or exceed the 65-point threshold to be invited.

However, meeting 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Points can depend on factors such as:

• Age
• English
• Skilled employment
• Educational qualifications
• Australian study
• Specialist educational qualifications
• Partner factors
• Other eligible factors

Skills Assessment and State Nomination

A positive skills assessment is commonly an important requirement for state and territory nominated pathways.

These include:

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Tasmania
• Australian Capital Territory
• Northern Territory

However, every state and territory can have its own nomination criteria.

A positive skills assessment does not guarantee nomination.

State requirements can include:

• Occupation
• Residence
• Employment
• Work experience
• English
• Points
• Graduate status
• Regional location
• Commitment to the state or territory

Skills Assessment and Employer Sponsorship

Skills assessment requirements are different for employer-sponsored visas.

For example:

Subclass 482

Skills assessment requirements depend on the occupation and applicant circumstances.

Subclass 186

Direct Entry applicants generally require a skills assessment unless an exemption applies.

Subclass 494

Employer Sponsored stream applicants generally require a skills assessment unless an exemption applies.

Home Affairs specifically identifies skills assessment requirements for the 186 Direct Entry and 494 Employer Sponsored pathways. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Skills Assessment and Permanent Residence

A skills assessment can form part of different pathways that may eventually lead to permanent residence.

Examples include:

Skilled Independent

Skills Assessment → 189 → Permanent Residence

State Nominated

Skills Assessment → 190 → Permanent Residence

Regional

Skills Assessment → 491 → 191

Employer Sponsored

Skills Assessment/Eligibility → 482 → 186

Regional Employer Sponsored

Skills Assessment → 494 → 191

These are examples of potential pathways. Eligibility depends on your occupation and individual circumstances.

Home Affairs identifies subclass 491 and 494 as regional provisional visas and subclass 191 as a permanent regional pathway. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Skills Assessment for Different Occupations

The Visa can provide occupation-specific skills assessment guides for:

Engineering

• Civil Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Electrical Engineer
• Electronics Engineer
• Chemical Engineer
• Telecommunications Engineer
• Structural Engineer
• Industrial Engineer

Information Technology

• Software Engineer
• Developer Programmer
• ICT Business Analyst
• Systems Analyst
• ICT Security Specialist
• Web Developer
• Database Administrator

Healthcare

• Registered Nurse
• Registered Midwife
• Physiotherapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Pharmacist
• Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Medical Radiation Therapist

Education

• Early Childhood Teacher
• Primary School Teacher
• Secondary School Teacher
• Special Needs Teacher
• University Lecturer

Trades

• Electrician
• Plumber
• Carpenter
• Motor Mechanic
• Welder
• Metal Fabricator
• Chef
• Cook

Business and Professional

• Accountant
• Management Accountant
• Marketing Specialist
• Human Resource Adviser
• Business Analyst
• Quantity Surveyor
• Finance Manager

Each occupation should have its own assessment and visa eligibility analysis.

Skills Assessment Validity

The validity of a skills assessment can depend on:

• Assessing authority
• Occupation
• Visa subclass
• Date of assessment
• Assessment type

Do not assume that an old assessment will automatically remain valid for a new application.

Before submitting an EOI or visa application, check the assessment outcome and the current requirements applicable to your visa.

Skills Assessment Fees

Skills assessment fees are set by the individual assessing authorities and can change.

Fees can also differ depending on:

• Occupation
• Assessment type
• Applicant location
• Standard or priority service
• Review or reassessment
• Additional services

For this reason, The Visa should avoid publishing one generic "skills assessment fee."

Applicants should check the current fee published by the relevant assessing authority.

Skills Assessment Processing Times

Processing times vary between assessing authorities and assessment types.

Factors can include:

• Application completeness
• Number of documents
• Verification requirements
• Assessment type
• Additional information requests
• Authority workload

The Visa should therefore avoid promising a fixed assessment timeframe.

Applicants should check the latest processing information from their relevant assessing authority.

Common Skills Assessment Mistakes

1. Choosing the wrong occupation

Your occupation should match your actual duties and professional background.

2. Using the wrong assessing authority

Different occupations are assessed by different organisations.

3. Providing incomplete documents

Missing transcripts, employment evidence or qualification documents can delay the assessment.

4. Inconsistent employment dates

Dates should be consistent across references, contracts, payslips and other evidence.

5. Weak employment references

Employment references should clearly explain your position and duties.

6. Claiming unsupported work experience

Only claim experience that can be properly supported.

7. Ignoring registration

Some occupations require professional registration in addition to migration assessment.

8. Using an outdated occupation list

Occupation eligibility can change.

9. Assuming one assessment works for every visa

Different visa programs can have different occupation and assessment rules.

10. Assuming a positive assessment guarantees PR

A skills assessment is only one part of the migration process.

Skills Assessment Checklist

Before submitting your assessment, check:

Occupation

☐ Correct occupation identified
☐ Correct ANZSCO code checked
☐ Duties match occupation
☐ Correct visa pathway identified

Assessing Authority

☐ Correct authority identified
☐ Current assessment criteria checked
☐ Current application fee checked
☐ Current processing information checked

Qualifications

☐ Degree/certificate available
☐ Academic transcripts available
☐ Qualification details complete
☐ Translations arranged if required

Employment

☐ Reference letters prepared
☐ Employment dates consistent
☐ Position duties documented
☐ Payslips available where required
☐ Tax evidence available where required

Migration

☐ English requirement checked
☐ Points calculated
☐ Visa occupation eligibility checked
☐ State nomination requirements checked
☐ Employer sponsorship options checked

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a skills assessment in Australia?

A skills assessment is an independent assessment of your skills and qualifications by the relevant Australian assessing authority for your nominated occupation. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Do I need a skills assessment for an Australian skilled visa?

It depends on the visa, occupation and circumstances. Skills assessments are particularly important for points-tested skilled migration and are also required for certain employer-sponsored pathways.

Do I need a skills assessment before submitting an EOI?

For SkillSelect applicants, Home Affairs states that you need to obtain a skills assessment in your nominated occupation before submitting your EOI. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Which authority assesses my occupation?

It depends on your occupation. Examples include Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS, TRA and ANMAC. Home Affairs provides the applicable assessing authority information for eligible occupations. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

How do I choose my occupation?

Choose the occupation that most accurately reflects your actual duties, qualifications and professional experience.

Can I use my overseas degree?

Potentially. The relevant assessing authority determines whether your qualification meets its requirements.

Is a positive skills assessment enough to get PR?

No. You must satisfy all requirements of the relevant visa.

Does a positive skills assessment guarantee an invitation?

No. For points-tested visas, meeting the minimum points threshold does not guarantee an invitation. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Is skills assessment the same as professional registration?

No. They can be separate processes.

For example, a healthcare professional may need a migration skills assessment and separate Australian professional registration.

Do I need skills assessment for subclass 482?

Not every 482 applicant has the same skills assessment requirement. It depends on the occupation and circumstances. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Do I need skills assessment for subclass 186?

Direct Entry applicants generally require a skills assessment unless an exemption applies. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Do I need skills assessment for subclass 494?

Employer Sponsored stream applicants generally require a skills assessment unless an exemption applies. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

How long does a skills assessment take?

There is no single processing time for all occupations. Processing varies by assessing authority and application type.

How much does a skills assessment cost?

Fees vary by assessing authority, occupation and assessment type. Check the current fee with the relevant authority.

Can I apply for another occupation if my assessment is unsuccessful?

Potentially, but the new occupation must genuinely reflect your qualifications and professional experience. It should not be selected simply to obtain a positive assessment.

Your Skills Assessment Is the First Step

A successful Australian skilled migration strategy starts with choosing the right occupation and the right assessment pathway.

The Visa can help you understand:

Your Occupation

↓

ANZSCO

↓

Assessing Authority

↓

Skills Assessment

↓

English & Points

↓

189 / 190 / 491

or

↓

Employer Sponsorship

↓

482 / 494

↓

186 / 191 where eligible

We can also help you understand potential state nomination, regional migration and employer-sponsored pathways based on your circumstances.

Get Professional Migration Assistance

Australian skills assessment requirements can be complex and vary significantly between occupations.

Before lodging an assessment or visa application, make sure you are using the current occupation classification, assessing authority requirements and visa criteria.

The Visa and Education Services Pty Ltd

Registered Migration Agent: Navneet Kaur – MARN 2318181

Australian Migration & Visa Services

Important: Skills assessment requirements, occupation lists, assessing authorities, fees and visa criteria can change. Always check the latest requirements of the relevant assessing authority and the Australian Department of Home Affairs before lodging an application.