Skills Assessment Guide: Your First Step to Australian Migration

A positive skills assessment is the foundation of your Australian skilled migration journey. Without it, you cannot submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). This guide covers everything you need to know.

What is a Skills Assessment?

A skills assessment is an official evaluation by a relevant Australian authority that confirms:

• Your qualifications meet Australian standards
• Your work experience is relevant and at the required skill level
• Your occupation matches the Australian classification

Who Needs a Skills Assessment?

Most skilled visa applicants need a skills assessment, including:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination)

Exceptions: Some occupations and visas may have different requirements.

Major Assessing Authorities

For Trades and Technical Occupations

• Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
• Provisional Skills Assessment for recent graduates
• Job Ready Program for permanent migration

For Engineering

• Engineers Australia (EA)
• Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) pathway
• Accredited qualifications pathway

For Accounting and Finance

• CPA Australia
• Chartered Accountants ANZ
• Institute of Public Accountants

For IT and Computing

• Australian Computer Society (ACS)
• Skills assessment based on qualifications and experience
• RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) pathway available

For Healthcare

• Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
• Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
• Medical Board of Australia

For Education

• Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL)
• English requirements are particularly strict

The Assessment Process

Step 1: Choose Your Occupation

• Check the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List)
• Check the STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List)
• Check the ROL (Regional Occupation List)

Step 2: Gather Documents

Common requirements include:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Employment references (detailed, on company letterhead)
• Resume/CV
• Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
• Professional registrations (if applicable)

Step 3: Submit Application

• Online application through the assessing authority's portal
• Pay assessment fee (typically AUD $500-1000)
• Upload all required documents

Step 4: Wait for Outcome

• Processing times vary by authority
• Some offer priority processing for additional fees
• May request additional information

Processing Times (Approximate)

Authority	Standard Processing	Priority Processing
TRA	3-4 months	Available
EA	8-12 weeks	Available
ACS	8-10 weeks	Available
CPA	2-4 weeks	Available
ANMAC	8-12 weeks	Available

Note: Times can vary based on complexity and volume

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Insufficient Work Experience

Solution: Ensure your experience is:

• Post-qualification (after you completed your degree)
• Paid and at the appropriate skill level
• Relevant to your nominated occupation

Challenge 2: Qualification Not Recognized

Solution:

• Provide syllabus/course outlines showing relevance
• Consider a CDR (Competency Demonstration Report) for engineers
• Look into RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) pathways

Challenge 3: Poor Employment References

Solution:

• References must be detailed, not just confirmation of employment
• Include duties and responsibilities performed
• Must be on company letterhead with contact details
• Signed by supervisor or HR manager

Challenge 4: Name Discrepancies

Solution:

• Provide evidence of name changes (marriage certificate, deed poll)
• Ensure consistency across all documents

Tips for Success

1. Start Early: Skills assessments can take months - begin before you plan to submit EOI
2. Read Guidelines Carefully: Each authority has specific requirements
3. Be Thorough: Incomplete applications cause delays
4. Use Checklists: Most authorities provide document checklists
5. Get Professional Help: Migration agents can guide you through complex cases
6. Keep Copies: Always keep copies of everything you submit
7. Track Expiry: Skills assessments are typically valid for 2-3 years

Costs to Expect

• Assessment Fee: AUD $500-1000 (varies by authority)
• Priority Processing: AUD $200-300 extra
• Document Translation: If required (AUD $50-100 per document)
• Notarization: If required (AUD $10-50 per document)

What Happens After Assessment?

Positive Assessment:

• Receive outcome letter with reference number
• Valid for 2-3 years (check specific authority)
• Use reference number in your EOI

Negative Assessment:

• Review the reasons for refusal
• You can reapply with additional evidence
• Consider review or appeal options

Maintaining Your Assessment

• Monitor expiry dates - you need a valid assessment when invited
• Some authorities allow renewals at reduced cost
• Keep your qualifications and experience updated

2024 Updates

• Some authorities have streamlined processing for certain countries
• Digital verification becoming more common
• Priority processing expanded for urgent cases

Your skills assessment is an investment in your migration future. Take the time to prepare thoroughly, and you'll set yourself up for success in the Australian skilled migration program.