Skills Assessment for Australian Skilled Visas
Before you can lodge an Expression of Interest for most points-tested skilled visas (subclasses 189, 190 and 491), you must hold a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. It confirms your qualifications and experience meet the Australian standard for that occupation.
Quick answer
A skills assessment verifies that your overseas qualifications and work experience match an occupation on Australia's skilled occupation lists. Each occupation has a designated assessing authority, and you must apply to that authority before submitting an Expression of Interest.
What is a skills assessment and why do you need one?
A skills assessment is an independent evaluation of whether your training and employment history are equivalent to the Australian standard for your nominated occupation. The Department of Home Affairs will not grant a points-tested skilled visa without a valid positive assessment.
The assessment also feeds directly into your points score — a successful assessment of your overseas work experience can contribute points toward the 65-point minimum required to be invited.
Which assessing authority do you apply to?
The assessing authority depends entirely on your nominated occupation. Each occupation listed on the skilled occupation lists is mapped to a single designated authority.
- Engineers Australia — for engineering occupations
- ACS (Australian Computer Society) — for ICT and computing occupations
- VETASSESS — for most professional and technical (non-trade) occupations
- Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) — for trade occupations
- CPA Australia, CA ANZ or IPA — for accounting occupations
- AHPRA and profession-specific boards — for health practitioners
How much does a skills assessment cost and how long does it take?
Fees vary by authority and occupation, typically ranging from AUD 300 to AUD 1,200. Processing times also vary widely — some ICT assessments are completed in a few weeks, while trade assessments involving a practical or technical interview can take several months.
Always budget for the possibility of a skills assessment appeal or a second submission, and factor processing time into your overall migration timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a skills assessment valid?
Most skills assessments are valid for three years from the date of issue, unless the assessing authority specifies a shorter period on your assessment letter.
Can I lodge an EOI before my skills assessment is finalised?
No. You must hold a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation before you submit your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect.
What happens if my skills assessment is negative?
You can usually request a review or reassessment, address the gaps identified, or consider a different but related occupation for which you do qualify. A migration agent can advise on the best path.
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