You’ve made the big decision: moving to Australia. You’re excited, you’ve done your research, and you know which visa you want.
But there’s one crucial step standing between you and lodging your visa application: the Skills Assessment Australia.
This isn’t just a formality. The Skills Assessment is the official checkpoint. Australia’s migration authorities use it to confirm:
- That your qualifications and work experience really match the Australian standard for the occupation you nominate,
- That your documents are legitimate and properly verified,
- That you meet any additional criteria (English language, practical skills, ethical standards, etc.).
Failing (or having a weak assessment) can delay your visa, reduce the years of work experience you can claim, or even lead to rejection. But passing it well doesn’t just unlock your visa application; it can lead to better job offers, higher pay, and respect for your credentials. So preparation matters.
Let’s continue reading to learn about the eligibility criteria and how to pass your skills assessment in Australia & beyond.
Key Highlights
- Skills Assessment Australia is mandatory for visas like 189, 190, and 491.
- Qualification criteria include recognised degrees, relevant work experience, and English proficiency.
- Different authorities handle assessments: VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, TRA, ACS, and ANMAC.
- Proper documents and guidance are crucial for a positive skills assessment outcome letter.
How to Pass Your Skills Assessment in Australia? The Complete Checklist.
When you’re preparing for a skilled migration skills assessment in Australia, one of the first questions you’ll have is: Do my qualifications and work experience actually meet the standards?
Understanding this is key to figuring out whether your qualifications, work experience, and skills are equivalent to Australian standards for your nominated occupation on the Skilled Occupation List Australia, and move closer to permanent residency.
Here are the general qualification criteria you need to be aware of:
Relevant and Recognised Qualification
Your degree, diploma, or trade certificate must be recognised as equivalent to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
For example:
- An Engineers Australia skills assessment requires at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
- An ACS (Australian Computer Society) skills assessment for IT roles often accepts ICT-related degrees, but if your degree is in a non-ICT field, you’ll need more years of work experience.
- For trade roles, TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) assessment checks both formal training and on-the-job apprenticeship-style experience.
Relevance to the Occupation
Your qualification must be directly related to your nominated occupation. If it isn’t, you may still pass if you have sufficient relevant work experience (sometimes recognised through Recognition of Prior Learning Australia).
Read More: My Australian Passport has expired. How Can I Renew It?
Work Experience Requirement
Most assessing bodies expect post-qualification work experience.
- VETASSESS skills assessment usually requires at least one year of employment in the last five years in your nominated occupation.
- Trade occupations under the TRA assessment need both qualifications and hands-on job experience.
Some authorities may also count relevant pre-qualification experience, but this depends on the occupation and assessing body.
English Language Proficiency
- Even if you hold the right qualification, many professions require proof of English ability through IELTS, PTE, or OET.
- This is especially important for healthcare assessments and teaching-related roles.
Documents Required for Skills Assessment Australia
To support your application, you’ll need:
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Employment reference letters (with job descriptions and duties)
- Payslips, contracts, or tax records
- ID documents like a passport and photos
- English test results (if required)
- Translations of non-English documents
Skills Assessment Cost and Timeline
- Costs vary depending on the assessing authority (usually between AUD $500 – $1200).
- Standard processing can take 8–12 weeks, while fast-tracking (where available) may reduce this to a few days.
Read More: How Do You Get Australian Permanent Residency?
Skills Assessment Validity
- A skills assessment Australia's validity period is usually 3 years from the issue date.
- However, for Australia PR skills assessment linked to visas like the skills assessment for 189 visa, 190 visa, or 491 visa, the assessment must still be valid at the time of invitation to apply.
Final Thoughts
A successful skills assessment in Australia is more than just a step in the visa process; it’s proof that your qualifications and experience are recognised at an Australian standard. Whether you’re applying for a skills assessment for a 189 visa, 190 visa, or 491 visa, the outcome shapes your eligibility and future opportunities.
Think of the professional skills assessment Australia as an investment: it not only strengthens your Australia PR skills assessment application but also helps employers trust your expertise.
Because the skills assessment process in Australia can be complex, connecting with a professional can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes. At Visafast Migration Consultancy - registered visa agent in Adelaide, our team has the expertise to guide you through the requirements, prepare the right documents required for skills assessment in Australia, and help you achieve the best results
If you’re ready to take the next step, book a free consultation with our experts and get personalised guidance tailored to your occupation and visa pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Which authorities conduct skills assessments in Australia?
The main authorities are:
- VETASSESS skills assessment – professional/non-trade roles
- Engineers Australia skills assessment – engineers
- TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) assessment – trades
- ACS (Australian Computer Society) skills assessment – ICT/IT roles
- ANMAC – nurses and midwives
- How to reapply if your skills assessment is refused in Australia?
If refused, review the refusal letter, gather stronger documents required for skills assessment in Australia, correct any errors, and then reapply or request a review. Submitting complete and accurate evidence increases your chance of a positive skills assessment outcome letter.
Is a skills assessment mandatory for an Australian PR visa?
Yes. A skills assessment in Australia is mandatory for skills assessment for 189 visa, 190 visa, and 491 visa. Without it, you cannot claim points under skilled migration requirements.
How long is a skills assessment valid in Australia?
The skills assessment in Australia is usually 3 years. It must still be valid when you receive your invitation to apply for PR.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and policies may change over time, so we strongly recommend consulting a registered migration agent or legal professional before making any visa application.
