If you’re considering migrating to Australia through a skilled migration pathway, now is the perfect time to get ‘visa ready’ by completing your Skills Assessment!
Starting from July 2025, new allocations for skilled visa placements will be made available to applicants with the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience across a wide range of industries and occupations.
To ensure your application aligns with Australian standards, a skills assessment is typically required prior to submitting your application. This process verifies that your qualifications and experience meet the country’s specific requirements for skilled workers.
Which visa’s require a Skills Assessment?
There are several visas within the Australian migration system that may require a current Skills Assessment to be completed before applying. These include:
General Skilled Migration Pathway:
Subclass 489 – Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
Employer Sponsored Pathway:
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (Direct Entry Stream Only)
Subclass 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Direct Entry Stream Only)
Subclass 482 – Skills In Demand Visa (Certain Occupations Only)
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
Education Pathway:
Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate Visa
Who are the Skills Assessing bodies?
Skills Assessments must be conducted by designated assessing bodies specific to each field. The most common assessing bodies include:
ACECQA – Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality – Child Care
ACS – Australian Computer Society Incorporated – IT Related Roles
AITSL – Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Limited – Teachers
ANMAC – Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council Limited – Nurses & Midwives
APC – Australian Physiotherapy Council Limited – Physiotherapists
CPAA – CPA Australia – Accountants
Engineers Australia – the Institution of Engineers Australia – Engineers
IML – Institute of Managers and Leaders National – Management & C Suite Roles
TRA – Trades Recognition Australia – Trades Based Occupations
VETASSESS – Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services – Various
For a fully comprehensive list of Assessing Authorities, please click this link:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skills-assessment/assessing-authorities
How long will my Skills Assessment take?
Each skills assessing authority has different processing times, which can vary based on the volume of applications. While estimated lead times are typically listed on their respective websites, processing times can range from one week to six months. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize your skills assessment when planning your migration to Australia.
How long does my Skills Assessment last?
In general, the Department of Home Affairs will accept Skills Assessment which have been undertaken within the three years prior to application.
What evidence / documents will I need?
The evidence required can vary, depending on the assessing body and their requirements. In general, and as a minimum, you may be asked to upload the following documentation/evidence:
- Education: Qualifications, Certifications and/or Transcripts
- Identification: Passport, Drivers’ License and/or Birth Certificate
- Work Experience: Payslips, Statements of Service, Employer References, Position Descriptions and/or Signed Employment Contracts
- English Results: IELTS or PTE Academic preferred.
All copies will need to be in colour.
Where can I get help with a Skills Assessment?
The team at Regional Migration Australia can work with you to submit a decision ready Skills Assessment!
For more information or assistance with the process, please contact us!
