Skill Assessments
The skilled migration system in Australia is points-based and managed through the SkillSelect program. Please note that immigration policies and procedures may change, so it”s essential to check the latest information on the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or consult with a registered migration agent for the most up-to-date details.
Skill assessments are a crucial step in the process of migrating to Australia, particularly for skilled migration visas. The purpose of a skill assessment is to verify that an applicant’s qualifications and work experience meet the standards set by the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation.
Key Points
Different assessing authorities are responsible for different occupations. It is essential to choose the correct assessing authority based on your nominated occupation.
Each assessing authority has specific criteria for assessing qualifications and work experience. These criteria may include minimum education requirements, relevant work experience, and professional memberships.
Applicants typically need to provide a set of documents, including educational certificates, transcripts, employment references, and other supporting evidence.
Some assessing authorities may require evidence of English language proficiency, such as the results of an English language test like IELTS or PTE.
Submit a skills assessment application to the relevant assessing authority. This is often done online through the assessing authoritie's website.
Most assessing authorities charge fees for their services. Ensure that you pay the required fees when submitting your application.
The time taken to process a skills assessment can vary depending on the assessing authority and the complexity of the case.
It’s advisable to check the estimated processing times provided by the assessing authority.
If the skills assessment is successful, you will receive a positive outcome letter. This letter is a crucial document for your visa application.
Common Assessing Authorities
Engineers Australia
Assessing authority for engineering occupations.
Australian Computer Society (ACS)
Assesses ICT (Information and Communication Technology) occupations.
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
Assessing authority for nursing and related healthcare occupations.
VETASSESS
Provides skill assessments for various trade and professional occupations.
Important Notice
- Skill assessments are usually required for General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas, Employer-sponsored visas, and certain state-sponsored visas.
- The skills assessment outcome is generally valid for a specific period, so it’s important to initiate the visa application process promptly after receiving a positive outcome.
- Always check the specific requirements and processes of the relevant assessing authority, as they may update their guidelines.
Given that immigration policies and procedures can change, it’s crucial to refer to the latest information on the official website of the relevant assessing authority and the Australian Department of Home Affairs. If needed, consulting with a registered migration agent can provide personalized guidance based on your circumstances.
