A positive skills assessment is a critical requirement for individuals looking to migrate to Australia under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) or Employer-Sponsored visa programs. It serves as official verification that your educational qualifications and/or work experience meet the standards and requirements for your nominated occupation in Australia.

Without a suitable skills assessment, applicants may be deemed ineligible for most skilled migration visas. The assessment ensures that your background aligns with the expectations set by Australian industry standards for your occupation.

Visa Subclasses Requiring a Skills Assessment

A range of skilled and employer-sponsored visa subclasses require applicants to present a valid, positive skills assessment from the relevant authority. These include:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) – Points-tested stream

• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186)

• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187)

• Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482)

• Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) (now closed to new applications but still applicable in some circumstances)

Different Assessing Bodies for Different Occupations

Each occupation listed on Australia’s skilled occupation lists has a specific assessing authority designated to evaluate applicants for that role. These authorities are independent, professional bodies responsible for verifying the qualifications, experience, and overall suitability of applicants for migration purposes.

For instance:

• Applicants with an accounting background may need their skills assessed by either CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ), or Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).

• Trades, engineering, IT, health, and other fields have their own specific bodies like TRA, Engineers Australia, ACS, and more.

Each assessing body has its own eligibility criteria, application process, documentation requirements, fees, and processing timelines. In some cases, relevant work experience is required after graduation, while for others, qualifications alone may be sufficient.

Why It Matters and How We Help

Navigating the skills assessment process can be confusing—especially for those applying for the first time. The documents, procedures, and criteria can vary significantly depending on your occupation and the assessing authority.

That’s where we come in. Our team of experienced and registered migration agents understands the intricacies involved in the assessment process. We are here to guide you every step of the way—from identifying the correct assessing authority and preparing the necessary documentation, to lodging the application and following up until a positive skills assessment outcome is received.

Whether you’re just starting your migration journey or are stuck midway, our professional support ensures your skills assessment application is handled with care and accuracy—giving you the confidence to proceed with your Australian visa application.