Australian immigration programs mainly focus on skills assessment. A positive skills assessment is mandatory to apply for the permanent residency programs. In the multifaceted realm of Australian immigration, skills assessments serve as pivotal gateways, determining whether individuals possess the requisite qualifications, expertise, and proficiency demanded by specific occupations.
Administered by designated skills assessing authorities, these assessments stand as rigorous evaluations, meticulously scrutinizing applicants’ credentials against established industry standards. An in-depth understanding of skills assessments is indispensable for navigating the intricacies of the visa application process with precision, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, and optimizing prospects for successful immigration endeavors.
Purpose and Significance
Skills assessments are indispensable tools for validating applicants’ suitability and competency for their nominated occupations, underpinning the integrity and credibility of Australia’s skilled migration program.
Authority and Validation
Designated skills assessing authorities wield authority in conducting comprehensive evaluations, ensuring that applicants meet the stringent criteria set forth for their chosen professions.
Mandatory Requirement
Securing a positive skills assessment is not merely advisable but mandatory for certain visa subclasses, serving as a pivotal determinant in the assessment of visa applications.
Strategic Importance
A favorable skills assessment not only enhances visa eligibility but also instills confidence in immigration authorities regarding applicants’ readiness to contribute positively to Australia’s workforce and economy.
Visa and PR Categories and Skills Assessment Procedures
General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visas
a) Indispensable Requisite
GSM visa applicants, including those pursuing the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visas, must secure a positive skills assessment to substantiate their qualifications.
b) Methodical Evaluation
The assessment process, overseen by pertinent assessing authorities, entails a meticulous review of applicants’ qualifications, ensuring alignment with the skilled occupation list and visa subclass specifications.
c) Timely Acquisition
It is imperative to obtain the skills assessment before initiating the Expression of Interest (EOI) submission in SkillSelect, thereby ensuring its currency and validity upon receipt of an invitation to apply for the visa.
d) Validity Period
Skills assessments are typically valid for three years from the date of issue, although this may vary depending on the issuing authority.
Employer-Sponsored Visas
a) Streamlined Requirements
Skills assessment prerequisites may vary across streams for employer-sponsored visas such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), necessitating a nuanced understanding of each stream’s specific requirements.
b) Stream Specifics
While the Temporary Residence Transition stream may not mandate an immediate skills assessment, the Direct Entry stream imposes a stringent requirement for a valid assessment before application lodgment.
c) Validity Assurance
Ensuring compliance with visa subclass prerequisites and the skills assessment’s currency is paramount for a seamless application process and favorable immigration outcomes.
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
| Compulsory Evaluation | Expedited Processing |
| Certain primary TSS visa applicants are mandated to undergo mandatory skills assessments as an integral component of their visa applications, underscoring the importance of readiness and competency in nominated occupations. | Furnishing the assessment reference number expedites the processing timeline, minimizing procedural bottlenecks and facilitating efficient application adjudication, thereby expediting entry into the Australian workforce. |
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
| Occupational Alignment | Validation Imperative |
| Applicants in the graduate work stream must nominate occupations listed on the Medium to Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and secure corresponding skills assessments, ensuring alignment with Australia’s strategic workforce needs. | Obtaining a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority not only validates qualifications but also underscores adherence to visa stipulations, positioning applicants favorably in the immigration landscape. |
Getting a Skills Assessment
Step 1: Contact the Assessing Authority
- Identify the pertinent assessing authority corresponding to the nominated occupation, delving into their procedures, timeframes, and associated charges to ensure comprehensive preparedness,
- Initiate communication well in advance of visa application submission to allow for thorough assessment processing, thereby minimizing delays and optimizing application timelines,
- Early engagement with assessing authorities facilitates meticulous planning and alignment with visa application timelines, enhancing efficiency and efficacy in the immigration process.
Step 2: Receive Your Assessment
a) Outcome Validation
Upon completion of the assessment process, meticulously review the evaluation outcome to ensure compliance and viability, addressing any discrepancies or concerns promptly.
a) Submission Prerequisites
Submit a scanned certified copy of the favorable assessment alongside the visa application, signifying adherence to immigration requirements and enhancing application credibility.
c) Application Continuity
A positive skills assessment serves as a foundational pillar, propelling the visa application process forward with assurance and confidence, and laying the groundwork for successful immigration endeavors.
Australia’s Assessing Authorities List
Below is the current list of Australia’s authorities that provide you with skills assessment.
| Name | Full Name | Address |
| AACA | Architects Accreditation Council of Australia | http://www.aaca.org.au |
| AASW | Australian Association of Social Workers Limited | http://www.aasw.asn.au |
| ACECQA | Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality | https://www.acecqa.gov.au/ |
| ACPSEM | Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine | http://www.acpsem.org.au |
| ACS | Australian Computer Society Incorporated | http://www.acs.org.au |
| ACS (Data Scientist only) | Australian Computer Society Incorporated. | http://www.acs.org.au |
| ACWA | Australian Community Workers Association Inc. | http://www.acwa.org.au |
| ADC | Australian Dental Council Limited | http://www.adc.org.au |
| AIMS | Australian Institute of Medical Scientists | http://www.aims.org.au |
| AIQS | The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors | http://www.aiqs.com.au |
| AITSL | Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Limited | http://www.aitsl.edu.au |
| AMSA | Australian Maritime Safety Authority | http://www.amsa.gov.au |
| ANMAC | Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council Limited | http://www.anmac.org.au |
| ANZPAC | Australian and New Zealand Podiatry Accreditation Council Limited | https://iliadint.com/en/article/1205-Australian-and-New-Zealand-Podiatry-Accreditation-Council-ANZPAC |
| ANZSNM | Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine | http://www.anzsnm.org.au |
| AOAC | Australasian Osteopathic Accreditation Council Limited | http://www.osteopathiccouncil.org.au |
| AOPA | Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association Limited | https://www.aopa.org.au |
| APC | Australian Physiotherapy Council Limited | http://www.physiocouncil.com.au |
| APharmC | Australian Pharmacy Council Limited | https://www.pharmacycouncil.org.au |
| APS | Australian Psychological Society Limited | http://www.psychology.org.au |
| ASMIRT | Australian Society of Medical Imagery and Radiation Therapy | http://www.asmirt.org |
| AVBC | Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Incorporated | http://www.avbc.asn.au |
| CAANZ | Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand | https://www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/ |
| CASA | Civil Aviation Safety Authority | http://www.casa.gov.au |
| CCEA | Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia Limited | http://www.ccea.com.au |
| CMBA | Chinese Medicine Board of Australia | http://www.chinesemedicineboard.gov.au |
| CPAA | CPA Australia Ltd | http://www.cpaaustralia.com.au |
| DAA | Dietitians Association of Australia | http://daa.asn.au |
| Engineers Australia | The Institution of Engineers Australia | http://www.engineersaustralia.org.au |
| IML | Institute of Managers and Leaders National | https://managersandleaders.com.au/ |
| IPA | Institute of Public Accountants Ltd | http://www.publicaccountants.org.au |
| Legal admissions authority of a state or territory | Legal admissions authority of a state or territory | New South Wales Email: ag_lpab@agd.nsw.gov.auQueensland Email: admissions@qls.com.auSouth Australia Email: email@lawsocietysa.asn.auTasmaniaEmail: info@lst.org.auVictoriaEmail: lawadmissions@justice.vic.gov.auWestern AustraliaEmail: general@lpbwa.comNorthern TerritoryEmail: dwnsupcrtreg.doj@nt.gov.au |
| MedBA | Medical Board of Australia | http://www.ahpra.gov.au |
| NAATI | National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd | http://www.naati.com.au |
| OCANZ | Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand Limited | http://www.ocanz.org |
| OTC | Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Limited | http://www.otcouncil.com.au |
| PodBA | Podiatry Board of Australia | https://www.podiatryboard.gov.au/ |
| SPA | The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited | http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au |
| SSSI | Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute Limited | https://sssi.org.au |
| TRA | Trades Recognition Australia | http://tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au |
| TRA (trades) | Trades Recognition Australia | http://tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au |
| VETASSESS | Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services | https://www.vetassess.com.au |
| VETASSESS (non-trades) | Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services | https://www.vetassess.com.au/ |