If you are planning on migrating to Australia then its important you understand if a skills assessment will be required. Completing a skills assessment is mandatory for certain visa subclasses, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491). Some people may be required to complete a skills assessment if they are applying for the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) but this is based on their occupation and nationality.
Key Takeaways
- The assessment evaluates an applicant's qualifications, skills, and work experience against the standards of their nominated occupation.
- Completing a successful skills assessment is mandatory for certain visa subclasses, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491).
- The skills assessment process can be complex, and applicants must understand the requirements and criteria to ensure a successful outcome.
- Applicants must prepare thoroughly for the skills assessment by gathering the necessary documents and understanding the assessment process.
Understanding the Australian Skills Assessment
The Australian skills assessment is a formal evaluation of an individual's qualifications, skills, and work experience to determine if they meet the standards of their nominated occupation in Australia. It is conducted by recognised assessing authorities, which are industry-specific organisations responsible for assessing the competency of applicants in their chosen field.
The skills assessment process can be complex, and it's important for applicants to understand the requirements and criteria to ensure a successful outcome.
Who Needs to Complete A Skills Assessment
If you are planning on applying for a 186 DE (not for 186 TRT), 189, 190, 491 or 494 visa, then you will have to complete a skills assessment. If you plan on applying for a 482 visa, then only certain occupations and nationalities are required to complete a skills assessment, unless an exemption applies. You can learn more about skills assessments for the 482 visa through our article Essential Guide - Skills Assessments for the 482 visa.
Recognised Assessing Authorities
The skills assessment process is overseen by recognised assessing authorities, which are industry-specific organisations responsible for evaluating an applicant's qualifications and work experience. These assessing authorities play a crucial role in the Australian immigration process, ensuring that trades and technical occupations as well as professional occupations meet the required standards for successful migration.
Trades and Technical Occupations
For trades and technical occupations, such as electricians, plumbers, and automotive mechanics, the relevant assessing authorities are typically industry bodies or trade associations. These organisations have a deep understanding of the skills and competencies required in their respective fields, and they are responsible for assessing an applicant's ability to perform the duties of their nominated occupation effectively in the Australian labour market.
Professional Occupations
In the case of professional occupations, such as accountants, engineers, and healthcare professionals, the assessing authorities are often the relevant professional associations or registration bodies. These authorities ensure that applicants possess the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience to practise their profession in Australia, in accordance with the country's standards and regulations.
Regardless of the occupation, applicants must engage with the correct assessing authority to ensure a successful skills assessment outcome, which is a critical component of the Australian immigration process.
Skills Assessment Process
The skills assessment process typically involves several steps. Applicants must first gather and submit the required documentation, which may include proof of qualifications, employment references, and any other relevant materials. The assessing authority will then review the documentation to determine if the applicant meets the assessment criteria for their nominated occupation.
Documentation Requirements
The specific documentation required can vary depending on the assessing authority and the applicant's nominated occupation. Applicants should carefully review the requirements to ensure they have submitted all the necessary materials, which may include academic transcripts, work samples, and employment references.
Assessment Criteria
The assessment criteria used by the assessing authority will also depend on the specific occupation. This assessment may include an interview, a practical test, or a review of the applicant's work samples, all of which are designed to evaluate the applicant's skills assessment process and determine if they have the necessary skills and experience to work in their nominated occupation in Australia.
Once the assessment criteria have been met, the assessing authority will provide a final determination on whether the applicant has the necessary skills and experience to work in their nominated occupation in Australia.
Skills Assessment Fees & Timelines
Completing a skills assessment can be a significant financial investment for applicants, with fees varying depending on the occupation and the assessing authority. Fees can range from several hundred to several thousand pounds, and applicants should budget accordingly.
The timeline for the skills assessment process can also vary, with some assessments taking a few weeks and others taking several months to complete. The assessing bodies will usually advertise the average processing times. Applicants should factor in the assessment timeline when planning their Australian immigration journey, as the skills assessment outcome can be a critical component of the visa application process.
Conclusion
Completing a successful skills assessment is mandatory for certain visa subclasses, and the outcome can have a significant impact on an applicant's eligibility and points score.
If you are interested in completing a skills assessment or have any questions, please email a copy of your questions and CV to recruitment@visajobs.com.au