Australian Skilled Assessment for skilled Visa & Their Assessing Authorities

Did you know that your skill assessment is the make-or-break factor for your dream of working in Australia?

Yes, you read it right. 

Skilled Assessment ensures your qualifications, education, and skills align with the standards set by the Australian government for your chosen occupation. It’s not just a formality; it’s the gateway to obtaining a skilled visa and pursuing your career aspirations down under. 

Australian Skilled Assessment for skilled Visa involves various assessing authorities, such as Engineers Australia, ACS, and TRA, each specialising in a different profession. These bodies meticulously evaluate your skillsets and professional background to ascertain your suitability for migration, ensuring only the most skilled individuals contribute to Australia’s workforce.

Curious about how to initiate the skill assessment for the migration process? Read this blog to get complete information on everything from eligibility and selecting the appropriate assessing authority to the detailed application process.

What is Skilled Assessment?

An Australian skills assessment is an evaluation process conducted by designated authorities to ascertain if your qualifications and work experience meet the required standards for your nominated occupation. The primary purpose of the Skilled Assessment is to ensure that the skills of prospective migrants are aligned with Australia’s workforce needs. By undergoing this assessment, you can demonstrate your competency in your respective work, which is essential for maintaining high standards in the Australian labour market.

Who Needs a Skills Assessment?

The assessment is pivotal for those applying for General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491).

Remember, it’s important to complete your skills assessment well before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. You can’t use a skills assessment obtained after receiving an invitation to apply.

How many years of skill assessment is valid in Australia?

A skills assessment is valid for three years from the issue date unless a specific validity period is mentioned. If the assessment indicates a shorter validity period, then it is only valid for the duration stated on the document.

Eligibility Requirements for Skilled Assessments

To successfully undergo a skilled assessment for migration to Australia, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, which are:

1. Relevant Qualifications: You must have qualifications that match the standards of the occupation you are applying for. This usually means having a degree, diploma, or certification in the relevant field.
2. Professional Experience: Most assessing authorities require you to have a certain amount of professional experience in your occupation. This experience must be relevant and at the appropriate skill level. The required duration can vary depending on the occupation and assessing authority.
3. English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate Proficiency in English through standardised tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. 
4. Professional Registration or Licenses: For some occupations, particularly those in healthcare and engineering, you must hold professional registration or licenses in your home country or in Australia.
5. Can I get PR in Australia without a skill assessment?

No, you cannot get permanent residency (PR) in Australia without a skills assessment if you are applying through a skilled migration visa. This evaluation is mandatory to validate that your credentials and occupational experience align with Australian standards. While other visa categories may not mandate a skills assessment, it’s crucial to review their specific requirements. A positive skills assessment significantly enhances your prospects for migration or permanent residency in Australia.

Maximise your points after the skills assessment. We will assist you in identifying areas where you can boost your score and increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply. Contact us today.

What are the different skill assessment authorities in Australia?

In Australia, various skill assessment authorities are responsible for evaluating the qualifications and experience of individuals seeking to migrate or work in a specific profession. Here is an explanation of some of the prominent skill assessment authorities authorised by the Australian Government:

Engineers Australia

Engineers Australia assesses the qualifications and skills of engineering professionals intending to work in Australia. They evaluate educational credentials, professional experience, and competency levels to ensure alignment with Australian engineering standards. 

You can select the appropriate assessment pathway based on your qualifications:

• Australian Qualification
• Washington Accord
• Dublin Accord
• Sydney Accord

After assessment, if needed, you can request a review of your skill assessment outcome within three months. If unsatisfied, appeal within six months.

Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS)

VETASSESS is a leading assessing authority for a wide range of occupations across various industries. They assess credentials and skills for trades, professionals, and management professionals, ensuring that you meet Australian standards.

VETASSESS assesses over 360 professional occupations across various industries and 27 trade occupations as part of the skills assessment for the migration process.

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)

TRA specialises in assessing the skills and proficiency of tradespeople seeking recognition in Australia. They evaluate trade qualifications gained overseas and assess whether they meet Australian trade standards. You must have a qualification directly related to the nominated occupation listed on a skilled occupation list.

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)

ANMAC assesses the credentials, skills, and experience of nurses and midwives seeking to work in Australia. They ensure that you meet the necessary standards for registration and practice in the Australian healthcare system.

Registered nurses with a Bachelor of Nursing from certain countries and registered midwives with a Bachelor of Midwifery from specified nations are eligible. However, enrolled nurses do not qualify for the migration skills assessment process.

Australian Computer Society (ACS)

ACS assesses the credentials and skills of IT professionals, including computer programmers, software engineers, and network administrators. They evaluate educational credentials and work history to determine eligibility for migration and employment in the IT industry. You should ensure your profession falls under one of these categories.

Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA)

AACA conducts skilled assessments for individuals seeking to migrate to Australia in the occupation of ‘Architect’, under the ANZSCO code 232111. They assess academic certifications obtained both within Australia and overseas to determine eligibility for migration purposes.

Skills assessment letters issued by the AACA for migration purposes are valid for three years from the date of issue. If you have previously received a successful outcome for the Overseas Qualifications Assessment (OQA) Stage 2, you can renew your skills assessment letters online. 

Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia (CCEA)

CCEA assesses the credentials and skills of chiropractors seeking registration in Australia, specifically for the profession of Chiropractor (ANZSCO 252111). They evaluate the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional attributes of overseas qualified chiropractors seeking registration with the Chiropractic Board of Australia or the New Zealand Chiropractic Board.

Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation procedure conducted over multiple consecutive days in either Australia or New Zealand. This assessment process encompasses three distinct parts: Written Basic Competency, Written Clinical Competency, and Practical Clinical Competency.

Australian Dental Council (ADC)

ADC assesses the accreditation and skills of dentists and dental specialists seeking registration in Australia. There are three assessments involved in the process: the Initial Assessment, the Written Examination, and the Practical Examination.

• Firstly, the initial assessment determines eligibility based on academic accreditation and registration status, which is valid for 7 years. 
• Following this, the Written Examination tests knowledge application over two days and is valid for 3 years.
• Lastly, the Practical Examination evaluates practical clinical skills in a two-day simulation-based assessment with no expiration. 

Each stage has specific application periods and examination dates, requiring careful attention to deadlines and requirements.

Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA)

ACWA serves as the evaluation authority for various professions in the social welfare sector for migrants applying for skilled visas. These professions include Welfare Centre Manager, Welfare Worker, Community Worker, Disabilities Services Officer, Family Support Worker, Residential Care Officer, and Youth Worker, each categorised under specific ANZSCO codes.

Additionally, ACWA acts as the skill evaluation authority for the occupation of Aged or Disabled Carers under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement (ILA). This agreement is specific to certain occupations and is relevant only in the context of the ILA.

Medical Board of Australia (MBA)

MBA skill assessing authority offers assessment pathways for international medical graduates (IMGs) in Australia, aiming to evaluate their knowledge and clinical skills for medical registration. Three main pathways are available:

1. Competent Authority Pathway: For non-specialists and specialists, leading to general registration. Requires passing recognised exams or completing approved training.
2. Standard Pathway: For IMGs seeking general registration, based on primary qualifications and passing the AMC CAT MCQ Examination.
3. Specialist Pathway: For overseas-trained specialists seeking recognition or area-of-need positions or for short-term training. Requires primary qualifications and meets speciality training and examination criteria.

Feeling overwhelmed by post-assessment steps? Schedule a free consultation with our immigration professional to discuss your personalised visa application roadmap to success.

How to Apply for Skilled Assessment in Australia?

To apply for a Skilled Assessment in Australia, follow these steps:

1. Determine your eligibility: Ensure you meet the requirements for the profession you’re seeking assessment for, including education, professional background, and other criteria specified by the assessing authority.
2. Choose the right assessing authority: Different professions are assessed by different authorities. Research and select the appropriate evaluation authority for your profession.
3. Gather required documents: Collect necessary paperwork, such as identity (passport), employment records (contracts, reference letters), and academic credentials (degrees, diplomas). Depending on your profession and the needs of the skill evaluation authority, additional evidence can be needed, including professional licenses or the results of an English proficiency exam.
4. Complete the application form: Fill out the application form provided by the assessing authority accurately and completely. Provide all required information and ensure that you follow any specific instructions provided.
5. Submit your application: Complete the application form and submit it along with all required documents to the assessing authority using the specified method, whether online or by mail.
6. Pay the application fee: Some assessing authorities may require payment of a fee to process your application. Make sure to submit the required payment according to the instructions provided by the assessing authority.
7. Await assessment outcome: Once you have submitted your application, the assessing authority will review your documents and assess your proficiency and experience. Wait for the assessment outcome, which may take some time, depending on the authority’s workload.
8. Receive assessment outcome: You will receive notification of the assessment outcome from the assessing authority. If your skills are evaluated positively, you can use the outcome to support your application or other migration purposes.

How much time does migration skills assessment take?

The processing times for migration skills assessments in Australia vary depending on the evaluation authority and the type of assessment required. On average, the entire process can take anywhere from 8 weeks to 6 months. However, these timeframes are approximate and subject to change based on factors such as application complexity and evaluation authority workload. 

Here’s a summary of the approximate processing times for different assessing authorities:

1. Australian Community Workers Association: General skills evaluation takes about 12 weeks, while Aged or Disabled Carer applications under specific agreements may take around 4 weeks.
2. Australian Dental Council: Initial assessments usually take 8 weeks, followed by a written examination lasting 5 months and a practical examination lasting 4 to 7 months.
3. Architects Accreditation Council of Australia: If applications are complete and eligible, they are typically finalised within 16 weeks.
4. Australian Computer Society: Skills evaluation processes usually take 10-12 weeks.
5. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council: Assessments generally span from 9 to 12 months, depending on submission quality.
6. Trades Recognition Australia: TRA assessments are usually completed within 120 days.
7. Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services: Processing times for VETASSESS assessments range from 12 to 17 weeks.
8. Engineers Australia: Assessments by Engineers Australia typically take about four weeks, though occasionally longer durations may occur.

Note: For an accurate processing timeframe, it is recommended that you check the website of the relevant assessing authority.

What next after skill assessment in Australia?

After completing the skill assessment process in Australia and getting a positive assessment result, the next steps involve calculating your points, submitting an Expression of Interest, waiting for an invitation or nomination, lodging your visa application, and awaiting a decision from the Department of Home Affairs. 

Obtaining a positive skills assessment is a significant milestone in your Australian migration journey. It demonstrates your qualifications and strengthens your application. However, navigating the complexities of the skill evaluation process requires careful preparation, adherence to guidelines, and patience.

As experienced migration agents with a deep understanding of the Australian migration system, we will offer advice tailored to your unique circumstances. We will guide you through the assessment process, calculate your points, and documentation, ensuring maximum chances of success.

Reach out to us today, and let us be your trusted partner on this exciting journey.