What is a skills assessment, and will you need one?
If you’re applying for a skilled migration visa, you might need a Skills Assessment. This is a test of whether your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your job. It’s a key step in your visa journey, and we’re here to make it clear and simple.
Obligation-free, limited sessions each week
The exact requirements depend on your job, but here are the four main things most skills assessments look at:
You’ll need to show that your education matches Australian standards for your job. This could be a degree, diploma, certificate, or trade qualification.
Most jobs require proof that you’ve worked in your field. This usually means 1–2 years of relevant experience, but it can vary.
You might need to take an English test, like IELTS or PTE, to show you can meet the required level of English for your job.
Some jobs, like trades or healthcare roles, may also need you to have (or be eligible for) professional registration or licensing in Australia.
Before starting your skill assessment Australia process, you need to identify the correct assessing authority for your occupation. The Department of Home Affairs assigns a specific assessing body based on your ANZSCO occupation code, which you can find on the official skilled occupation lists.
If you’re unsure which authority applies to you or how to interpret your occupation, it’s often quicker to get expert guidance. You can also learn more about one of the most common authorities on our VETASSESS skills assessment specialists page.
VETASSESS
For a wide range of occupations across industries
CPA/CA/IPA
For accountants
ACS
For IT professionals
ANMAC
For nurses and midwives
AASW
For social workers
AITSL
For teachers
We’ll help you figure out the right one for your job and guide you through what they need.
The skills assessment fee in Australia can vary depending on the assessing authority, your occupation, and the type of migration skills assessment required. As a general guide, most professional assessments range between $500 and $1,500 AUD, while trade assessments can cost more, particularly if practical testing is involved.
Some authorities also charge additional fees for priority processing, document reviews, or appeals if your outcome is not successful. It’s important to note that these costs are separate from your visa application fees. To understand the exact cost of a skill assessment in Australia based on your situation, check your assessing authority’s website or speak with our team via the VETASSESS skills assessment specialists page.
Processing times for a skill assessment in Australia vary depending on the assessing authority and the complexity of your application. In most cases, standard processing takes from 4–20 weeks, although some authorities offer faster processing for an additional fee.
One of the biggest factors in avoiding delays is submitting a complete and accurate application. Missing or incorrectly prepared documents are the most common reason applications are delayed. Keep in mind that you’ll need a completed skill assessment outcome before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) or visa application, so it’s important to plan ahead and check current timeframes directly with your assessing authority.
We’ll talk through your situation, answer your questions, and explain what’s needed in simple terms.
We’ll check if you meet the basic requirements before you commit, so you know where you stand.
Once you’re ready, we’ll get everything moving straight away.
We’ll send you an easy-to-follow list of exactly what documents you need for your application.
As you gather your documents, we’ll guide you and answer any questions along the way.
No long, confusing forms for you to worry about – we handle it all.
Before submitting, we make sure your application is strong and ready to go.
We’ll keep you posted until you get your result, so you’re never left wondering what’s happening.
When you choose Skylark Migration, you’re not just getting a service; you’re gaining a trusted partner in your journey
Former-Department of Immigration
With a former Immigration officer on our team, we have unique insight into what a strong application looks like and red flags you should avoid.
100% success rate
We maintain a 100% success rate across a large range of visas. Our secret? A proven Skylark process and meticulous internal checklists.
100% money-back guarantee
We are confident enough in our proven process that we offer you a 100% money-back guarantee.
Competitive, all-inclusive fees
We are transparent with our pricing and are fiercely against charging exorbitant fees.
Nothing beats hearing it from our customers. See what our customers have said.
100% success rate
We maintain a 100% success rate across a large range of visas. Our secret? A proven Skylark process and meticulous internal checklists.
Nothing beats hearing it from our customers. See what our customers have said.
Tell us about your situation, and we’ll try to help you get results like these:
Book a free consultation with our migration experts, and we’ll help you understand your options and next steps.
A skills assessment checks if your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards. It’s required for most Skilled visas and is done by the official authority for your job.
A positive skill assessment in Australia is required for most skilled migration visas, including Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491 visas. It is also required for certain employer-sponsored visas and the 485 Graduate visa.
You can learn more on our Skilled visa Australia and Employer-sponsored visa Australia pages.
Most migration skills assessment outcomes are valid for three years from the date of issue. However, some assessing authorities may set shorter validity periods, so it’s important to check the specific requirements for your occupation. Your assessment must still be valid at the time you receive your visa invitation.
Each occupation is assigned a specific assessing authority by the Department of Home Affairs. You can find yours by searching your ANZSCO code on the skilled occupation list, where the relevant assessing body will be listed next to your occupation. If you’re unsure which occupation best matches your qualifications and experience, it’s a good idea to get tailored advice through a migration strategy consultation.
A negative skill assessment Australia outcome doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t proceed with your migration plans. In some cases, you may be able to appeal the decision, submit additional supporting documents, or choose a different occupation that better aligns with your experience or qualifications. Before taking the next step, it’s best to seek professional advice through a migration strategy consultation to understand your options.
Are you the visa applicant or the sponsoring Australian business?
What is included:
1) 30min in-depth consultation
2) 1-to-1 strategic planning session to get you from HERE to your migration goals
3) Step-by-step recommendations by our most experienced migration agents and PR planning specialists
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