VETASSESS

Applying for a skilled visa? Here’s what you need to know about VETASSESS.

If you’re applying for an Australian skilled visa and your occupation is assessed by VETASSESS, you’ll need to complete a skills assessment before lodging your visa application. This assessment tests whether your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.

The expert team at Skylark have been helping people prepare for their VETASSESS assessments since 2015. If you’re not sure where to get started, reach out to us today.

Obligation-free, limited sessions each week

What is a VETASSESS skills assessment?

If you are applying for skilled migration or certain employer-sponsored visas, you will usually need to complete a positive skills assessment.

VETASSESS (Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services) is the authorised body for assessing a wide range of occupations for migration purposes in Australia. It is responsible for evaluating whether your qualifications and experience meet the standards required by Australian authorities for your nominated occupation.

What occupations are assessed by VETASSESS?

VETASSESS assesses more than 360 occupations across both general and trade categories. General occupations are grouped into five categories (A to E), each with different qualifications and work experience requirements. Here are some examples of the types of roles included in each:

Category A

Career consultants, chemists, physicians, auditors, landscape architects, medical administrators, orthoptists, lecturers and teachers.

Category C

Cafe or restaurant managers, customer service managers, brokers, gym managers, insurance brokers and massage therapists.

Category E

Anaesthesiologists, cardiac therapists, medical specialists and related positions.

Category B

Actors, advertising marketers, beekeepers, sound engineers, writers, script editors, costume designers, stock traders, graphic designers and similar.

Category D

Auctioneers, divers, football players and real estate agents.

What occupations are assessed by VETASSESS?

VETASSESS assesses more than 360 occupations across both general and trade categories. General occupations are grouped into five categories (A to E), each with different qualifications and work experience requirements. Here are some examples of the types of roles included in each:

Category A

Career consultants, chemists, physicians, auditors, landscape architects, medical administrators, orthoptists, lecturers and teachers.

Category B

Actors, advertising marketers, beekeepers, sound engineers, writers, script editors, costume designers, stock traders, graphic designers and similar.

Category C

Cafe or restaurant managers, customer service managers, brokers, gym managers, insurance brokers and massage therapists.

Category D

Auctioneers, divers, football players and real estate agents.

Category E

Anaesthesiologists, cardiac therapists, medical specialists and related positions.

What are the VETASSESS application fees?

If you are applying under the 189, 190, 491 or 482 Visa programs, you will require a full migration skills assessment. Fees vary depending on whether your nominated occupation is classed as a professional or the occupation itself and the visa that you’re applying for.

For applicants under the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, you will need to complete the specific 485 Visa assessment, which has a different application fee. You can view that fee structure here.

How long does a VETASSESS skills assessment take?

A full VETASSESS skills assessment generally takes between 12 and 20 weeks to process.

Priority processing is available for an additional fee and can reduce the timeline to around 10 business days, but this is subject to availability.

Delays can occur if your application is missing information or if documentation is submitted in the wrong format.

VETASSESS skills assessment requirements

The qualification requirements for each category are as follows:

  • Category A and B: Bachelor’s degree or higher
  • Category C and E: Diploma or higher
  • Category D: Certificate IV or higher (some work experience may be accepted as a substitute)


In addition to meeting these qualification thresholds, you will need relevant work experience. The amount required will vary depending on your occupation, qualification level and how recent your experience is.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes we see include:

  1. Choosing the wrong occupation, especially when similar roles are assessed by different authorities
  2. Submitting reference letters with duties that do not match the skill level or classification of your nominated role


Our team can guide you through this process and help you avoid these errors. With our experience preparing successful VETASSESS applications, we’ll ensure your case is as strong as possible.

Our VETASSESS application Process

Have a 1:1 consultation with a skills assessment expert to discuss your situation

Pay a small deposit so our team can assess your eligibility

Return your signed agreement and payment to begin

Receive a tailored document checklist to prepare the strongest application

As you gather your documents, we’ll provide advice and guidance

Our experts complete your forms for you

We review everything thoroughly before submitting to VETASSESS

We follow up with VETASSESS and keep you informed until your result arrives

Book your free consultation today

Limited sessions available each week. Don’t miss out!

Come and have a chat

Tell us about your situation, and we’ll try to help you get results like these:

Not sure where to start?

Book a free consultation with our migration experts, and we’ll help you understand your options and next steps.

Frequently asked questions

 What documents do I need for a VETASSESS assessment?
  • 189 visa – No state nomination needed, live and work anywhere in Australia
  • 190 visa – State nomination required, adds points to boost your chances
  • 491 visa – Regional visa that requires you to live and work in a regional area for 3 years before applying for permanent residency

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.

  • Improve your English test score
  • Gain more work experience or qualifications
  • Target states where your skills are in demand
  • Work with an experienced migration agent to avoid mistakes and strengthen your application

How would you like to have your consultation?

Getting Australian PR can be tricky, but don’t worry, our experienced PR experts are here to help!
We have two options:
Option 1:

Book 1:1 Strategy Session

Are you a student, graduate or skilled professional? Don't have enough points, or not sure what your best options are to get PR?

What is included:

1) 30min in-depth consultation

2) 1-to-1 strategic planning session to get you from HERE to PR

3) Step-by-step recommendations by our most experienced migration agents and PR planning specialists

How would you like to have your consultation?

* Due to the complex nature of PR planning and in-depth research involved for high quality advice, this is a paid consultation.

Rest assured, initial consultations are 100% redeemable with most future service! (terms & conditions apply, see booking link for more).

Option 2:

Request Free Consulation

Please provide your details and a skilled migration specialist will be in touch. Due to high demand, spots are limited. If your case is urgent, consider booking a 1:1 Strategy Session with a senior migration agent for faster assistance.

Our senior migration consultants are experienced with all types of Australian visas
We have two options:
Book 1:1 Visa Strategy Session

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

How would you like to have your consultation?
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