Skills Assessment
A Skills Assessment is a mandatory step in the Australian skilled migration process for most visa types under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. It is an independent evaluation of your qualifications, work experience, and, in some cases, English language proficiency to ensure you meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.
Purpose of a Skills Assessment
The primary purpose is to verify that you possess the skills and expertise required to work in your nominated occupation as listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). It ensures that migrants contribute effectively to Australia’s economy by meeting the country’s labour market needs.
Who Conducts the Skills Assessment?
Skills Assessments are conducted by industry-specific assessment authorities designated by the Australian government. Each occupation on the Skilled Occupation List is assigned to a specific authority. For example:
- Engineers Australia assesses Engineers
- Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) assesses nurses
- Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) assesses various trades
- Australian Computer Society assesses various IT professionals
- Vetassess evaluate a wide range of occupations for migration purposes. They assess both professional occupations and trade occupations to ensure that applicants meet the required standards for skilled migration to Australia.
What is Assessed?
The exact requirements depend on the occupation and the assessing authority, but generally, the assessment covers:
1. Qualifications: Academic credentials relevant to the occupation
2. Work Experience: Evidence of employment history in the nominated field
3. English Proficiency: Proof of English language skills, such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or OET scores (if required by the assessing authority and generally only relates to professions such as Engineers, Accountants and Nurses)
4. Skills Demonstration: For some trades and professions, a practical skills test or portfolio of work may be needed
Key Steps in the Skills Assessment Process
1. Choose Your Occupation: Identify your occupation on the Skilled Occupation List and find the relevant assessing authority.
2. Check Requirements: Review the specific criteria set by the assessing authority, such as required qualifications and documents
3. Submit Application: Provide the necessary documents, including coloured scanned images of the original qualifications, employment references, and identification
4. Pay Fees: Fees vary depending on the assessing authority
5. Outcome: If successful, you’ll receive a positive Skills Assessment, which is valid for a specific period (usually 3 years)
Why is a Skills Assessment Important?
1. Visa Eligibility: A positive Skills Assessment is often a prerequisite for lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) and applying for skilled visas
2. Employment Readiness: It demonstrates to Australian authorities and employers that you meet local standards
3. Points Allocation: For GSM visas, your assessment contributes to your points score
Common Challenges
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Misunderstanding the specific criteria for your occupation
- Delays due to processing times
How to Ensure Success?
- Thoroughly research the requirements of your assessing authority
- Provide detailed, accurate, and verified documentation
- Seek professional advice if you’re unsure about the process.
A positive Skills Assessment is a critical milestone on your migration journey, ensuring that your skills align with Australia’s labour market needs and giving you a competitive edge in the skilled visa application process.
At Migration Downunder, our expertise and qualifications make us well-equipped to assist you with your skills assessment. Book a consultation with us today to maximise your chances of achieving a positive outcome!
Before any immigration advice can be provided, we must hold an initial consultation which will attract a fee commencing from $385.
