Skills Assessment for Australian Migration - Complete Guide

A skills assessment is one of the first and most important steps in the Australian skilled migration process. Here is what you need to know.

What is a skills assessment?

A skills assessment verifies that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. It is mandatory for all skilled visa applicants (189, 190, 491).

How to find your assessing authority

Each occupation has a designated assessing authority. Search our assessment authority directory or use the occupation checker to find yours. Major authorities include:

• ACS - All ICT occupations (software engineer, developer, analyst)
• Engineers Australia - All engineering occupations
• VETASSESS - General professional and managerial occupations (237+ occupations)
• ANMAC - Nursing and midwifery
• TRA - Trade occupations (chef, electrician, plumber)
• AITSL - Teaching occupations

The general process

While each authority has its own specific requirements, the general process is:

1. Identify your ANZSCO code - Find the occupation that best matches your actual work duties
2. Check the authority’s requirements - Qualification level, experience needed, English proficiency
3. Gather documents - Certified qualifications, detailed employment references, identity documents
4. Submit your application - Usually online, with the assessment fee
5. Wait for the outcome - Processing takes 6-16 weeks depending on the authority

Common mistakes

• Choosing the wrong ANZSCO code (match your duties, not your job title)
• Insufficient employment references (they must describe your specific duties in detail)
• Not having documents translated or certified properly
• Applying before you have enough post-qualification experience

Cost and timeline

Assessment fees range from $300 to $1,200 depending on the authority. Processing times range from 6 to 16 weeks. Budget for both time and money in your migration planning.

Use the points calculator to check your overall eligibility while waiting for your assessment.