“I’ve got the qualification. I’ve done the work. But will Australia recognise me?”
If you’ve ever asked yourself this — you’re right where thousands of skilled professionals start.
Moving to Australia doesn’t begin with the visa application. It begins with something called the Australia Skills Assessment — the foundation of almost every skilled migration pathway.
Australia doesn’t just take your word for your expertise — it checks it. And that’s exactly what a Skills Assessment in Australia does. It’s the government’s way of saying:
🟢 “Yes — you can do the job you say you can do in Australia.”
This step might feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance — whether through research or support from Australian immigration consultants — it becomes far more manageable.
What Exactly Is a Skills Assessment?
At its core, an Australian skills assessment is a formal evaluation of your:
✔ Educational qualifications
✔ Work experience
✔ Professional skills
…against Australian standards for your nominated occupation.
The assessment is conducted by a government-approved assessing authority, not by the Department of Home Affairs itself.
You submit your documents, and the authority decides:
👉 Yes — your skills meet Australian standards
OR
👉 No — more evidence or qualifications are required
Who Needs a Skills Assessment?
You will usually need to complete a skills assessment for Australia PR before you:
✔ Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI)
✔ Apply For Visas such as:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
- Employer Sponsored Visa pathways (for many occupations)
Whether you apply independently or through an immigration agent, a valid skills assessment is non-negotiable.
How Skills Assessment Fits into Your PR Journey
- Choose your nominated occupation (ANZSCO code)
- Identify the correct assessing authority
- Prepare documents (often with help from immigration consultants)
- Submit skills assessment application
- Receive a positive outcome
- Lodge EOI in SkillSelect
- Get invitation & apply for visa
Skills assessment always comes before your EOI submission.
Eligibility: What You Must Have
While criteria vary, most assessing authorities require:
1️⃣ Educational Qualifications
Your qualification must closely match your nominated occupation.
2️⃣ Work Experience
Your employment must align with Australian job duties — this is where many applicants seek help from the best immigration consultants in Australia to ensure accuracy.
3️⃣ English Language Ability
Some authorities require IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL results.
Who Assesses What? (Assessing Authorities)
Depending on your profession, assessments are handled by different authorities, including:
- ACS – IT professionals
- Engineers Australia – Engineers
- VETASSESS – Business & professional roles
- Trades Recognition Australia – Trade occupations
- ANMAC – Nurses & midwives
How Much Does Skills Assessment Cost in Australia?
There is no fixed fee. Skills assessment fees in Australia depend on:
✔ The assessing authority
✔ Standard vs priority processing
Skills Assessment Timeline: How Long It Takes
Processing times vary:
🕐 Standard cases: A few weeks to a few months
⏱️ Complex cases: 3–6 months
Delays often occur due to:
❗ Incomplete documents
❗ Weak reference letters
❗ Wrong occupation selection
What Documents Do You Need?
Most assessing authorities require:
📄 Academic certificates and transcripts
📄 Employment reference letters
📄 Passport
📄 English test results (if applicable)
Top Mistakes Applicants Make
❌ Generic job descriptions
❌ Poor reference letters
❌ Applying through the wrong assessing authority
❌ Late English test results
❌ Incorrect documentation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is skills assessment mandatory for Australia PR?
Yes. A positive skills assessment is mandatory for most skilled visas and is required before EOI submission.
2. Can an immigration agent help with skills assessment?
Yes. A registered immigration agent or Australian immigration consultant can help ensure your documents and occupation selection meet Australian standards.
3. Is skills assessment required for Employer Sponsored Visa?
In many cases, yes. Several Employer Sponsored Visa streams require a valid skills assessment, depending on the occupation.
4. How long is a skills assessment valid?
Most are valid for 2–3 years, depending on the assessing authority.
Final Thoughts: Your First Real Step Toward Australia
Skills Assessment isn’t just paperwork — It’s the foundation of your Australian migration journey.
Contact Us Today
📧 info@growmore.one
📞 Phone Call: (+61) 38764 3334 | 💬 WhatsApp: (+61) 4342 0202