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A Complete Guide to VETASSESS Skills Assessment for Australian Immigration

If you’re planning to migrate to Australia, the VETASSESS Skills Assessment is a key step in the process. Whether you’re applying for a skilled migration visa or looking for work opportunities, getting a positive skill assessment from VETASSESS is crucial to proving your qualifications and experience in your chosen field.

This guide will walk you through the VETASSESS skills assessment process step by step, making it simpler for skilled professionals like you to move forward with confidence and achieve a successful migration outcome!

What is VETASSESS Skills Assessment

VETASSESS (Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services) is Australia’s leading skills assessment authority for various professional and trade occupations. The VETASSESS skills assessment assesses the qualifications and work experience of applicants seeking to migrate to Australia under skilled visa programs.

Why is a Skills Assessment Important?

A positive skills assessment is a mandatory requirement for many skilled migration visas, including:

  • Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)
  • Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)
  • Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa)

The assessment makes sure that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.

VETASSESS Occupation List

The VETASSESS skills assessment evaluates a wide range of occupations classified under different groups:

General Professional Occupations: VETASSESS assesses more than 341 professional and other non-trade occupations across various industries.

Trade Occupations: VETASSESS also assesses over 27 trade occupations.

Before applying, make sure that your occupation is listed under VETASSESS’s eligible skilled occupations by checking their official occupation list page.

Eligibility Criteria for VETASSESS Skills Assessment

To qualify for a VETASSESS skills assessment, you must meet specific eligibility requirements:

Nominated Occupation: Your occupation must be listed under VETASSESS’s eligible skilled occupations.

Educational Qualifications: You must have the necessary educational qualifications relevant to your occupation. VETASSESS will compare your qualifications against the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) to determine their equivalence.

Work Experience: You should possess sufficient work experience at an appropriate skill level as required for your nominated occupation.

English Proficiency: Some occupations may require proof of English proficiency.

VETASSESS Skills Assessment Checklist

Before submitting your application for VETASSESS skills assessment, make sure you have the following required documents:

Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV) – A detailed overview of your education and work experience.

Photograph – A recent passport-sized photograph.

Proof of Identity – Valid identification documents such as a passport or birth certificate.

Change of Name Documentation – If applicable, legal proof of name change.

Qualification Evidence – Academic transcripts and certificates demonstrating your education.

Employment Evidence – Reference letters, payslips, tax records, and other documents verifying your work experience.

Statutory Declaration or Affidavit – If required, a legally sworn document providing additional verification.

Application Fee – Fees vary based on the type of assessment. Find more information about VETASSESS fees here.

Make sure all documents meet VETASSESS’s format and submission requirements to avoid delays in your assessment.

How to Apply for VETASSESS Skill Assessment

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for a VETASSESS skills assessment:

Step 1: Nominate Your Occupation

  • Choose an occupation from the VETASSESS Professional Occupations list.
  • Check the qualification and employment requirements for your selected occupation.

Step 2: Check Your Occupation Description

  • Review the detailed occupation description provided by VETASSESS.
  • Make sure your work experience aligns with the listed responsibilities and requirements.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

  • Gather all required documents, including qualification and employment evidence.
  • If you need additional guidance, consider VETASSESS’s Skills Assessment Support services.
  • For faster processing, you can opt for Priority Processing.

Step 4: Apply Online

  • Create an account on the VETASSESS website.
  • Upload your documents and complete the online application form.
  • Pay the required assessment fee and submit your application.

VETASSESS Skills Assessment Fee

As of November 20, 2024, VETASSESS updated its fees for skills assessments in professional and general occupations to align with inflation. Below is a summary of the current fees:​

Full Skills Assessment Fees

Assessment Type Within Australia (AUD, incl. GST) Outside Australia (AUD, excl. GST)
Full Skills Assessment (Qualifications & Employment) $1,177.00 $1,070.00
Priority Processing (Additional Fee) $886.60 $806.00

Points Test Advice

Assessment Type Within Australia (AUD, incl. GST) Outside Australia (AUD, excl. GST)
Points Test Advice $334.40 $304.00

For detailed and up-to-date information on fees, refer to the VETASSESS fees page.

VETASSESS Processing Time

For VETASSESS skills assessment the processing time can vary because every assessment is different for Australia immigration.

Standard Processing Time: Typically 10–12 weeks for general occupations

Trade Occupations Processing Time: May take longer due to practical assessments.

Priority Processing: Reduces assessment time significantly.

Processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to check the latest estimates on the VETASSESS website.

How to Get a Positive VETASSESS Skill Assessment

A positive VETASSESS skills assessment is very important for skilled migration to Australia. Here’s how you can achieve it:

Provide Accurate and Complete Documentation: Make sure all required documents are submitted and correctly formatted.

Align Qualifications with Australian Standards: Verify that your qualifications meet the AQF standards.

Demonstrate Relevant Work Experience: Clearly outline your work experience with supporting evidence.

Double-Check Submissions: Review all information for accuracy before submission.

Common Reasons for Rejection

A negative VETASSESS skills assessment can delay your Australian migration plans. Here are the most common reasons for rejection and how to avoid them:

1. Insufficient Work Experience

  • Not meeting the minimum required experience (usually 1–3 years).
  • Experience gained before completing the required qualification may not be counted.

Solution: Ensure you have the required years of post-qualification experience.

2. Unrelated Qualification

  • Your degree/diploma is not closely related to your nominated occupation.

Solution: Choose an occupation that aligns with your studies OR provide additional work experience to compensate.

3. Poorly Written Employment Reference Letters

  • Missing key details like job duties, work hours, or employer details.
  • Duties not matching the ANZSCO code of your occupation.

Solution: Ensure your reference letter is detailed, on official letterhead, and signed by a superior or HR manager.

4. Incomplete or Incorrect Documents

  • Missing payslips, tax records, contracts, or employer references.
  • Submitting documents in a language other than English without certified translation.

Solution: Double-check the document checklist and get translations if required.

5. Employer Verification Issues

  • If VETASSESS contacts your employer and cannot verify your work history.
  • Fake or misleading employment details.

Solution: Inform your employer in advance about possible verification. Provide genuine documents only.

6. Self-Employment Without Proper Proof

  • Business owners and freelancers failing to provide tax returns, invoices, or contracts.

Solution: Submit business registration documents, financial records, and client invoices as proof.

7. Incorrect Nominated Occupation

  • Choosing an occupation that doesn’t match your skills or experience.

Solution: Select an occupation that aligns with your education and job responsibilities.

8. Failure to Respond to Additional Document Requests

  • VETASSESS may ask for more documents. Failure to respond within the deadline leads to rejection

Solution: Regularly check your email and respond promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What IELTS score is required for VETASSESS?
VETASSESS does not require an IELTS score for skills assessment. However, you may need IELTS (or other English tests like PTE, TOEFL) for your visa application.
How long is the VETASSESS skills assessment valid for?
A positive VETASSESS skills assessment is valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
How many years until the VETASSESS skills assessment expires?
The assessment remains valid for 3 years. You need a fresh assessment if it expires before your visa application.
How can I check my skills assessment status?
Log in to the VETASSESS online portal and check the application status. You may also receive updates via email from VETASSESS.
Is VETASSESS mandatory for skilled migration?
Yes, for occupations assessed by VETASSESS under visa subclasses 189, 190, and 491.

Australian Skill Assessment Explained: Your Ultimate Guide for 2025

Every candidate’s PR journey starts with the skills assessment, which is the most important stage in deciding whether you are eligible for a particular visa category. However, in today’s globalised world, Australia is a highly desired destination for skilled professionals from all over the world. Whatever your profession as an engineer, healthcare worker, IT expert, tradesperson, there are vast quantities of people in Australia who rely on you. Yet a successful Australian skill assessment is far from an easy thing ranging from meticulous planning to eventful attention to detail and in depth understanding of the process.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the Australian skill assessment with confidence!

What is Skill Assessment in Australia

A Skills Assessment verifies that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for a specific occupation. This step is essential for various visa pathways, including:

  • General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas (e.g., Subclass 189, 190, 491)
  • Employer-sponsored visas
  • Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visas

Skill Assessment Australia List

In Australia, a skills assessment is a crucial step for individuals seeking to migrate under skilled visa categories. It involves evaluating your qualifications and work experience to make sure they align with Australian standards for your nominated occupation.

Skilled Occupation List (SOL)

Australia maintains a Skilled Occupation List (SOL), which identifies professions eligible for various skilled visa programs. This list is regularly updated to reflect the country’s labor market needs. Occupations are categorized into:

    • Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): Occupations in high demand for the long term.
    • Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL): Occupations needed to fill short-term skill gaps.
    • Regional Occupation List (ROL): Occupations in demand in regional areas.

Each occupation on the SOL is assigned to a specific assessment authority responsible for evaluating qualifications and experience. You can find the current SOL and the skill assessment authority list on the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.

Popular Skill Assessment Authorities in Australia

Popular Skill Assessment Authorities in Australia

Each occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is assigned to a specific assessment authority responsible for evaluating qualifications and experience as part of the Australian skill assessment process. These authorities are responsible for assessing the qualifications and work experience of applicants to make sure they meet Australian standards. Below is a list of some key assessing authorities:

Assessing Authority Occupation Category
VETASSESS General professional occupations
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) Trade occupations
Australian Computer Society (ACS) ICT-related professions
Engineers Australia (EA) Engineering professionals
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) Nurses and midwives
Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) Teachers
Medical Board of Australia (MBA) Doctors and medical professionals
Australian Dental Council (ADC) Dentists
Occupational Therapy Council (OTC) Occupational therapists
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) Accountants

Documents Required for Skill Assessment Australia

The documents required for an Australian skill assessment in Australia can vary depending on the assessing authority and your nominated occupation. However, the following are commonly required:

Passport: Copy of the bio-data page for identity verification.

Qualification Certificates: Certified copies of degrees, diplomas, or relevant academic qualifications.

Academic Transcripts: Detailed records of subjects studied and grades achieved.

Employment References: Letters from employers specifying job roles, duties, employment dates, and working hours.

Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive resume highlighting work experience, skills, and qualifications.

Payslips or Tax Records: Evidence of employment such as payslips, tax returns, or contracts.

Skills Training Certificates: Additional certifications or training relevant to your occupation.

Professional Registration: Proof of licensing or registration for regulated professions (e.g., nursing, engineering).

English Language Test Results: Results from IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL if required.

Photographs: Passport-sized photographs as per the assessing authority’s guidelines.

Other Supporting Documents: Any additional evidence required by the assessing authority, such as portfolios for creative fields.

How to Apply for Skill Assessment in Australia

1. Identify Your Occupation and Assessing Authority

  • Occupation: Find your job on the SOL.
  • Assessing Authority: Each occupation has a designated authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, ACS).

2. Understand the Requirements

  • Each authority has unique criteria, including:
    • Educational qualifications
    • Relevant work experience
    • English language proficiency
  • Check specific guidelines on the assessing authority’s website.

3. Prepare Documentation

Common documents include:

  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • Employment references
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
  • Identification (passport)

4. Submit Your Application

  • Create an account on the relevant authority’s portal.
  • Upload required documents.
  • Pay the assessment fee.

5. Await Results

  • Processing times vary but generally take 8-12 weeks.
  • Some authorities offer priority processing for an additional fee.

Skill Assessment Australia Processing Time

The processing time for Australian skill assessment can vary depending on the assessing authority and the complexity of your application. Here are the general processing times for some of the main assessing authorities:

Assessing Authority Processing Time
VETASSESS Typically 8 to 12 weeks
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) 6 to 12 weeks
Australian Computer Society (ACS) 4 to 12 weeks
Engineers Australia (EA) 6 to 12 weeks
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) 8 to 16 weeks
Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) 8 to 12 weeks
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) 8 to 12 weeks
CPA Australia 6 to 10 weeks
Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) 6 to 10 weeks
Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) 4 to 8 weeks
Australian Dental Council (ADC) 4 to 8 weeks

Factors that May Affect Processing Time:

1. Application Completeness: Delays can occur if documents are missing or incomplete.

2. Volume of Applications: Processing time may vary depending on the time of year and the number of applications being processed.

3. Occupation-Specific Requirements: Certain occupations may require additional assessments or evaluations, which can extend processing times.

4. English Language Proficiency: If you need to provide English test results (e.g., IELTS), this may affect the timeline.

Skill Assessment Australia Fee

The fees for Australian skill assessment vary depending on the assessing authority and the occupation you are applying for.

Factors that May Affect Skill Assessment Fee:

  • Fees can differ based on the occupation and the complexity of the assessment.
  • Some authorities may charge extra for services such as document verification, appeal processes, or expedited processing.
  • The fee is generally paid online via the assessing authority’s website when submitting your application.
  • Make sure to check if the fee is refundable in case of unsuccessful assessments.
  • Some assessing authorities offer a Priority Processing Fee, which can speed up the process but comes at an additional cost.

Conclusion

Australian skill assessment is an important step toward your dream of living and working in Australia. With careful planning, attention to detail, and perseverance, you can navigate the process successfully in 2025. Whether you’re an engineer, healthcare worker, IT expert, or tradesperson, Australia needs skilled workers like you! By taking the right steps and choosing the right assessment authority, you can be one step closer to getting your Australian visa.

Don’t try to figure it all out on your own mate! Reach out to CanApprove’s Australia immigration experts today to make sure your Australian skill assessment goes smoothly. We’ll guide you through every step to help you reach your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an Australian skills assessment cost?
The cost of an Australian skills assessment varies depending on the assessing authority and occupation. Generally, fees range from AUD 300 to AUD 1,000. Some authorities may charge additional fees for expedited processing or other services. It’s best to check the specific assessing authority’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date fee details.
How long is skill assessment valid?
The validity of a skill assessment varies by occupation and assessing authority. Typically, skill assessments are valid for 3 years. However, this can change depending on the visa you are applying for, so always confirm with the specific authority.
Can I get PR in Australia without skill assessment?
In most cases, you cannot apply for permanent residency (PR) in Australia without a skills assessment if you are applying under a skilled visa program (e.g., General Skilled Migration visa). However, some employer-sponsored visas may not require a skills assessment, but the employer must demonstrate that your qualifications and work experience meet the role’s requirements.
What is the next step after skill assessment?
After receiving a positive skills assessment, the next step is to submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system, indicating your interest in applying for a skilled visa. If your EOI is selected, you can then apply for the relevant skilled visa (e.g., Subclass 189, 190, 491). You may also be invited to apply for a visa if you meet the points requirements.
What is the age limit for an Australian visa?
For most skilled migration visas, the age limit is 45 years old. However, applicants can earn additional points for being younger than 45, and some visa subclasses may have different age limits or exceptions based on specific circumstances (e.g., employer sponsorship or state/territory nominations).