Skills Assessment: Why You May Need It for Your Employer-Sponsored Visa
A skills assessment is critical in determining your eligibility as a ‘skilled individual’ for Australian visa purposes. It plays a vital role in the country’s skilled visa program, which aims to attract overseas talent to fill essential positions in the Australian workforce. However, beginning the journey may be overwhelming, so this article outlines the importance of skills assessments, who needs them, and how to complete them.
What Is a Skills Assessment?
A skills assessment evaluates whether your qualifications and work experience align with Australian standards for a specific occupation. For example, if you’re applying for a visa as a carpenter, the assessment will confirm that your skills meet the requirements for this trade in Australia. A positive skills assessment proves that you gained the relevant skills needed to live and work in Australia.
Who Requires a Skills Assessment?
Most applicants for skilled visas—such as Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Visa, Skilled - Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)—may need a skills assessment as the first step in their visa application. If you're seeking an employer-sponsored visa, a skills assessment can significantly enhance your chances of securing permanent residency and may improve your employability by demonstrating to potential employers that your skills are recognised in Australia.
Additionally, if you are a licensed trade professional (e.g., electricians or plumbers), completing a skills assessment is necessary to obtain your state license, which is required to work in Australia.
How to Start My Skills Assessment Application?
The process for completing a skills assessment varies depending on your occupation. Here are some key points to consider:
Determine the Assessing Body: Each occupation may have multiple assessing authorities, so it’s important to research which one applies to your field.
Document Requirements:
Professional Occupations: Generally, require a document-based assessment, including a review of your qualifications, identification documents, and an application form. Some assessing bodies may also require evidence of English language proficiency (e.g., for nurses and teachers).
Trade Occupations: The assessment may involve multiple parts, including a document review, a technical interview, and a practical interview. The exact requirements will depend on the assessing body and your specific occupation.
Beware of Deeming Dates: Some skills assessments may issue ‘deeming dates’ on their outcome letters. Providing incorrect or incomplete documentation can significantly impact the work experience you can claim later in the visa process.
Our team of experienced migration lawyers are here to assist you with all aspects of the skills assessment process and ensure you are well-prepared for your journey to Australia.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you have further questions or are seeking personalised advice, it is recommended that you consult an immigration professional. Contact us at Agape Henry Crux, our Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law, and our team of immigration lawyers, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You may schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.