Skilled Assessment – Aran Legal

Skills Assessment for Australia

Before you can apply for most skilled migration visas, your qualifications and work experience must be assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. A positive assessment is the essential first step — without it, no Expression of Interest can be submitted.

What Is a Skills Assessment?

The Step Most Applicants Underestimate

A skills assessment is an evaluation of your qualifications and work experience conducted by a designated assessing authority — an independent body recognised by the Australian Government. Each occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists is matched to one authority, and only that authority can assess your suitability.

A positive skills assessment does not guarantee a visa — but a negative one can close off your entire skilled migration pathway. The assessment must be positive before you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

When Is a Skills Assessment Required?

Subclass 189 (Independent) · Required before EOI submission. Must be positive.
Subclass 190 (State Nominated) · Required before EOI and state nomination application. Must be positive.
Subclass 491 (Regional) · Required before EOI. Must be positive. Some regional authorities have additional requirements.
Subclass 482 (TSS) · Required for some but not all occupations. Check your specific ANZSCO code.
Subclass 186 (ENS) · Required for all Direct Entry stream applications. TRT stream may use prior assessment or work history.

Assessing Authorities

Who Assesses Your Occupation?

Each occupation is assigned to one designated assessing authority. The table below covers the most common occupations assessed for Australian skilled migration. Aran Legal will confirm the correct authority for your specific ANZSCO occupation code.

Assessing Authority	Common Occupations Covered	Abbreviation
Australian Computer Society	ICT professionals, software engineers, network engineers, data scientists, systems administrators	ACS
Engineers Australia	Civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, structural engineers, engineering managers	EA
Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council	Registered nurses, midwives, nurse practitioners	ANMAC
CPA Australia / CAANZ / IPA	Accountants, auditors, financial analysts, management accountants	CPA / CAANZ / IPA
Australian Institute of Architects	Architects, architectural associates	AIA
Trades Recognition Australia	Electricians, plumbers, chefs, carpenters, welders, automotive technicians	TRA
Australian Institute of Teaching & School Leadership	Primary and secondary school teachers	AITSL
Australian Institute of Management	Management consultants, HR managers, marketing and sales managers	AIM
Vetassess	Wide range of professional and trade occupations not covered by specialist authorities	VETASSESS
Australian Medical Council	Medical practitioners, general practitioners, specialist doctors	AMC

The Process

The Skills Assessment Process Step by Step

The assessment process varies between authorities, but the general sequence is consistent. Understanding the stages helps you plan your overall visa timeline realistically.

Nomination Pathways

01

Before You Begin

Identify Your Correct ANZSCO Occupation Code

The entire assessment process starts with correctly identifying your occupation using the ANZSCO classification. The wrong code means the wrong assessing authority — and a wasted application fee. Aran Legal confirms your ANZSCO code as part of our initial assessment.

02

Document Preparation

Gather and Authenticate Your Evidence

Most authorities require certified copies of: academic qualifications and transcripts, evidence of at least 2 years of relevant post-qualification work experience (paid employment, reference letters, payslips, employment contracts), English language test results, and identity documents. Some authorities require documents to be translated and officially authenticated.

03

Application Submission

Lodge the Skills Assessment Application

Submit your application to the designated assessing authority along with the required fee. Each authority has its own online portal and fee schedule. Assessment fees typically range from AUD $500 to $1,500 depending on the authority and application type.

04

Processing Time

Wait for the Assessment Outcome

Processing times vary significantly. ACS and CPA typically take 4–8 weeks. VETASSESS can take 10–16 weeks. TRA (trades) often takes 6–12 months. Plan your visa timeline around these periods — they cannot usually be expedited, though some authorities offer a priority service for an additional fee.

05

Outcome

Receive Your Assessment Result

If the outcome is positive, you may proceed to submit your EOI through SkillSelect. If the outcome is negative, adverse, or with conditions, options may include lodging a review, gathering additional work evidence, or identifying an alternative occupation code. Aran Legal advises on the best course of action depending on your specific result.

When This May Not Apply

Skills Assessment May Not Be Needed If…

You are applying for the SC 482 employer-sponsored visa in certain occupations — not all 482 nominations require a formal skills assessment. Your occupation and employer situation determines this.

You are applying for the SC 186 TRT stream and have 3 years of work history with your sponsor — in some cases a prior assessment or recent work history may be accepted in lieu of a new assessment.

Your occupation is not on any Skilled Occupation List — if your occupation does not appear on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or any state list, a skills assessment will not help you pursue the skilled migration pathway.

You hold an Australian qualification in the same occupation — some authorities treat Australian degree holders differently. Always confirm the specific requirements with Aran Legal before applying.