Skills assessment for Australian migration
Which authority?
Home Affairs' combined occupation list names the assessing authority for each occupation. See occupation lists.
| Authority | Typically assesses | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| ACS | IT and cyber security | ACS |
| Engineers Australia | Engineering | Engineers Australia |
| VETASSESS | Many professional occupations | VETASSESS |
| Trades Recognition Australia | Trades | TRA |
Other authorities exist (for example AITSL, Anmac and CPA Australia).
Fees and turnaround snapshot
These standard assessments. It warns fees change without notice, usually on 1 July.
| Authority | Standard assessment | fee | turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRA | Migration Skills Assessment | A$795 | 120 days |
| Engineers Australia | CDR | A$1,034 incl. GST | about 15 weeks to be assigned |
| ACS | General Skills | A$1,498 excl. GST | 4 to 6 weeks |
| VETASSESS | Full professional | see VETASSESS | about 7 weeks |
Turnaround figures are not comparable: Engineers Australia's is time to assignment, not to outcome. Check each authority's own page.
How long is an assessment valid?
TRA says that for certain skilled visa applications, assessments issued since 1 July 2014 must be no more than three years old at lodgement. ACS validity and others vary. See each authority.
FAQ
Do I need one for every visa?
Often, not always. Some streams are exempt. See occupation lists.
Can I submit a skills assessment late?
Plan ahead. See SkillSelect.
Does the assessment affect points?
See points test.
Who pays?
You pay the authority.
Which English test?
In this section
- ACS skills assessmentACS skills assessment for ICT occupations: the four pathways, assessment fees, processing times and how long the outcome stays valid.
- Engineers Australia migration skills assessmentEngineers Australia migration skills assessment: qualification and CDR pathways, current fees, what to submit and how long it takes.
- Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) skills assessmentHow Trades Recognition Australia skills assessments work for trade occupations: programs, feedback times, validity.
- VETASSESS skills assessmentVETASSESS skills assessment for professional occupations: full assessment and priority processing fees, what you submit and how long it takes.