Skills Assessment FAQ for Australian Migration

These are the most common questions about skills assessment, answered briefly so you can get the picture quickly. Each one has a more detailed article if you want to go deeper.

Is a skills assessment mandatory?

For most skilled streams (such as 189, 190, 491, and 186 Direct Entry), a skills assessment is usually a mandatory condition before lodging. Some other pathways — such as 186 via the TRT stream from a 482 — usually place less weight on this step. Identify your correct stream first.

Who will assess my occupation?

Each occupation has its own authority by ANZSCO code: IT occupations usually go to ACS, engineers to Engineers Australia, technical trades to TRA, nurses to ANMAC, and many remaining occupations to VETASSESS.

How much does it cost and how long does it take?

Both depend on the authority. For ACS, for example, fees vary by assessment type (e.g. skills assessment, RPL) and processing time varies by assessment type and the volume of applications — check the current figures on the official ACS website; VETASSESS is similar, with processing time depending on assessment type and the volume of applications, so check the official website of the relevant authority. Other authorities have their own rates — see the costs article and the timing article to compare.

Does the result have an expiry?

Usually yes. An assessment result is tied to a specific occupation code and has a validity period, so doing it too early can mean it expires before the visa is decided. Timing it is worth considering carefully.

What if I’m unsuccessful?

An unsuccessful result is not the end: depending on the case, you may be able to lodge again with a stronger file, request a review, or consider a more suitable occupation code. Most reasons for an unsuccessful result are preparation errors.

When should I see a migration agent?

When your occupation code is uncertain, your experience is hard to prove, or you have been refused before — those are the times to have a registered migration agent (MARA) review it with you rather than guessing.