Can a Skills Assessment Be Used for Multiple Visas?
A practical question many people ask once they hold a skills assessment result: can I use this result for several visa applications, or do I have to do it again each time?
The short answer: it can be used for multiple visas, provided it is still valid and for the correct ANZSCO code.
The basic principle
A skills assessment result is tied to one specific ANZSCO occupation code, not to a specific visa type. This means:
- If you hold an ACS result for code 261313 (Software Engineer), you can use it to lodge a visa 189, 190, 491 EOI, and 186 Direct Entry — as long as it remains valid and the occupation code matches each visa.
- You do not need to redo the assessment for each separate visa.
A practical example
Suppose you hold an ACS Suitable result for ANZSCO code 261313, valid for three years from the date of issue:
- You can submit an EOI for visa 189 (skilled independent) based on this result
- If a state invites you, you can lodge a 190 (state nominated) using the same result
- If at the same time you find a sponsoring employer for a 186 DE, you can also use that same ACS result
- All of these applications can run in parallel, using the same assessment result
The key point is that the ANZSCO code in each visa application must match the code the assessment was issued for.
Important exceptions
Changing ANZSCO code: If you want to apply for a visa under a different occupation code — even one that differs only slightly (for example from Software Engineer to ICT Project Manager) — you need a new assessment for that code. An assessment result does not “transfer sideways” between occupation codes.
Expiry: Once a result expires, it is expired — there are no exceptions. If you lodge a visa application after the assessment has expired, you need a new assessment. See also the article on validity periods by authority.
The assessing authority must be correct for each visa: Some visas require an assessment from the specific authority designated for that occupation code, by visa. In most cases this authority is the same, but not always — check the Department of Home Affairs information for each specific visa.
States may have their own requirements: Some states, when assessing a 190/491 nomination, require an assessment from a specific authority or that the assessment date falls after a certain point. Check the conditions of each state you are targeting.
What about visa 482?
The visa 482 Core Skills stream usually does not require a skills assessment result — so if you are holding an ACS or VETASSESS result, you do not need to use it for the 482. That result keeps its value for other independent skilled visas while it remains valid.
A skills assessment result is most useful when obtained early — while you still have time to use it across several different opportunities. Using it close to expiry will limit the options you have left.