Skills assessment
Skills Assessment for Australian Skilled Visas
A positive skills assessment is the foundation of most skilled and employer visas. We help you choose the right assessing authority and prepare an application that gets it right first time.
About the Skills Assessment forn Skilled Visas
A skills assessment is issued by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. It confirms that your qualifications and experience meet the standard to work in that occupation in Australia. Home Affairs can only accept an assessment from the authority listed for your occupation.
A suitable skills assessment is mandatory for the points-tested visas (189 Points-tested stream, 190 and 491) and for many employer-sponsored visas. For points-tested visas, you must have it by the time you are invited, it must be valid at invitation, and it must have been obtained in the 3 years before your invitation.
Visas that may need a skills assessment
- Skilled Independent (189) Points-tested stream
- Skilled Nominated (190)
- Skilled Work Regional (491)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (186) Direct Entry stream, unless exempt
- Skills in Demand (482) and 494, if required for your occupation
Common mistakes we help you avoid
- Choosing the wrong occupation or ANZSCO code
- Applying to the wrong assessing authority
- Weak employment references or missing duties
- Letting your assessment expire before invitation
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Skills Assessment forn Skilled Visas FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
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An assessment by the relevant assessing authority confirming your skills meet the standard for your nominated occupation in Australia.
Yes. You must have a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation by the time you are invited.
For points-tested visas, it must have been obtained in the 3 years before your invitation, unless the assessing authority specifies a shorter period.
There are 42 assessing authorities, such as ACS for ICT, Engineers Australia, ANMAC for nursing, TRA for trades and VETASSESS for many other occupations.
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Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent and get a clear plan for your visa.
