What Is a Skills Assessment and Who Needs One?
Understanding skills assessments for Australian migration - what they are, who needs one, which authority assesses your occupation, and how to apply.
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What is a skills assessment?
A skills assessment verifies that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. It is one of the first steps in the skilled migration process.
Who needs one?
All applicants for the 189, 190, and 491 visas need a positive skills assessment.
Finding your authority
Search the assessment authority directory or use the occupation checker to find which authority assesses your occupation.
Read the complete skills assessment guide for detailed steps.
Adam Arbolino Built the technology behind the Australian visa system at IBM
Frequently asked questions.
Answers to commonly asked questions about our platform
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Do I always need a skills assessment?
Yes, a positive skills assessment is mandatory for all points-tested skilled visas (189, 190, 491). Some employer-sponsored visas also require one.
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How do I find my assessing authority?
Each occupation has a designated authority. Use our occupation checker tool or search the assessment authority directory to find yours.
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How long does a skills assessment take?
Processing times range from 6-16 weeks depending on the authority. ACS takes 6-8 weeks, Engineers Australia 8-12 weeks, VETASSESS 8-12 weeks.