Can more than one Skills Assessment be conducted at the same time? Cases and solutions

If you’re considering migrating to Australia or advancing your career, you’ve probably wondered: Can I apply for more than one Skills Assessment at the same time? The answer isn’t always straightforward, as it depends on various factors: your occupation, the assessing authority, and your migration strategy. In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know, common scenarios, and how to handle it without wasting time or resources.

What Does the General Rule Say?

Generally, there’s no formal restriction preventing you from applying for more than one Skills Assessment simultaneously, as long as each application meets the requirements of the corresponding assessing authority. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind:

• Each assessing authority has its own criteria, deadlines, and required documents.

• Assessments can take between 6 and 12 weeks, depending on the occupation and the authority's workload.

• Applying for more than one assessment can duplicate costs and effort if the requirements aren’t properly planned.

The application process for Skills Assessment can be complicated.

Common Scenarios Where More Than One Skills Assessment is Considered:

1. Professionals with Double Degrees or Experience in Different Areas:

For example, an industrial engineer with experience in project management and civil engineering might consider applying to Engineers Australia in two different subdisciplines to increase their visa options.

2. Professionals Seeking to Apply to Different Occupation Lists:

Some IT professionals, accountants, or administrators have occupations assessed by VETASSESS and ACS depending on their specialization. In this case, applying to both could be a strategic move if you meet the requirements of each.

3. Migrants Looking to Diversify Their Visa Options:

Applying for more than one Skills Assessment can increase your points in the EOI system for visas like the 189, 190, or 491. It could also open up alternative options if a particular occupation loses demand or changes category in the Skilled Occupation List.

The work environment in Australia is diverse and competitive.

Know the Risks and Challenges:

• Document Duplication: Many authorities require similar checks (degrees, certifications, employment references). If not organized, this can lead to mistakes or rejections.

  
  

• Confusion in Your Professional Profile: Presenting experiences inconsistently across assessments can affect your credibility.

  
  

• Additional Costs: Each Skills Assessment has a fee, which can exceed $500-$1,000 AUD depending on the authority.

What Are the Solutions and Strategies?

1. Plan Ahead:

Define your primary and secondary occupation, identify the assessing authorities, and review the specific requirements for each.

2. Organize Your Documentation:

Keep all your certificates, references, and work evidence ready and translated if necessary.

3. Seek Professional Guidance:

A SkillsPRO consultant can help you decide which assessments to prioritize, which ones have the most impact on your visa, and how to present your experience consistently.

4. Gradual Assessment:

If you're unsure which occupation is strongest, you can start with one and prepare the second while you receive the results of the first.

At SkillsPRO, with our experience in Skills Assessment, we help professionals design the most effective strategy for their migration, minimizing costs and maximizing visa and employment opportunities in Australia.

Our services include:

✔️ Review and preparation of all required documents.

✔️ NAATI-certified translations of your academic and relevant documents.

✔️ Comprehensive guidance on what documents are essential for your specific occupation.

✔️ Free consultation to help you understand your case and provide the best options – Book your free consultation here

If you want more information about the Skills Assessment process, migration, or simply want to connect with other professionals, we invite you to join our WhatsApp group "Latinos Profesionales en Australia" 🇦🇺. Share experiences, ask questions, and find support on your path to residency in Australia. You can also join our Facebook group here.