Do you need a skills assessment to migrate to Australia? We'll explain everything here

If you are thinking about working or establishing yourself professionally in Australia, you have probably heard the term Skills Assessment. But what does it really mean, and why is it such an important step in your migration process? In this blog, we explain everything you need to know to understand how it works, who needs it, and how it can open up opportunities in Australia.

What is a Skills Assessment?

A Skills Assessment is a professional evaluation that reviews your academic background, work experience, and technical competencies to ensure they meet the Australian standards for your occupation. It is a mandatory requirement for many skilled work visas, including subclasses 189, 190, and 491.

According to Home Affairs Australia, more than 70% of skilled migration visa applications require a valid Skills Assessment. This means that without an approved assessment, your application may be rejected or may not receive the full points.

Who needs it?

The Skills Assessment is compulsory for professionals applying under the Skilled Occupation Lists, and the requirements vary depending on the assessing authority:

• Engineers Australia: civil, mechanical, electrical, software engineers, among others.

• VETASSESS: accountants, administrators, process analysts, IT professionals, and more.

• TRA: teachers and educators.

• ACS: IT and technology specialists.

  
  

If your occupation is listed, you must complete the assessment before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) for the visa.

Why is it important?

An approved Skills Assessment is not only a migration requirement but also:

• Increases your job opportunities: Australian employers trust officially validated professionals.

• Clarifies your professional profile: you will know which competencies to strengthen to stand out in the market.

• Helps you score points in the system: especially when applying for visas 189, 190, or 491.

• Allows you to plan your migration pathway: you’ll know which route to follow depending on your experience, studies, and goals.

  
  

How to prepare your Skills Assessment:

• Gather your documentation: degrees, certificates, employment letters, references, and verifiable experience.

• Identify the correct assessing authority for your occupation.

• Check specific requirements: some occupations may require technical tests, portfolios, or detailed projects.

• Draft your Career Episodes or RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) (for engineers or IT) with clear evidence of your achievements.

• Seek professional guidance if you want to optimise your chances of approval.

  
  

At SkillsPRO, we offer complete support for the Skills Assessment process—from reviewing your profile to submitting your final application to the assessing authority. We ensure your application meets all requirements and helps you achieve the highest possible score.

Tips to boost your chances:

• Document measurable achievements: sales, projects completed, efficiency improvements.

• Keep references clear and updated.

• If your qualification is not from Australia, include official translations and equivalency documents.

• Review the occupation list regularly: some occupations change every year.

  
  

With our expertise in Skills Assessment, we help professionals design the most effective migration strategy, reducing costs while maximising visa and employment opportunities in Australia.

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.