If you’re planning to migrate to Australia as a skilled professional, getting your skills assessment approved is a critical step in the process. Whether you’re an engineer, IT specialist, nurse, or healthcare professional, this assessment confirms that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the skills assessment system works, which authorities are responsible for each profession, and how Sydney Visa can help ensure your application is successful.
What Is a Skills Assessment and Why It’s Required
A skills assessment is an official evaluation of your educational qualifications and work experience by an authorised assessing body in Australia. It is a mandatory requirement for most skilled visas, including:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
- Subclass 190 (State-Nominated)
- Subclass 491 (Regional Skilled Visa)
- Employer-sponsored visas (e.g., Subclass 482 and 186)
The assessment ensures that your credentials match Australian professional standards, helping visa authorities determine your eligibility for migration.
Without a positive assessment, your visa application cannot proceed.
Who Needs to Apply for Skills Assessment
If your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or CSOL, you’ll most likely need to undergo a skills assessment.
You need one if:
- You’re applying for a points-tested visa (Subclass 189, 190, 491)
- You are being nominated under employer sponsorship
- Your occupation requires registration or licensing in Australia
Even applicants with extensive experience must have their qualifications formally verified.
Main Assessing Authorities by Profession
Australia assigns specific agencies to assess different professions. Here’s a look at the main ones for engineering, IT, and healthcare:
Engineers Australia: Assessment Pathways and Tips
- For: Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, etc.
- Pathways:
- Accredited Qualifications (Washington, Sydney, Dublin Accords)
- Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) for non-accredited degrees
- Tips:
- Submit detailed CDRs with career episodes, summary statement, and CPD
- Avoid plagiarism — all reports are checked for originality
- Include precise evidence of project responsibilities and outcomes
ACS: How IT Professionals Get Assessed
- For: Software Engineers, ICT Business Analysts, Developers, Systems Admins
- Pathways:
- Accredited qualifications (Australian or recognised overseas degrees)
- RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) for applicants without formal IT degrees
- Tips:
- Ensure work experience is relevant and clearly documented
- Emphasise core ICT knowledge and project experience
- RPL submissions must include detailed project reports
ANMAC and AHPRA: Healthcare and Nursing Professions
- ANMAC: For skilled migration assessment of nurses and midwives
- AHPRA: For registration purposes (essential if you plan to practice in Australia)
Key notes:
- English language tests (IELTS/OET) are mandatory
- Nursing education must meet minimum hours in clinical practice
- Midwives and aged care nurses have specific pathways and criteria
Required Documents and Preparation Checklist
To maximise your chance of approval, prepare:
- Passport and ID documents
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- Employment references with job titles, tasks, and duration
- Detailed resume (CV)
- English test results (IELTS, PTE, OET)
- Skills-specific requirements (e.g., CDR for engineers, RPL for IT)
Document quality and organisation significantly influence processing time.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Delays or Rejections
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
- Incorrect reference formatting or vague job descriptions
- Plagiarised CDR or RPL content
- Misunderstanding assessing authority criteria
- Missing English language test results
Professional assistance can help you avoid these costly errors.
How Sydney Visa Helps Ensure Skills Assessment Success
The process can be overwhelming, especially for first-time applicants. Sydney Visa offers expert support to:
- Identify your correct assessing authority and assessment pathway
- Review and prepare all documentation
- Assist with writing or editing your CDR or RPL report
- Help meet English and professional standards
- Liaise with assessing authorities on your behalf
Our proven track record of successful assessments speaks for itself.
Visit Sydney Visa — Professional Australian Migration Services
Real Client Cases: Engineers, IT and Nurses
- Ahmed from Egypt, an Electrical Engineer, received a positive CDR-based assessment with guidance from Sydney Visa and later gained Subclass 189.
- Julia from Brazil, a Systems Analyst, passed ACS assessment through RPL after structured project report coaching.
- Diana from the Philippines, a registered nurse, achieved both ANMAC approval and AHPRA registration within 3 months.
Their success is based on the right preparation, and expert advice at each step.
FAQ About Skills Assessment for Migration
- Q: Can I apply for a visa without a skills assessment?
Most skilled and employer-sponsored visas require a positive skills assessment. - Q: Is English language testing required?
IELTS (or equivalent) is usually required unless exempt. - Q: How long does the process take?
2 to 16 weeks depending on the profession and complexity. - Q: What if my qualifications are not recognised?
You may be able to apply through competency-based pathways like CDR or RPL. - Q: Can I appeal a negative outcome?
Yes, in most cases. Sydney Visa can guide you through a reassessment process.
Get Your Skills Assessed with Confidence
The skills assessment is your gateway to migrating as a qualified professional. Whether you’re in engineering, IT, or healthcare, the process demands accuracy, strategy, and compliance.
Let Sydney Visa help you navigate this journey with clarity and confidence.
Contact us today:
261 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Phone: (+61) 283 112 398
WhatsApp: +61 481 048 493
Email: mail@sydneyvisa.com.au