Aus Visa Library

Understanding the Partner Visa Application Process

Migration
Understanding the Partner Visa Application Process
A skills assessment is a crucial, mandatory step for nurses, teachers, and tradespeople migrating to Australia, as it validates overseas qualifications and work experience to meet Australian standards. The process involves matching your occupation, submitting documents to the relevant authority, and overcoming common challenges like document requirements and English proficiency to ensure eligibility for skilled migration visas.

If you’re planning to migrate to Australia as a nurse, teacher, or tradesperson, one of the most crucial steps in your migration journey is obtaining a skills assessment. This assessment validates your qualifications and work experience to ensure you meet Australian standards for your chosen occupation. Below you'll find an extensive guide to help you understand everything about getting your skills assessment, featuring recent updates, costs, timelines, and key challenges. Whether you are a professional, carer, or someone supporting a loved one’s migration, this guide breaks down every step to make your migration journey smoother.

What is a Skills Assessment and Why is it Important?

A skills assessment is an evaluation conducted by an approved assessing authority to determine if your skills, qualifications, and experience meet the standards required for your nominated occupation in Australia. It’s a mandatory part of most Australian skilled migration visas, including:

  • Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
  • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)

Why It's Important

  • Mandatory Requirement: Most skilled migration visas require a positive skills assessment to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI).
  • Australian Standards: Ensures that overseas-qualified professionals can work safely and competently according to Australian regulations.
  • Qualification Validation: Protects local industry standards and helps reduce skill shortages.

How to Go About Getting a Skills Assessment

The process can vary by occupation, but here are the common steps:

Step 1: Identify Your Occupation

Check the latest Australian Skilled Occupation List (SOL) to match your profession’s title and code. Use the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) for guidance.

Step 2: Find the Assessing Authority

Each profession has a designated assessing authority:

  • Nurses: Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC), Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
  • Teachers: Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL)
  • Tradespersons: Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), VETASSESS, or other relevant authorities

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Typically, you’ll need:

  • Academic qualifications and transcripts
  • Employment references (with detailed duties and dates)
  • English language proficiency test results (IELTS, OET, PTE, or equivalent)
  • Proof of registration/license (where applicable)
  • Passport and identification

Step 4: Submit Application and Pay Fees

  • Submit your application directly via the assessing authority’s portal or mail.
  • Pay the assessment fee (ranges from AUD 500 – AUD 1,200 depending on authority and occupation).

Step 5: Await Outcome

  • Processing times can range from 8 weeks to 4 months depending on the occupation and authority.
  • You will receive a formal assessment letter or certificate, valid typically for 2–3 years.

How Skills Assessment Works in the Australian Migration Context

  • Gatekeeping Step: You must have a positive skills assessment to proceed with most skilled visa applications.
  • Points System: Certain skilled visas operate on a points-based system; having your skills assessed allows you to claim points for qualifications and work experience.
  • State Nomination: Some state-sponsored visas require skill assessment as a prerequisite for nomination.
  • Temporary & Permanent Visas: Required for both temporary and permanent skilled migration programs.

Key Benefits and Features

  • Consistency: Ensures all skilled migrants meet Australian workplace standards.
  • Transparency: Clear guidelines and published standards for each occupation.
  • Career Mobility: Assists with professional registration or licensing in Australia.
  • Job Readiness: Ensures migrants can integrate seamlessly into the workforce.
  • Pathways: Positive skill assessments can open up multiple migration pathways, including employer sponsorship, state nomination, or regional migration.

Common Challenges and Solutions

1. Recognition of Overseas Qualifications

Challenge: Not all foreign qualifications are recognized. Solution: Have your qualifications assessed by the relevant authority and consider bridging courses if necessary.

2. Demonstrating Work Experience

Challenge: Providing adequate, detailed evidence of duties and periods of employment. Solution: Request original statements on company letterhead, with detailed roles, responsibilities, and exact dates from employers.

3. English Language Proficiency

Challenge: Not meeting minimum scores (e.g., IELTS 7 for nurses and teachers). Solution: Retake English tests or take language training courses.

4. Complex Documentation Requirements

Challenge: Different assessing authorities request unique documentation. Solution: Use detailed checklists from each authority and consult a migration agent if needed.

5. Processing Delays

Challenge: Document verifications can cause delays. Solution: Submit all required documentation accurately at the start and track your application status.

Common Professions and Assessing Authorities

Nurses

  • Registered Nurse (ANZSCO 2544XX)
  • Enrolled Nurse (ANZSCO 411411)
  • Midwife (ANZSCO 254111)
    • Assessing Authority: ANMAC, AHPRA

Teachers

  • Early Childhood (Pre-Primary School) Teacher
  • Primary School Teacher
  • Secondary School Teacher
    • Assessing Authority: AITSL

Tradespersons

  • Electrician (General), ANZSCO 341111
  • Carpenter, ANZSCO 331212
  • Plumber, ANZSCO 334111
    • Assessing Authority: Trades Recognition Australia, VETASSESS

Frequently