In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving job market, the landscape of skills assessment has undergone a remarkable transformation. Employers, as well as employees, are navigating to identify, develop, and showcase skills effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh graduate stepping into the workforce, understanding the dynamics of skills assessment is crucial for career advancement and personal growth.
WHO CAN ISSUE SKILLS ASSESSMENT?
Immigration will only accept skills assessments that are issued by skills assessing authorities. Those are organisations that checks an applicant’s skills if they meet the standards that set to work in a relevant occupation. Most occupations have their own skills assessing authority and each assessing authority has their own assessment procedures, timeframes and charges. For some visa subclasses it is mandatory to provide and obtain a suitable skills assessment.
Skills assessing authorities may issue more than one type of skills assessment. The applicant must have skills assessment that meets the requirements for permanent migration. The criteria that the assessing authority uses is determined by them. Some assessing authorities may issue a provisional skills assessment for those who graduate of Australian Educational Institutions, but those applying for subclass 485 is not a suitable skills assessment.
Skills assessment validity periods are calculated as follows:
- If no validity period is shown, the assessment is valid for 3 years from date of issue.
- If the validity is less than 3 years, the assessment is valid for the period stated.
- If the validity is more than 3 years, the assessment is valid for 3 years from the date of assessment.
WHO MIGHT NEED SKILLS ASSESSMENT?
General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visas
Those who will be applying for these types of visa will need to provide evidence that you have suitable skills for your nominated occupation that you have obtained by the time you are invited to apply.
The applicant is encouraged to arrange the skills assessment well before they intend to submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. The applicant cannot rely to skills assessment obtained after the applicant is invited to apply.
DOCTORS
A full registration is evidence for skills assessment. Immigration will accept one of the following certificates issued by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as evidence of full registration:
- Full/unconditional/general medical registration,
- Conditional specialist registration – this registration allows the applicants to practice only in their particular specialty, with no further training or supervision requirements.
SOLICITORS
Evidence of admission to practice as a lawyer in the relevant State/Territory is a suitable skills assessment.
Employer Sponsored Visas
EMPLOYER NOMINATION SCHEME (SUBCLASS 186)
If you are applying under Temporary Residence Transition Stream or Labour Agreement Stream, a skills assessment is not required at the time of application, but it can still be asked if it is necessary before deciding on the application. But, if you apply under Direct Entry stream, a skills assessment is required.
You must also have been employed in the occupation full time for at-least 3 years, at the level of skill required for the occupation. A skill assessment obtained for Subclass 485 is not a valid skill assessment for Subclass 186.
REGIONAL SPONSORED MIGRATION SCHEME (SUBCLASS 187)
If you apply under Temporary Residence Transition stream, a skill assessment is not required at the time of application, but if you are under Direct Entry stream a skill assessment is required for certain occupations.
You must also have been employed in the occupation full time for at-least 3 years, at the level of skill required for the occupation. A skill assessment obtained for Subclass 485 is not a valid skill assessment for Subclass 186.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS)
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS) applicants must have a mandatory skills assessment as part of their visa application process.
The following steps:
- Check if you need a mandatory or eligible for exemption for skills assessment
- Begin or hold a completed skills assessment before you submit.
- Include skill assessment reference number to avoid delays.
- Provide evidence of any exemption if you are eligible.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
To be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) – graduate work stream the applicant must be nominated an occupation that is on the Medium to Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
The applicant needs to apply for skills assessment if you will be applying in the Graduate Work Stream. Applicants in the Post Study Work stream do not need to obtain a skills assessment to support their application.
In conclusion, the realm of skills assessment is dynamic and multifaceted, presenting both opportunities and challenges for employers and employees alike. By embracing innovation, fostering inclusivity, and adopting a growth mindset, individuals can navigate this labyrinth with confidence, unlocking new pathways to success in the ever-evolving landscape of work.
