Skilled migration
Skills assessment
Skills assessment
Reviewed by SavieMEC's registered migration agents
Official source: Skills assessments
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About skills assessment
A skills assessment confirms that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for your occupation. It's required for most skilled visas and some employer-sponsored visas.
Each occupation has an assessing authority with its own rules and evidence standards. Choosing the right occupation code is critical, because it affects your skills assessment, points and visa options.
How to get assessed
- 01
Choose the right occupation code
- 02
Confirm your assessing authority
- 03
Gather qualification and employment evidence
- 04
Lodge with the assessing authority
- 05
Use the outcome in your EOI or visa application
Download PDF
Skilled migration checklist
Free PDF checklist. Print it or save it to your phone before your consultation.
Download PDFGovernment fees
What Home Affairs charges, current as at 1 July 2026. These are not our professional fees.
Skilled visas (subclass 189, 190 and 491)
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (189), main applicant | $6,135 |
| Skilled Nominated (190) or Skilled Work Regional (491), main applicant | $6,140 |
| Each additional applicant aged 18 or over | $3,070 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 $1,540 for the 189. | $1,535 |
| Skills assessment Charged by the assessing authority, not Home Affairs. | Varies |
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a consultation and we'll map out your options.
Frequently asked questions
What is a skills assessment for an Australian visa?
A skills assessment is a formal check, by the assessing authority for your occupation, that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards. Most skilled visas and some employer-sponsored visas need a positive skills assessment before you can be invited or apply.
Which authority assesses my occupation?
It depends on your occupation. For example, Engineers Australia assesses engineers, the ACS assesses IT occupations, VETASSESS assesses many professional and general occupations, and Trades Recognition Australia assesses many trades. Choosing the right occupation first is essential.
How long is a skills assessment valid?
Most skills assessments are valid for 3 years from the date of issue, unless the assessment states a shorter period. Check the expiry date before you lodge an EOI or visa application.
Why are skills assessments refused?
Common reasons are choosing the wrong occupation, employment references that do not show duties, hours and dates, gaps in evidence, and work experience that does not match the occupation. A careful review before you lodge avoids most of these problems.
General information only, not migration advice. Visa rules change often. We'll confirm what applies to you in a consultation. Last reviewed October 2026 by SavieMEC's registered migration agents.