If you are applying for Australia’s Skills in Demand (subclass 482) Visa (SID), you may need to complete a mandatory skills assessment before lodging your visa application.
A skills assessment is a formal process that verifies whether your qualifications, skills, and work experience meet Australian industry standards for your nominated occupation. It is a key requirement for some trade and professional roles, particularly for applicants from certain countries. The skills assessment must be conducted by an approved assessing authority such as:
- Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
- VETASSESS
- Registered Training Organisations (RTO) which are authorised to perform skill assessments on behalf of TRA
You need to know that the positive result is valid for three years from the date of issue.
Below, we explain who must complete a skills assessment, which occupations are affected, and who may be exempt, based on the latest law: the Migration (IMMI 18/039: Mandatory Skills Assessment—Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2018. This is effective from 14 December 2024.
Occupations That Require a Skills Assessment
You must complete a skills assessment if your nominated occupation is one of the listed roles below and you hold a passport from a specified country (see next section).
Trade Occupations
If you are applying for one of these trade roles, a SID Skills Assessment is required unless you are exempt:
- Automotive Electrician
- Baker
- Cabinetmaker
- Carpenter
- Carpenter and Joiner
- Chef
- Cook
- Pastrycook
- Diesel Motor Mechanic
- Motor Mechanic (General)
- Electrician (General)
- Electrician (Special Class)
- Fitter (General)
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitter-Welder
- Joiner
- Metal Fabricator
- Metal Machinist (First Class)
- Metal Fitters and Machinists (nec)
- Panelbeater
- Sheetmetal Trades Worker
- Toolmaker
- Welder (First Class)
Professional Occupation
The below professional occupation is assessed through VETASSESS.
- Program or Project Administrator
Passport Holders Who Require a Skills Assessment
If your occupation is listed above, you will need to complete a skills assessment if you hold a passport from any of the following countries (depending on the occupation):
- Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Macau, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, or Zimbabwe.
Each occupation has its own specific list of passport countries. You should confirm your eligibility with us at Salia Lawyers and Associates.
Who Is Exempt from a Mandatory Skills Assessment?
You may be exempt from the skills assessment requirement if you meet any of the following conditions:
1. You currently hold a qualifying Australian visa
You are exempt if you:
- Hold a Subclass 457, Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage), or Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa;
- Met the primary criteria for that visa; and
- Are currently employed in Australia in your nominated occupation.
2. You work for an overseas business linked to your sponsor
You are exempt if you:
- Work for an established overseas company in the same or similar occupation; and
- Are being nominated by that same company or one of its associated entities in Australia.
3. You gained your qualification in Australia or a permitted country
You are exempt if you:
- Hold a qualification equivalent to the level required in Australia (as per ANZSCO); and
- Obtained it through a course completed in Australia or a permitted country (any country not listed in the passport list for your occupation).
4. You already hold an Australian licence or registration
If your occupation requires registration, licensing, or membership (for example, electrical or trade licensing), and you already hold that in Australia, you do not need another skills assessment.
5. You have completed the TRA Offshore Skills Assessment Programme
If you’ve already met the standards set by TRA through the Offshore Skills Assessment Programme (OSAP) for your nominated occupation, you are exempt.
6. You are a Programme or Project Administrator with high earnings
You are exempt if you:
- Hold a qualification consistent with ANZSCO requirements;
- Will earn at least $180,000 per year; and
- Are nominated by a Department-accredited sponsor.
Need Help with Your Skills Assessment or 482 Visa?
Understanding whether you need a mandatory skills assessment can be challenging, especially with varying exemptions and country-specific rules.
At SALIA Lawyers & Associates, we guide clients through every stage of the 482-visa process, from determining if a skills assessment is required to preparing documentation, coordinating with TRA or VETASSESS, and managing the entire visa application.
Contact SALIA Lawyers & Associates for expert advice on your subclass 482 visa or skills assessment.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
