VETASSESS has announced that all Pathway 1 trade applicants must submit a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills (LLND) assessment with their application from January 1, 2026.
Pathway 1 is a route for trade skill assessment for people without Australian qualifications. The assessing authority confirmed the change applies to applicants lodging a Documentary Evidence Assessment and aligns with updated compliance standards for registered training organisations issuing Australian qualifications.
Under the new rules, VETASSESS will require applicants to demonstrate language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills at the point of application. The authority said the update strengthens assessment integrity and ensures candidates meet baseline competency standards before progressing further.
To comply, applicants must download the official LLND assessment form from the Evidence Upload section of the VETASSESS online portal, complete all required sections, and upload the form together with their documentary evidence when submitting their application.
SALIA Lawyers & Associates’ Principal Solicitor said that applicants may face risks if they misunderstand or incorrectly complete the LLND assessment. “The biggest risk is not just a delay, but a refusal of the skills assessment altogether. If the LLND form is incomplete, inconsistent with other evidence, or misunderstood by the applicant, VETASSESS may conclude that the baseline competency requirement has not been met. In practice, this can set an applicant back for months and, in some cases, jeopardise visa timelines that are already very tight,” she said.
Marzena also warned that many applicants will underestimate how detailed and evidence-based the LLND assessment is. She expects common mistakes to include treating it as a simple declaration, submitting generic or mismatched documents, and providing LLND responses that do not align with employment history or qualifications.
“As an immigration lawyer I look at the LLND assessment as part of the whole migration strategy, not as a standalone form. We ensure the LLND responses are consistent with the applicant’s skills assessment evidence, occupation requirements, and future visa pathway. Importantly, we also help applicants understand what VETASSESS is actually assessing, not just English ability, but functional literacy, numeracy, and skills in a real workplace context,” Marzena emphasised the importance of seeking professional assistance when preparing a skills assessment application.
VETASSESS confirmed that updated video guides for each occupation will be released on January 1, 2026. Applicants are urged to download and follow the latest guides before preparing video evidence, as older versions may no longer meet current requirements.
Need help with the new VETASSESS requirements?
The changes add another critical step to the Pathway 1 process and increase the importance of accuracy and timing. For those seeking help from professional immigration agents and lawyers, proper guidance can reduce the risk of non-compliance and application setbacks.
SALIA Lawyers & Associates can guide you through the updated LLND skills assessment and Pathway 1 process, ensuring your application meets VETASSESS standards from the outset.
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.
