Understanding Mandatory Skills Assessments for Australia’s Skills in Demand Visa
Updated for December 2024 legislation changes
If you're planning to apply for Australia’s Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), it’s essential to understand whether a mandatory skills assessment applies to you and exactly when it must be completed. This step is not just procedural; it plays a critical role in demonstrating that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.
On 14 December 2024, the Australian Government implemented significant amendments to the Migration (IMMI 18/039: Mandatory Skills Assessment—Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2018. These changes affect which occupations are subject to mandatory skills assessments, which passport holders are impacted, and who may be exempt under updated provisions.
Failure to comply with these new requirements including completing your skills assessment before visa lodgement can lead to unnecessary delays or even visa refusal. This article breaks down everything you need to know, including updated occupation lists, applicable nationalities, exemptions, and next steps to ensure your application is compliant and on track.
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What Is a Skills Assessment?
A skills assessment is a formal process used to verify that your overseas qualifications, work experience, and competencies meet Australian standards for the occupation you’re being nominated for. It’s a core part of ensuring that skilled migrants can contribute effectively and safely to Australia’s workforce, especially in regulated or high-demand fields.
This requirement is particularly important for trade, technical, and general professional roles, where practical experience and recognised training are essential. A positive skills assessment confirms to the Department of Home Affairs that you possess the skills to perform your nominated occupation at the standard expected in Australia.
Who Conducts the Assessment?
For the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), assessments are carried out by designated skills assessing authorities, which are approved by the Australian Government. The two primary authorities involved under the current legislative framework are:
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) – the authority responsible for assessing most technical and trade occupations, such as electricians, carpenters, mechanics, and chefs.
VETASSESS – responsible for assessing certain general professional occupations like Program or Project Administrator.
Each assessing authority has its own criteria, documentation requirements, assessment methods, and fees.
What Type of Assessment Is Required?
Depending on your occupation and application pathway, you may need one of the following:
SID Skills Assessment (Skills in Demand) – the current standard for Subclass 482 visa applicants under the Skills in Demand stream.
TSS Skills Assessment – still accepted in some transitional scenarios or if conducted previously under the Temporary Skill Shortage framework.
Both assessment types evaluate your qualifications and employment history — and in some trade occupations, may include a practical demonstration of skills (especially under TRA’s Offshore Skills Assessment Program).
Important: Your assessment result must be obtained before you lodge your visa application. Otherwise, your application may be refused — even if all other visa criteria are met.
Who Needs a Mandatory Skills Assessment?
As per the updated Migration (IMMI 18/039) Instrument – Compilation No. 2, you must complete a skills assessment before submitting your Skills in Demand Visa application if:
Your nominated occupation appears in the specified list (see table below).
You hold a passport from a listed country.
You are not exempt under specific regulatory conditions.
Updated Occupation and Nationality Requirements
The following table outlines occupations requiring mandatory assessments and the passport nationalities for which this applies:
📋 Occupations & Passport Requirements
Who Is Exempt?
You may be exempt from a mandatory assessment if you meet one of the following criteria:
Current Skilled Visa Holders
Hold a Subclass 457, TSS (482), or current Skills in Demand visa; and
Are employed in Australia in the nominated occupation.
Overseas Business Transfers
Employed in the same or a similar occupation by an overseas company; and
Sponsored by that company or a related Australian entity.
Qualification Exemption
Hold a qualification that meets ANZSCO requirements; and
Obtained through study in Australia or a permitted country (i.e. not listed under restricted countries).
Licensing Exemption
Occupation requires a licence/registration; and
You already hold that licence or registration.
TRA Offshore Skills Assessment Exemption
Have passed the TRA Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP).
High-Income Exemption (Program or Project Admin only)
Hold a qualification aligned with ANZSCO;
Are sponsored by an accredited sponsor; and
Receive a base salary of AUD180,000 or more.
Why Is Timing Crucial?
A common misconception is that the skills assessment can be completed after submitting the visa application. However, for the Skills in Demand Visa, as with the previous TSS visa, the assessment must be finalized before lodging your application. Failing to do so can result in visa refusal, even if all other criteria are met. Since the assessment process can take several weeks or months, initiating it early is vital.
Next Steps
To ensure a smooth application process:
Identify the Relevant Assessing Authority: Determine which authority is responsible for assessing your occupation.
Begin the Assessment Process Early: Start your skills assessment well before you plan to submit your visa application.
Gather Necessary Documentation: Collect all required documents, including qualifications, work experience records, and references.
At One Planet Migration Law, we specialise in guiding applicants through the complexities of the migration process, including skills assessments. Our expertise ensures that you meet all requirements, enhancing your chances of a successful application.
FAQs
Do I need a skills assessment for all occupations?
No — only for the listed occupations if you hold a passport from a listed country, or if your occupation is Program or Project Administrator, in which case all passport holders require it unless exempt. However, Home Affairs can request a discretionary skills assessment under some circumstances, so it’s crucial you get expert advice first on whether you meet the skills requirements for the 482 visa.
Can I submit my visa and provide the assessment later?
No. Your assessment result must be completed before lodgement. Submitting without it leads to automatic refusal.
What’s the difference between a SID and TSS assessment?
Both are accepted. SID is used for the current Skills in Demand stream, while TSS may still be accepted under transitional arrangements.
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Note: The information provided in this article is meant for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Although we strive to provide accurate and useful information, the nuances of Australian immigration law demand personalised advice from legal professionals. Given the dynamic nature of migration regulations, it is essential to consult with experienced immigration experts for up-to-date insights tailored to your individual circumstances. We strongly advise seeking professional guidance to navigate the complexities of Australian immigration law effectively and to achieve the most favorable outcomes for your immigration journey.
