Mandatory Skills Assessments for the 482 Visa: Who Needs One and What Counts

Most Skills in Demand (subclass 482) applicants show their skills with qualifications, references and a CV. Some must also have a formal skills assessment. A mandatory skills assessment is a validity requirement, so getting it wrong can make the application invalid before it is even looked at.

When a skills assessment is mandatory

The 482 application form asks the main applicant for a skills assessment reference number, or to explain why they are exempt. Only applicants in a class listed in the Department’s legislative instrument, with no exemption, must have one. Our 482 skills assessment page explains which occupations and applicants are currently covered.

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What makes a reference number valid

The reference number does a lot of work. Under the Department’s instructions it must:

• have been issued to you by the relevant assessing authority;
• be for the type of assessment required for your nominated occupation;
• not relate to an assessment that was unsuccessful, or that was finalised more than 3 years before the visa application.

If these are not met, the application is invalid, unless the officer finds an exemption you did not claim. A pending assessment with a valid reference number is enough to apply. The result then matters when the officer assesses your skills, and you will be given a reasonable time to provide it.

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Claiming an exemption

If you claim an exemption, the officer checks it against the instrument. Where it is unclear but easy to fix, you may get a chance to correct the issue. If your exemption is based on an Australian qualification obtained through recognition of prior learning from overseas, it is looked at more closely. See RPL and the 482 visa.

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Skills evidence for everyone else

Even without a mandatory assessment, the officer must be satisfied you have the skills, qualifications and employment background for the occupation, measured against ANZSCO. The Department’s instructions note that:

• the occupation’s indicative skill level in ANZSCO is the main guide;
• a successful Job Ready Program final assessment can satisfy the skills requirement for former 485 or 500 holders;
• Australian Recognised Trades Certificates are not accepted for migration purposes;
• officers may ask for a skills assessment where it is absolutely necessary, for example if documents are doubtful or your current job differs from the nominated occupation.

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Work experience

Applicants in the Specialist Skills and Core Skills streams need at least 1 year of full-time work, or the part-time equivalent, in the nominated occupation or a related field in the 5 years before applying. Unpaid and voluntary work does not count. A related field must be at the same skill level, so the Department’s example is that kitchen hand or cook experience does not count for a chef. Placements and internships within a CRICOS registered course can count where relevant. See 482 work experience.

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What you should do now

• Check the instrument: confirm whether your occupation and passport need a mandatory skills assessment before you lodge.
• Start early: apply to the assessing authority before the visa application, and keep the reference number.
• Check the date: make sure any completed assessment is successful and less than 3 years old.
• Gather experience evidence: collect paid work references covering at least 1 year in the last 5 years.