ACS Skill Assessment Fees for ICT Professionals
As an ICT professional who is looking to relocate to Australia, knowing the ACS skill assessment fees from the Australian Computer Society (ACS) is one of the most important pieces of knowledge in your journey. ACS Skill Assessment is the official validation of your work experience and qualifications to verify that they meet Australian standards. Whether you are applying under the GSM program or exploring other available visa subclasses, it requires you to understand your eligibility and supporting document requirements, costs, and skill assessment for ACS. Being well-informed and properly preparing all your documents will save you time and heartache from unwarranted delays and give you a fair chance at successful migration.
What are the ACS Skill Assessment Criteria?
The ACS assesses your qualifications and your work experience as related to ICT to ascertain if your qualifications meet the Australian standards to be an ICT professional. Your qualification and work experience will define which assessment pathway is applicable to you. The pathways for ACS assessment include:
- Temporary Graduate (485) Pathway – for applicants who have completed qualification at an Australian institution and whose qualification was completed within the last two years.
- Post-Australian Study Pathway – applicable for applicants who have completed an Australian ICT qualification and relevant work experience.
- General Skills Assessment – for qualifying applications for foreign qualifications or work experience consistent and compatible with the nominated occupation.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – for applicants holding non-ICT qualifications or no formal ICT training but sufficient work experience and skills.
Each stream has different assessment requirements, but all streams rely on your educational qualifications, relevance and related documents to the job, and the work history.
What are the ACS Skill Assessment Requirements?
You need to meet the following to be eligible for ACS assessment:
- Qualifications: You should have qualifications either ICT major or minor, and from an approved institution.
- Relevant Work Experience: Based on the pathway, you may be needed to have at least 2–8 years of relevant work experience in your target ICT occupation.
- English Language Proficiency: Even though ACS does not directly test language, you could be asked to submit results for immigration purposes.
- Employment Reference Letters: All assertions of work experience must be accompanied by authentic reference letters, according to ACS format.
Candidates need to demonstrate how their qualifications and experience are applicable to the necessary skills for ANZSCO occupation codes of ICT professionals.
What are the ACS Skill Assessment Requirements?
You need to meet the following to be eligible for ACS assessment:
- Qualifications: You should have qualifications either ICT major or minor, and from an approved institution.
- Relevant Work Experience: Based on the pathway, you may be needed to have at least 2–8 years of relevant work experience in your target ICT occupation.
- English Language Proficiency: Even though ACS does not directly test language, you could be asked to submit results for immigration purposes.
- Employment Reference Letters: All assertions of work experience must be accompanied by authentic reference letters, according to ACS format.
Candidates need to demonstrate how their qualifications and experience are applicable to the necessary skills for ANZSCO occupation codes of ICT professionals.
What are the required ACS Skill Assessment Documents?
When lodging your application, you’ll need to upload the following documents in color PDF format:
- Passport bio-data page
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Employer reference letters (clearly stating job duties, dates, full-time/part-time status, etc.)
- Payslips or Tax records (to verify employment)
- Statutory declarations or affidavits (where required)
- RPL Application Form (if applying under RPL pathway)
Make sure that all documents are appropriately certified and translated if not in English. Failing to include necessary documentation could result in application delays or rejections.
ACS Skill Assessment Fees
Now, let’s talk about the ACS skill assessment fees, which are a critical consideration for any ICT professional pursuing migration.
As of the most recent update (April 15, 2024), the current ACS skill assessment fees are:
Assessment Type | Fee (AUD) |
Temporary Graduate (485) | $600 |
Post-Australian Study | $1,100 |
General Skills Assessment | $1,450 |
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) | $605 |
Level 1 Appeal | $500 |
Level 2 Appeal | $600 |
Global Talent Visa Suitability Assessment | $960 |
These ACS skill assessment fees are paid online via the ACS portal at the time of application. Payments can be made using credit card or PayPal, and are non-refundable, even if the outcome is not favorable.
It’s essential to choose the correct pathway and pay the corresponding acs skill assessment fees. Errors in application type can result in rejection and loss of fee.
Additionally, if you are seeking priority processing, an extra fee will apply on top of the base assessment fee. While the exact priority fee isn’t publicized separately, it is advised to check the ACS portal during your application for the most accurate charges.
ACS Skill Assessment Processing Time and Priority Processing
The standard processing time for ACS skill assessment applications is generally 8 to 10 weeks, depending on the volume of applications and the completeness of your submission.
Priority Processing
If you’re in a time-sensitive situation such as visa deadlines or job offers, you can opt for Priority Processing, which reduces the processing time to approximately 10 business days, including your ACS skill assessment fees processing. To be eligible for this, you must:
- Already have a submitted application
- Provide evidence of urgency (e.g., Department of Home Affairs request, expiring visa)
- Pay an additional fee for expedited processing
Note: Submitting a complete and accurate application the first time can significantly reduce your waiting time and prevent unnecessary delays.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the ACS skill assessment fees and the broader assessment process is vital for any ICT professional aiming to migrate to Australia. While the process can appear complex, being aware of the criteria, requirements, necessary documents, processing timelines, and fees can help you submit a successful application.
With the most recent ACS skill assessment fees update effective from April 15, 2024, it’s crucial to stay informed of any future changes by regularly visiting the official ACS website or consulting a registered migration agent.
If you are unsure about your eligibility or how to choose the right pathway, professional guidance at CDRWriters can significantly improve your chances of success. Always ensure your documents are accurate, relevant, and aligned with the ACS requirements to avoid delays or rejections.