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Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear answers to common questions about CDR writing, skills assessments, professional recognition, documentation, and our services for Australia.
7 Questions
We support applications across Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, ACS, AITSL, AACA, TRA, ACECQA, and AASW.
Yes—we offer end-to-end support from skills assessment through to visa lodgement.
Eligibility depends on your occupation, qualifications, age, English proficiency, and points score. We can assess your situation and advise on the best pathway.
It depends on your nominated occupation under Australia’s skilled occupation lists. We’ll identify the correct authority for you as part of our initial assessment.
Yes, we work with clients both onshore and offshore throughout the entire migration process.
A skills assessment confirms your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards; it’s usually a prerequisite for skilled visa applications, which are a separate process through the Department of Home Affairs.
Book an initial consultation with us, and we’ll review your background, identify your best pathway, and outline next steps.
15 Questions
Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) is a document that the engineer should prepare while applying for a skilled migration visa for Australia. In case if the engineering program of studies is not officially accredited in Australia, then the candidate is supposed to present their documentation to EA (Engineers Australia).
Engineers who have studied overseas (Outside of Australia and New Zealand) and intend to obtain a positive skills assessment report for occupations such as Mechanical Engineer, Software Engineer, civil engineer, and Engineer Technologist.
A table indicating the paragraphs in each of your Career Episodes related to each of the competency elements.
The Engineers Australia skill assessment processing time may take about 12 to 15 weeks for the standard processing or approximately 20 days for the fast-track processing.
Applicants can prepare their own CDR reports. Most commonly, they seek the assistance of the registered migration agent or CDR consultant to help them meet the competency assessment and report formatting requirements set by the EA.
It certifies that your occupation is within the points test for skilled migration and is one of the mandatory requirements for most skilled migration visas, including the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa categories.
Yes – Engineer Australia (EA) will use plagiarism detection software, and you may receive an automatic negative result or be banned from using their service if your CDR contains any plagiarized content.
No, you can’t. Each Career Episode should ideally showcase a different project or work experience to highlight a wide range of skills.
A CV, Three career Episodes, One Summary Statement, plus evidence of your Continued Professional Development (CPD).
A record of at least one year (or two years for a recognized prior learning pathway) of professional development activities (e.g., training, courses, seminars, or self-directed learning) undertaken in the past three years.
Professional engineer, engineering technologist, and engineering associate/manager, all of which have different competency requirements.
The CDR may be returned to you with additional information requested or be negatively assessed by EA. In the latter case it may be appealed or resubmitted with additional information.
Not necessarily; you need to show that you have applied engineering knowledge relevant to the nominated occupation in your Career Episodes, but the degree itself doesn’t need to be related.
15 Questions
ACS Australian Computer Society is an assessing authority for occupations in the information and communications technology (ICT) for the Australian skilled migration program, such as software engineer, ICT business analyst, systems analyst, and developer programmer.
Anyone whose occupation is on the skilled occupation list for the subclass 189, 190, 491 visa, or temporary graduate visa (485) and nominated an ICT occupation for migration purposes needs to obtain a skills assessment from ACS.
It depends on how relevant your qualification is to the occupation you have nominated. Usually, a closely related degree would require less work experience or no work experience at all, while a non-related degree would require more than 6 years of work experience.
You will need to provide identity documents; academic transcripts and testimonials; a CV; employment references detailing ICT roles; and Key Areas of Knowledge (KAK) reports (for RPL and project-based assessments).
They are two written reports (each approximately 500-1000 words) on specific ICT projects that demonstrate knowledge in each of the key areas of knowledge that constitute the nominated occupation.
The processing time varies depending on the workload of the ACS registration authority; however, it usually takes between 8 weeks and 12 weeks for a standard assessment.
Yes, you can request prioritized processing for an additional fee to expedite your application.
You may be able to apply for RPL or non-ICT qualification if your work experience in ICT satisfies the requirements. Usually, it will require more years of work experience in a closely related occupation.
They look at your subjects, so ensure that you have studied ICT-related courses for your qualification to be considered an ICT major/minor. Otherwise, if your qualification does not have enough ICT-related content, you may need to use the non-ICT pathway.
It should be formal employment (hired on a salary/wage basis), and you should spend at least 20 hours per week working in an occupation that falls under the ANZSCO description of the nominated occupation for migration purposes. You should also provide a reference letter from an employer detailing the nature of duties carried out in relation to the nominated occupation.
You can request a reassessment by submitting additional documentation or clarification during the specified response period. Alternatively, you can also request a review of the decision if you believe that the initial outcome was incorrect. In some cases, it might be possible to resubmit an application with more evidence or better reports (especially if you are applying through RPL).
Usually, the qualification should be issued by a higher education provider (university). However, in some cases, the ACS may accept other forms of study, such as bootcamps, as a substitute for formal qualifications from a university, especially for the recognition of prior learning (RPL).
It determines whether your occupation and qualification/work experience combination is suitable for skilled migration purposes and, therefore, your eligibility for various visas such as the 189, 190, 485, and 491 visas. It is also required before applying for these types of visas.
15 Questions
VETASSESS is an Australian skills-assessing authority for a number of occupations, including business, IT, education, and other areas not covered by other skills-assessing authorities for migration purposes, such as Engineers Australia, ACS, etc.
Anyone planning to nominate an occupation under the skilled occupation list for visa subclass 189, 190, or 491 or an employer-sponsored visa that falls under the assessable occupation list of VETASSESS and not under the jurisdiction of other skills assessing authorities like Engineers Australia or ACS.
Group A – Qualification and employment closely related with employment occurring after qualification.
Group B – Qualification and employment closely related with employment occurring before qualification.
Group C – No closely related qualification with skills acquired through employment only.
Depending on the assessment group and occupation, it can range from 1 to 3 years, with skilled employment being at or above the appropriate skill level as defined by the ANZSCO description for the occupation. This also has to be paid employment and at least 20 hours a week
Identity proof, qualification transcripts and certificates, employment references (a statutory declaration can be used if references are unavailable), a CV, and sometimes third-party verification of documents.
The letter must be on the employer’s letterhead and contain the start and end dates of employment, the job title, hours worked per week, and a description of duties performed. Ideally the duties performed should align with those described in the ANZSCO description for the nominated occupation.
A statutory declaration from a colleague/supervisor in addition to supporting documents such as payslips, tax returns, and employment contracts, if available, can be submitted instead.
Most applications take 8-12 weeks from the date of submission of all required documentation, although it can vary depending on the specific occupation.
While VETASSESS does not permit payments for faster processing, certain aspects of the application, such as document verification, can be done quicker if all required documents are provided upfront and are in order.
In certain cases VETASSESS might contact the institution or employer directly to verify information regarding an applicant’s employment or qualifications. Incomplete or incorrect documentation is one of the main reasons for delays in processing and/or negative outcomes.
It depends on which assessment group you fall under. VETASSESS will evaluate your qualification in reference to the ANZSCO description for your nominated occupation. Qualifications for assessment under group A and B need to be closely related to the field of work, while group C is for people with no related qualifications but sufficient work experience.
If you are being assessed under group C, it is possible to get points for skilled employment if you have the relevant work experience depending on the occupation.
You can consider requesting a review if you are eligible, provide additional evidence for reconsideration, or appeal the outcome if you are able to. For certain occupations it is possible to receive a nil-skilled employment outcome and still get your qualification assessed if you have no skilled employment or your skilled employment is not relevant to the occupation.
You would need to make a new application or request for an assessment update if you wish to be considered for more recent employment.
A positive outcome from VETASSESS is required to get points for both your qualification(s) and skilled employment, if applicable, which are necessary to receive an invitation to apply for a skilled migration visa under the points-tested system.
15 Questions
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is an assessing authority approved by the Australian government to evaluate eligibility for various trade-related occupations in Australia skilled migration programs, including electricians, chefs, hairdressers, motor mechanics, carpenters, and other trade professions.
Those who nominate a trade occupation on the skilled occupation list for subclass 189, 190, or 491 or an employer-sponsored visa or are applying for a Skills in Demand or Temporary Skill Shortage visa in a designated trade occupation.
The assessment programs include Skills Assessment for Australia skilled migration visas, the Job Ready Program for onshore applications, and the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) for eligible offshore candidates.
The Job Ready Program is an alternative pathway to skill assessment for onshore applicants that involves a Provisional Skills Assessment, obtaining Job Ready Employment, a Job Ready Workplace Assessment, and a Final Skills Assessment.
Identity proof; qualifications/certificates; transcripts; a detailed employment history and reference; and relevant trade experience, along with photographic/video evidence of work in some cases.
Most often, yes, a TRA skills assessment will require a practical skills assessment, either in Australia or, for eligible applicants, in the candidate’s home country.
Depending on the occupation and the pathway taken, candidates must have several years of post-qualification experience and a formal trade qualification equivalent to the Australian standard.
The Offshore Skills Assessment Program allows eligible applicants to complete the practical component of their skills assessment in their home country, rather than in Australia.
The time taken for TRA skills assessment can vary depending on the pathway taken and whether the practical component is required. Processing times can vary from several months to longer for the Job Ready Program.
Depending on the situation, a candidate may be able to resubmit a practical assessment after additional training or experience.
It depends on the occupation and the visa category; in some cases, substantial relevant work experience can substitute for, or supplement, formal qualifications.
TRA skills assessment requires language test results at a particular level, depending on the selected visa category.
If a TRA skills assessment is negative, it may be possible to reapply by providing additional evidence, requesting a review if applicable, or improving one’s qualification, experience, or practical test results.
In some cases, yes; TRA may accept non-formal training or on-the-job training, depending on the occupation, with sufficient evidence of skills and experience.
TRA skills assessment helps obtain a positive skills assessment, which is usually required to score points and apply for a skilled migrant visa, such as subclass 189, 190, or an employer-sponsored visa.
6 Questions
Typically your qualification certificates, academic transcripts, employment references, and identity documents (passport, name change evidence if applicable). Requirements vary by assessing authority—we’ll give you a tailored checklist.
Processing times vary by authority, generally 8–16 weeks. We’ll confirm current timeframes for your specific assessing body and keep you updated throughout.
Yes—non-English documents need certified translations from an accredited translator. We can guide you on providers accepted by your assessing authority.
We can help you request replacement documents or explore alternative evidence accepted by your assessing authority, such as statutory declarations.
Yes, most authorities require detailed reference letters on letterhead covering your role, duties, and dates of employment. We’ll provide a template that meets assessment standards.
We’ll review the outcome letter with you, identify the reason, and advise on options—reapplying with stronger evidence, requesting a review, or appealing where available.
7 Questions
Fees depend on the scope of service (assessment support). Contact us for a personalized quote—assessing authority fees are separate and paid directly to them.
Yes, we offer installment options for most services. Ask our team about a plan that suits your budget.
Our service fee covers work completed regardless of outcome, but we’ll discuss options with you. Assessing authority fees are non-refundable per their policies.
No—our service fee covers our support and guidance. Government and assessing authority fees are paid separately, directly to them.
No—we do free initial consultation for customers,
Fees can vary slightly depending on the authority and complexity of your occupation, but we’ll always confirm exact costs before you commit.
Our quotes are based on your specific case after an initial review, so complexity is factored in upfront. We’ll flag any changes in scope before extra charges apply.
15 Questions
Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) is a document that the engineer should prepare while applying for a skilled migration visa for Australia. In case if the engineering program of studies is not officially accredited in Australia, then the candidate is supposed to present their documentation to EA (Engineers Australia).
Engineers who have studied overseas (Outside of Australia and New Zealand) and intend to obtain a positive skills assessment report for occupations such as Mechanical Engineer, Software Engineer, civil engineer, and Engineer Technologist.
A table indicating the paragraphs in each of your Career Episodes related to each of the competency elements.
The Engineers Australia skill assessment processing time may take about 12 to 15 weeks for the standard processing or approximately 20 days for the fast-track processing.
Applicants can prepare their own CDR reports. Most commonly, they seek the assistance of the registered migration agent or CDR consultant to help them meet the competency assessment and report formatting requirements set by the EA.
It certifies that your occupation is within the points test for skilled migration and is one of the mandatory requirements for most skilled migration visas, including the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa categories.
Yes – Engineer Australia (EA) will use plagiarism detection software, and you may receive an automatic negative result or be banned from using their service if your CDR contains any plagiarized content.
No, you can’t. Each Career Episode should ideally showcase a different project or work experience to highlight a wide range of skills.
A CV, Three career Episodes, One Summary Statement, plus evidence of your Continued Professional Development (CPD).
A record of at least one year (or two years for a recognized prior learning pathway) of professional development activities (e.g., training, courses, seminars, or self-directed learning) undertaken in the past three years.
Professional engineer, engineering technologist, and engineering associate/manager, all of which have different competency requirements.
The CDR may be returned to you with additional information requested or be negatively assessed by EA. In the latter case it may be appealed or resubmitted with additional information.
Not necessarily; you need to show that you have applied engineering knowledge relevant to the nominated occupation in your Career Episodes, but the degree itself doesn’t need to be related.
15 Questions
ACS Australian Computer Society is an assessing authority for occupations in the information and communications technology (ICT) for the Australian skilled migration program, such as software engineer, ICT business analyst, systems analyst, and developer programmer.
Anyone whose occupation is on the skilled occupation list for the subclass 189, 190, 491 visa, or temporary graduate visa (485) and nominated an ICT occupation for migration purposes needs to obtain a skills assessment from ACS.
It depends on how relevant your qualification is to the occupation you have nominated. Usually, a closely related degree would require less work experience or no work experience at all, while a non-related degree would require more than 6 years of work experience.
You will need to provide identity documents; academic transcripts and testimonials; a CV; employment references detailing ICT roles; and Key Areas of Knowledge (KAK) reports (for RPL and project-based assessments).
They are two written reports (each approximately 500-1000 words) on specific ICT projects that demonstrate knowledge in each of the key areas of knowledge that constitute the nominated occupation.
The processing time varies depending on the workload of the ACS registration authority; however, it usually takes between 8 weeks and 12 weeks for a standard assessment.
Yes, you can request prioritized processing for an additional fee to expedite your application.
You may be able to apply for RPL or non-ICT qualification if your work experience in ICT satisfies the requirements. Usually, it will require more years of work experience in a closely related occupation.
They look at your subjects, so ensure that you have studied ICT-related courses for your qualification to be considered an ICT major/minor. Otherwise, if your qualification does not have enough ICT-related content, you may need to use the non-ICT pathway.
It should be formal employment (hired on a salary/wage basis), and you should spend at least 20 hours per week working in an occupation that falls under the ANZSCO description of the nominated occupation for migration purposes. You should also provide a reference letter from an employer detailing the nature of duties carried out in relation to the nominated occupation.
You can request a reassessment by submitting additional documentation or clarification during the specified response period. Alternatively, you can also request a review of the decision if you believe that the initial outcome was incorrect. In some cases, it might be possible to resubmit an application with more evidence or better reports (especially if you are applying through RPL).
Usually, the qualification should be issued by a higher education provider (university). However, in some cases, the ACS may accept other forms of study, such as bootcamps, as a substitute for formal qualifications from a university, especially for the recognition of prior learning (RPL).
It determines whether your occupation and qualification/work experience combination is suitable for skilled migration purposes and, therefore, your eligibility for various visas such as the 189, 190, 485, and 491 visas. It is also required before applying for these types of visas.
15 Questions
VETASSESS is an Australian skills-assessing authority for a number of occupations, including business, IT, education, and other areas not covered by other skills-assessing authorities for migration purposes, such as Engineers Australia, ACS, etc.
Anyone planning to nominate an occupation under the skilled occupation list for visa subclass 189, 190, or 491 or an employer-sponsored visa that falls under the assessable occupation list of VETASSESS and not under the jurisdiction of other skills assessing authorities like Engineers Australia or ACS.
Group A – Qualification and employment closely related with employment occurring after qualification.
Group B – Qualification and employment closely related with employment occurring before qualification.
Group C – No closely related qualification with skills acquired through employment only.
Depending on the assessment group and occupation, it can range from 1 to 3 years, with skilled employment being at or above the appropriate skill level as defined by the ANZSCO description for the occupation. This also has to be paid employment and at least 20 hours a week
Identity proof, qualification transcripts and certificates, employment references (a statutory declaration can be used if references are unavailable), a CV, and sometimes third-party verification of documents.
The letter must be on the employer’s letterhead and contain the start and end dates of employment, the job title, hours worked per week, and a description of duties performed. Ideally the duties performed should align with those described in the ANZSCO description for the nominated occupation.
A statutory declaration from a colleague/supervisor in addition to supporting documents such as payslips, tax returns, and employment contracts, if available, can be submitted instead.
Most applications take 8-12 weeks from the date of submission of all required documentation, although it can vary depending on the specific occupation.
While VETASSESS does not permit payments for faster processing, certain aspects of the application, such as document verification, can be done quicker if all required documents are provided upfront and are in order.
In certain cases VETASSESS might contact the institution or employer directly to verify information regarding an applicant’s employment or qualifications. Incomplete or incorrect documentation is one of the main reasons for delays in processing and/or negative outcomes.
It depends on which assessment group you fall under. VETASSESS will evaluate your qualification in reference to the ANZSCO description for your nominated occupation. Qualifications for assessment under group A and B need to be closely related to the field of work, while group C is for people with no related qualifications but sufficient work experience.
If you are being assessed under group C, it is possible to get points for skilled employment if you have the relevant work experience depending on the occupation.
You can consider requesting a review if you are eligible, provide additional evidence for reconsideration, or appeal the outcome if you are able to. For certain occupations it is possible to receive a nil-skilled employment outcome and still get your qualification assessed if you have no skilled employment or your skilled employment is not relevant to the occupation.
You would need to make a new application or request for an assessment update if you wish to be considered for more recent employment.
A positive outcome from VETASSESS is required to get points for both your qualification(s) and skilled employment, if applicable, which are necessary to receive an invitation to apply for a skilled migration visa under the points-tested system.
15 Questions
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is an assessing authority approved by the Australian government to evaluate eligibility for various trade-related occupations in Australia skilled migration programs, including electricians, chefs, hairdressers, motor mechanics, carpenters, and other trade professions.
Those who nominate a trade occupation on the skilled occupation list for subclass 189, 190, or 491 or an employer-sponsored visa or are applying for a Skills in Demand or Temporary Skill Shortage visa in a designated trade occupation.
The assessment programs include Skills Assessment for Australia skilled migration visas, the Job Ready Program for onshore applications, and the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) for eligible offshore candidates.
The Job Ready Program is an alternative pathway to skill assessment for onshore applicants that involves a Provisional Skills Assessment, obtaining Job Ready Employment, a Job Ready Workplace Assessment, and a Final Skills Assessment.
Identity proof; qualifications/certificates; transcripts; a detailed employment history and reference; and relevant trade experience, along with photographic/video evidence of work in some cases.
Most often, yes, a TRA skills assessment will require a practical skills assessment, either in Australia or, for eligible applicants, in the candidate’s home country.
Depending on the occupation and the pathway taken, candidates must have several years of post-qualification experience and a formal trade qualification equivalent to the Australian standard.
The Offshore Skills Assessment Program allows eligible applicants to complete the practical component of their skills assessment in their home country, rather than in Australia.
The time taken for TRA skills assessment can vary depending on the pathway taken and whether the practical component is required. Processing times can vary from several months to longer for the Job Ready Program.
Depending on the situation, a candidate may be able to resubmit a practical assessment after additional training or experience.
It depends on the occupation and the visa category; in some cases, substantial relevant work experience can substitute for, or supplement, formal qualifications.
TRA skills assessment requires language test results at a particular level, depending on the selected visa category.
If a TRA skills assessment is negative, it may be possible to reapply by providing additional evidence, requesting a review if applicable, or improving one’s qualification, experience, or practical test results.
In some cases, yes; TRA may accept non-formal training or on-the-job training, depending on the occupation, with sufficient evidence of skills and experience.
TRA skills assessment helps obtain a positive skills assessment, which is usually required to score points and apply for a skilled migrant visa, such as subclass 189, 190, or an employer-sponsored visa.
9 Questions
The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is an assessing authority under the skilled migration program for occupations related to early childhood, primary, secondary, and special needs teachers.
The AITSL skills assessment is required for overseas-trained teachers intending to nominate the position of any teaching occupation on the skilled occupation list for the subclass 189, 190, or 491 visa.
There are two types of assessment pathways: the Initial Teacher Education Pathway (ITE), for those who have studied teaching and completed a recognized teaching qualification course, and the Recency of Practice pathway, for those who have undertaken a teaching qualification but intend to demonstrate recent relevant teaching experience.
AITSL accepts teaching qualifications that are equivalent to an Australian Initial Teacher Education program with a combination of a subject/discipline component and a teacher training/pedagogy component.
The documents required by AITSL include identification documents, academic transcripts/testamurs, teacher registration/license, a detailed resume, English language test results, and evidence of supervised teaching practice.
For this assessment, the applicant’s English test result should meet with the required scores on the IELTS academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT test. For most cases, the scores required by AITSL are higher than the standard English language requirements for skilled migration visas.
Recency of practice is demonstrated if your qualification was completed within a certain number of years from the date of submitting your application.
The processing time for skilled migration applications by AITSL usually takes about 8-12 weeks after all the required documents have been submitted.
The assessment result from AITSL is required for your visa application. It allows you to meet the standard for claiming points for an endorsed skill assessment, making it a mandatory step for those intending to apply for a skilled migration visa. The result enables you to proceed to the next steps of submitting your application for the subclass 189, 190, or 491 visa.
11 Questions
The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) is an assessing authority for the occupation of Architect under Australia’s skilled migration program.
Overseas-trained architects looking to nominate the occupation of Architect for a subclass 189, 190, or 491 visa.
The National Program Standard Assessment is a method used to evaluate if an applicant’s qualifications and experience are equivalent to what is required for an architect in Australia.
Identification documents, academic transcripts and qualifications, architectural registration/license (if any), a CV, and evidence of experience.
By evaluating the candidate’s architectural qualifications, as well as the syllabus of the course, to establish whether it is equivalent to an Australian-qualified architect.
Yes, AACA seeks evidence of practical experience to determine if the applicant has achieved standard competency levels in the architectural field.
It is not mandatory, but it can strengthen your assessment outcome, and certain qualifications might require it.
The National Standard of Competency for Architects, which determines the level of proficiency required for an architectural graduate in relation to design, communication, project management, practice management, and technical documentation.
The processing time can vary; however, considering the extent of the assessment, it is reasonable to expect the evaluation to take a few months. Check the AACA website for the latest processing time information.
Evidence of meeting the English language requirements is needed to submit a complete skills assessment application.
It indicates that the applicant’s qualifications and experience are equivalent to an Australian-qualified architect, which is necessary before claiming the points allocation for the occupation. It is then possible to apply for a skilled migration visa, including the 189, 190, or 491 visa.
10 Questions
The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority is an assessing authority for selected occupations in relation to eligible skilled migration visa categories, including Child Care Centre Manager.
Overseas qualified applicants who nominate an occupation in relation to early childhood education and care, such as Child Care Centre Manager, for a 189, 190, or 491 visa or other skilled migration visa category.
Early childhood education and care, children’s services, or related qualifications against equivalent Australian qualifications in accordance with the National Quality Framework.
Identity proof, academic transcript and qualification certificate, updated CV, referee reports concerning relevant work experience, and relevant work experience documents.
It depends on the qualification and occupation nominated. Child care workers need a combination of relevant qualifications and a particular number of skilled work hours in early childhood education and care.
Relevant work experience refers to paid or volunteer work done in the past, or currently being done, that is substantially similar to the nominated occupation as defined by ANZSCO. It is usually a minimum of 20 hours per week in the job role that relates to your nominated occupation.
ACECQA is an assessing authority for occupations such as child care center manager; early childhood teacher positions are assessed by AITSL.
You can contact ACECQA to request a review or reconsideration if you think the decision was incorrect. You may also need to provide additional information or documents if there was a mistake or if more information is required. It may also be possible to reapply after additional information or documents have been provided.
Yes, you can if you can provide proof of all work experience durations, with referee reports or statutory declarations stating the work role, responsibilities, dates, and hours of work undertaken.
A positive skills assessment from ACECQA means that your overseas qualification and work experience meet the standard requirements for a nominated occupation in Australia. This is a mandatory step if you want to apply for a skilled migration visa such as the 189 or 190 visa.
13 Questions
ACWA stands for Australian Community Workers Association. It is the official assessing authority for the occupation of social workers under Australia’s skilled migration program.
International graduates who intend to nominate the occupation of social worker for skilled migration visa subclasses 189, 190, or 491.
Social work qualification at bachelor’s or master’s level that is equivalent to an Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) accredited degree, including the required curriculum areas and supervised field education.
Identity documents, academic transcripts/testamurs with subject details, supervised field placement/practicum, a detailed CV, and employment references if claiming skilled employment.
ACWA generally requires evidence of a minimum number of placement days (often 980 hours in total, with a breakdown of days per placement). Placements must be completed with a supervisor and will be assessed according to current guidelines.
In most cases, yes—ACWA generally requires a degree that is specifically in social work, rather than a related human service field such as psychology. However, the content and structure of the qualification are also taken into account.
Applicants must generally demonstrate competencies at a particular level in an approved English language test (such as IELTS Academic or PTE Academic), with scores usually higher than the standard Australian skilled migration requirements.
A few weeks to several months, depending on the time of year and the accuracy and completeness of the documents submitted. It is advisable to check with ACWA directly about processing times.
While a relevant qualification with sufficient supervised practicum is typically the minimum requirement for a skills assessment, work experience may be necessary for claiming points for skilled employment under the Migration Act.
Completion of the practicum/field education component of the course is usually required, with placement being completed under the supervision of a qualified social worker. This may affect online study programs.
You may be able to request a review of the decision, provide additional information, or reapply at a later date after addressing any concerns.
Degrees in related disciplines usually cannot be assessed by ACWA for the purpose of skilled migration as a social worker. A qualification specifically in social work is generally required.
Having an assessment from ACWA confirms that your social work qualification and practicum meet the standard required by the Department of Home Affairs for claiming points in occupations under the skilled migration visa program.
12 Questions
The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is the designated assessing authority for migration skill assessments of social workers in Australia (SOL Migration).
Overseas-trained social workers wishing to claim this occupation for visa purposes such as 189, 190, 491 and some employer nominations (Abeesconsultancy).
Your overseas qualification must be equivalent to an Australian Bachelor/Master of Social Work (Abeesconsultancy) – this is one of the most crucial assessment criteria.
Assessment of overseas qualifications for migration and/or employment purposes (AASW), Skilled Employment Assessment (AASW), and Doctorate Degree Assessment.
AASW accords special importance to field education with a minimum of one thousand hours with specified components (Thinkhigher)—according to another source, fieldwork must be a minimum of 980 hours, so it is best to verify with the authority directly.
Documents showing your identity – usually a passport or evidence of a name change and evidence of your social work qualification, such as a completion letter and transcript from your qualification provider (SOL Migration).
AASW generally requires evidence of English language proficiency unless you are exempt, with acceptable tests including IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, and OET (Abeesconsultancy).
If you are an international student who has studied an AASW assessed social work degree in Australia, you do not need work experience (SOL Migration).
You need to have had your qualification assessed by AASW with a passing score before you can apply for the Skilled Employment Assessment (AASW) .
It is valid for three years from the date of issue (Edvise Hub).
Not all—if you are considering a welfare-related occupation such as caseworker (ANZSCO 272613), you should apply to the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) (Edvise Hub) instead, so be sure to check your occupation code.
It shows that your skills, field education, and English language proficiency meet the standard for a social worker in Australia (Abeesconsultancy), which is required before you can apply for skilled migration visas such as the 189, 190, or 491 and claim points.
01                   ⟶
Tell us about your occupation, qualifications and background.
02                    ⟶
We confirm your pathway and the documents required.
03                    ⟶
We prepare your report or application documentation.
04                    ⟶
You review the final documents before submission.
6 Questions
Typically your qualification certificates, academic transcripts, employment references, and identity documents (passport, name change evidence if applicable). Requirements vary by assessing authority—we’ll give you a tailored checklist.
Processing times vary by authority, generally 8–16 weeks. We’ll confirm current timeframes for your specific assessing body and keep you updated throughout.
Yes—non-English documents need certified translations from an accredited translator. We can guide you on providers accepted by your assessing authority.
We can help you request replacement documents or explore alternative evidence accepted by your assessing authority, such as statutory declarations.
Yes, most authorities require detailed reference letters on letterhead covering your role, duties, and dates of employment. We’ll provide a template that meets assessment standards.
We’ll review the outcome letter with you, identify the reason, and advise on options—reapplying with stronger evidence, requesting a review, or appealing where available.
7 Questions
Fees depend on the scope of service (assessment support). Contact us for a personalized quote—assessing authority fees are separate and paid directly to them.
Yes, we offer installment options for most services. Ask our team about a plan that suits your budget.
Our service fee covers work completed regardless of outcome, but we’ll discuss options with you. Assessing authority fees are non-refundable per their policies.
No—our service fee covers our support and guidance. Government and assessing authority fees are paid separately, directly to them.
No—we do free initial consultation for customers,
Fees can vary slightly depending on the authority and complexity of your occupation, but we’ll always confirm exact costs before you commit.
Our quotes are based on your specific case after an initial review, so complexity is factored in upfront. We’ll flag any changes in scope before extra charges apply.
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