Do I need to have my skills assessed before applying for PR?

Yes, in most cases, you need to have your skills assessed before applying for Australian Permanent Residency (PR), particularly if you are applying through a skilled migration pathway. The skills assessment is essential as it verifies that your qualifications, skills, and work experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. Here's an overview of why and when a skills assessment is required:

1. Skilled Migration Visas and Skills Assessment:

For visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491), a positive skills assessment is required before you can apply.
The skills assessment confirms that you are qualified to work in your nominated occupation at a level that meets Australian industry standards.

2. Selecting the Correct Occupation:

To apply for PR through skilled migration, you must nominate an occupation that appears on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
Each occupation on these lists has a designated assessing authority that is responsible for evaluating skills for that role, such as Engineers Australia for engineering roles or VETASSESS for a range of professional occupations.

3. Importance of Skills Assessment for Points-Based Visas:

For points-based visas, a positive skills assessment is essential for claiming points for your qualifications, experience, and occupation.
Without a positive skills assessment, you won't be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), which is the first step in the points-based PR application process.

4. Process of Skills Assessment:

To complete the skills assessment, you'll need to submit relevant documents such as degree certificates, transcripts, and proof of work experience. Some assessing authorities may also require evidence of English language proficiency or specific professional certification.
Each assessing authority has its own criteria and processes, so requirements vary depending on your occupation.

5. Skills Assessment Validity:

Most skills assessments are valid for up to three years but may vary by assessing authority. If your skills assessment expires, you may need to obtain a new one before applying for PR.

6. Exceptions and Occupation-Specific Requirements:

Some family-sponsored visas and partner visas do not require a skills assessment, as they are not points-based.
However, if you are applying through a skilled migration pathway, a skills assessment is generally mandatory.

7. Cost and Processing Time:

Skills assessment fees vary depending on the assessing authority and can range from a few hundred to over a thousand Australian dollars. The processing time also varies but can take several weeks to months, so it's wise to plan in advance.

If you are applying for Australian PR through a skilled migration visa, you will need a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation before submitting your application. This assessment is crucial for demonstrating that your skills and qualifications align with Australian standards, and it is often required to claim points in the points-based system.

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