Trade professionals planning to apply for an Australian skills assessment through VETASSESS should be aware of an important update. Due to new changes introduced by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), certain applications will be temporarily paused and two occupations will be removed from VETASSESS assessment programs.
These changes mainly affect applicants using the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) and the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Skills Assessment Program.
Two Occupations Removed from VETASSESS Assessments
From 30 March 2026, VETASSESS will no longer accept new skills assessment applications for the following occupations:
- Fitter-Welder (ANZSCO 323213)
- Pastrycook (ANZSCO 351112)
Professionals working in these trades may need to explore alternative assessment pathways depending on further instructions from TRA.
New Assessment Fees Announced
TRA has also confirmed that new assessment fees will apply to applications submitted from 30 March 2026 onwards.
The updated fee schedule will be officially released on 23 March 2026 and will include the revised costs for trade occupations assessed by VETASSESS. Applicants planning to apply later this month should review the updated fee structure once it becomes available.
Temporary Pause on Stage 1 Applications
To implement the new program updates, VETASSESS will temporarily pause Stage 1 Documentary Evidence Assessment applications.
Important dates to note:
- From 9:00 AM (AEDT) on 13 March 2026 to 9:00 AM (AEDT) on 30 March 2026
New Stage 1 Documentary Evidence Assessment applications will not be accepted. - From 9:00 AM (AEDT) on 13 March 2026 to 9:00 AM (AEDT) on 23 March 2026
The online portal will remain closed for submitting new Stage 1 applications.
Applicants who have submitted and paid for their applications on or before 13 March 2026 will not be affected, and their assessments will continue to be processed as usual.
What This Means for Applicants
These updates are part of broader adjustments to the TRA trade assessment system. Individuals planning to apply for a skills assessment should stay updated on the latest guidelines and prepare their applications accordingly to avoid delays.
For those targeting an Australia PR pathway through trade occupations, keeping track of these changes will be essential while planning the next steps.
If you are planning to apply for an Australian trade skills assessment, it is important to review these changes before submitting your application. For the latest updates and professional guidance on your Australia PR pathway, connect with Apical Immigration Experts today and get expert advice on your next step.
- Email: info@immigrationxperts.com
- Call us: +91-9999467686, +91-8447-696555
