Skills Assessment for Australia PR — Complete Guide for Indian Professionals

Which assessing body you need, what documents to submit, and how long it takes

Key point: Each occupation has one designated assessing body. You cannot choose which body assesses you — it is determined by the occupation code listed on the MLTSSL/STSOL/ROL.

• Degree certificate(s) and transcripts — original + certified English translation
• Membership certificate from relevant Indian professional body (e.g., ICAI for CAs, IE(I) for engineers)
• Employment reference letters — on company letterhead, signed, covering all roles claimed
• Payslips (for the period of employment)
• PF/EPF statements or Form 16 (income tax)
• Passport copy (bio page)
• Online application form + fee payment receipt

Important: Indian degree certificates often need verification from the WES (World Education Services) or through NARIC equivalency if the assessing body requires it. Check your specific body's requirements.

Australia PR Skills Assessment: Complete Guide for Indian Applicants

Skills assessment is a mandatory step for almost all Australian skilled migration visas. It is an official evaluation by an Australian assessing authority that confirms your qualifications and experience match a nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list.

Which Assessing Authority Do You Apply To?

The authority depends on your occupation. You cannot choose — each occupation code (ANZSCO) has a designated assessing body. Key examples for Indian applicants:

What Documents Do You Submit for Skills Assessment?

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates (certified copies)
• Employment reference letters from each employer (on letterhead, signed, specifying role and duties)
• Payslips, tax documents, or bank statements to support employment claims
• Professional memberships or registrations (if applicable)
• RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) documentation for trade occupations

How Long Does Skills Assessment Take?

Processing times vary by authority:

• Engineers Australia: 8–16 weeks for CDR-based assessment
• ACS: 4–8 weeks for ICT professionals
• VETASSESS: 8–12 weeks for professionals
• TRA: 8–12 weeks for trade occupations

Start your skills assessment as early as possible — it is on the critical path of your Australia PR timeline.

Engineers Australia — CDR Assessment

Engineers Australia requires a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR), which includes three Career Episodes (first-person narratives of your engineering experience), a Summary Statement, and a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) log. The CDR is the most document-intensive skills assessment in Australia's immigration process. Allow 2–3 months to prepare a strong CDR.

ACS Skills Assessment for IT Professionals

ACS assesses software developers, systems analysts, database administrators, ICT project managers, and other IT roles. They evaluate your qualifications and relevant employment experience against the nominated ANZSCO occupation. Graduate-level degrees in computing typically receive a more favourable assessment than degrees in unrelated fields.

What Happens After a Positive Assessment?

Once you have your positive skills assessment result, you can lodge your Expression of Interest on SkillSelect. Use the Australia PR points calculator to see how your total score compares with current invitation cut-offs. If your points are strong enough, consider state nomination (Subclass 190) for 5 additional points.

What If You Get a Negative Skills Assessment?

A negative assessment is not the end of the road. You can apply for a reassessment (Review of Assessment) with additional evidence, or you can nominate a different ANZSCO occupation that better matches your degree and experience profile. Contact our team on WhatsApp for guidance on the best occupation to nominate for your background.