Assessing Authority Policy and Assurance

Skills assessments are done by skilled migration assessing authorities. They check that a migrant’s skills, experience and qualifications meet work standards in Australia.

Skills assessments are a key element of Australia's skilled migration system.

These are mandatory for migration purposes for some visa subclasses. Migrants can also use a successful skills assessment letter when applying for a job.

An assessing authority is an organisation that does skills assessments for people who want to come to Australia as a skilled migrant. They make sure applicants have the right qualifications, skills, and experience needed to meet Australian standards.

The role of an assessing authority includes:

• setting the standards used to assess skills, which can differ between visa types
• checking a person’s qualifications, skills, and experience to see if they meet Australian occupational requirements
• following the Guiding Principles and Standards for Skilled Migration Assessing Authorities
• taking part in quality assurance activities
• making sure their assessment standards match industry needs, Australian Government policies, and international obligations.

The department supports the Minister for Skills and Training through oversight of the appointed assessing authorities, promoting continual improvement and adherence to best practice principles and standards. The roles and responsibilities are set out in the Guiding Principles and Standards for Skilled Migration Assessing Authorities (the Guide), and include:

• assessing applications from entities seeking to become an assessing authority
• making recommendations to the Minister for Skills and Training for approval of assessing authorities
• performing a quality assurance function in relation to assessing authorities
• working with the Department of Home Affairs and other Australian Government agencies
• ensuring demonstration of Australia’s international obligations in skills recognition.