Assessing authority
Statutory definition
The Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth) require, for skilled visa subclasses including Subclass 189, 190, and 491, that the applicant's nominated occupation be assessed by a specified assessing authority as suitable for the applicant. Each occupation in the skilled occupation lists is assigned to a single assessing authority.
Explanation
An assessing authority evaluates whether an applicant's qualifications, skills, and work experience meet the standard required for the nominated occupation in Australia. Different occupations are assigned to different assessing authorities.
Examples of assessing authorities and their occupational scope:
- Engineers Australia — engineering occupations
- Australian Computer Society (ACS) — ICT occupations
- VETASSESS — a wide range of professional and trade occupations
- Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) — nursing and midwifery
- Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) — teaching occupations
- Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) — trade occupations
A skills assessment is issued to the individual — not the employer — and is separate from the ANZSCO occupation code. An assessment that is positive (suitable) is required before submitting an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect for most subclasses.
How this term is used
Skills assessment outcomes vary by authority. Some assess by comparing qualifications only; others require a period of post-qualification work experience. A negative or unsuitable assessment may be reviewed under the assessing authority's own review process before judicial review options are considered.