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Is a Skills Assessment Required for a 482 Visa?

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482 Mandatory Skills Assessment

482 Visa Skills Assessment

Is a Skills Assessment Required for a 482 Visa?

You won’t always need a skills assessment. A skills assessment is mandatory for some 482 (SID) visa applicants, depending on:

  1. your nominated occupation, and
  2. (for many trade occupations) your passport country, under the legislative instrument IMMI 18/039.

Home Affairs also notes you must have a relevant skills assessment if required for your occupation.

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When is it mandatory?

A mandatory skills assessment applies if:

  • your occupation is listed in IMMI 18/039, and
  • you fall within the specified class of persons for that occupation (often passport-based), and
  • you are not an exempt applicant under the instrument.v

If a mandatory skills assessment applies to you, it generally must be commenced before you lodge your 482 application (this is tied to the Schedule 1 validity requirement).

IMMI 18/039: occupations that can trigger mandatory skills assessment

IMMI 18/039 specifies occupations and the relevant assessing authority (mainly TRA for trades, and VETASSESS for Program or Project Administrator).

Occupations listed include (examples):

  • Automotive Electrician (TRA)
  • Baker (TRA)
  • Cabinetmaker (TRA)
  • Carpenter / Carpenter & Joiner / Joiner (TRA)
  • Chef / Cook / Pastrycook (TRA)
  • Diesel Motor Mechanic / Motor Mechanic (TRA)
  • Electrician (General) / Electrician (Special Class) (TRA)
  • Fitters (General, Fitter & Turner, Fitter-Welder, Metal Fitters & Machinists nec, Metal Machinist) (TRA)
  • Metal Fabricator / Sheetmetal Trades Worker / Welder (First Class) / Toolmaker / Panelbeater (TRA)
  • Program or Project Administrator (VETASSESS)

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Who must do it?

For many trade occupations, the instrument applies only to passport holders from specified countries (unless exempt). Example: Chef / Cook include passport holders from multiple countries listed in the instrument (e.g., India, China, Philippines, Vietnam and others).

If your passport country is not in the listed group for your occupation, you may be treated as an exempt applicant.

482 skills assessment exemption (IMMI 18/039)

Even if your occupation/passport is captured, you may be an exempt applicant in certain situations. Key exemption pathways in the instrument include:

  1. You already hold (or previously held) a 457/482 (TSS/SID), met the primary criteria, and are working in Australia in the nominated occupation (or closely aligned scenario).
  2. Intra-company transfer style scenario: employed by an established overseas business and nominated by that company (or associated entity) in the same/similar occupation.
  3. Qualification pathway (for many occupations): you hold a relevant qualification commensurate with ANZSCO, obtained in Australia or a “permitted foreign country” (as defined).
  4. Licensing/registration pathway: the occupation requires a licence/registration/membership and you have been granted it.
  5. TRA Offshore Skills Assessment Program (where applicable).
  6. Special rule for Program or Project Administrator: exemption can apply where you meet qualification + AUD 180,000 earnings + accredited sponsor conditions.

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FAQ

Clear, practical answers to help you understand your options and next steps.

Is skill assessment required for 482 visa?

Not for everyone. It depends on your occupation and, for many trades, your passport country under IMMI 18/039.

What happens if I lodge without commencing a mandatory skills assessment?

It can create a serious problem because the mandatory assessment requirement is linked to the Schedule 1 validity framework. Get this checked before lodgement.

Who assesses 482 skills?

For the occupations listed in IMMI 18/039, it is mainly TRA (many trade roles) and VETASSESS (Program or Project Administrator).