FAQ

I want to immigrate to Australia what should I do? What visa should I apply for?
TRA cannot provide information regarding visa requirements. All enquiries regarding immigration requirements should be directed to the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
What program should I apply for?
TRA offers a number of different skills assessment programs based on your occupation, country of passport, where you studied and the type of visa you wish to apply for. Different skills assessment programs have different eligibility requirements in relation to the evidence needed to support your application. The program overviews and Applicant Guidelines will assist you to find the relevant assessment program
Which occupation do I nominate?
TRA cannot advise you on the right occupation for your application. You must nominate the occupation for which you wish to be assessed. When nominating your occupation, you should refer to the ANZSCO occupations listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) applications without an occupation or that nominate an occupation that TRA does not assess cannot be processed by TRA. TRA cannot advise you on the right occupation for your application. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Australian Skills Recognition Information website provides a list of all occupations that require a skills assessment, along with information about the relevant skills assessing authority
Will my skills assessment be successful?
TRA cannot provide you with a pre assessment before an application is lodged. The assessment process must be carried out by an assessment officer, taking into consideration all the necessary information and evidence. Please follow the program guidelines to ensure you include all the relevant documents and information.
Do I send original documents to TRA?
Original documents must not be sent with your application. You must keep a copy of all documents you send to TRA as these will not be returned to you. TRA requires certified copies of all documents submitted as evidence in support of your application. A certified copy is a true copy of an original document that has been sighted and certified by a migration agent
My documents are translated. Do I send a copy of the original language version as well?
Copies of documents submitted as evidence must be in their original language accompanied by an English translation if the originals are not in English. TRA accepts extracted translations of original documents by recognised/approved translators. If you have documents translated in Australia, acceptable translations must be obtained from translators accredited with the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Details of these translators can be found in the Yellow Pages or the telephone directory under ‘Translations’ or on NAATI’s website
How long will it take to process my skills assessment?
Applications are assessed in order of receipt and processing times may vary depending on the program. Should there be any considerable delays, TRA will post a news item on its website.
I need to change my details. What do I do?
Before TRA can change your details, you are required to send a request in writing. This request must include your full name, date of birth, TRA Reference number, email address and signature. If the request is not signed it will not be actioned. If you are updating your address details, please include your old address in your request. Your request can be submitted to TRA as a PDF attachment in an email to [email protected], by fax to +61 2 6290 8780 or by post.
Can you help me find a job?
TRA is a skills assessment service which specialises in assessments in trade occupations for the purpose of migration and does not provide assistance to applicants in obtaining employment. You will need to make your own employment enquiries.
How long is my TRA skills assessment valid?
From 1 July 2014 skills assessments issued by TRA or a TRA approved RTO and lodged in support of certain types of skilled visa applications must be no older than three years from the date of issue. Skills assessments issued by TRA or a TRA approved RTO in support of visa applications lodged with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection prior to 1 July 2014 will not be affected. This change follows the amendment of the Migration Regulations effective from 1 July 2014. The purpose of the amendment is to ensure that a skills assessment meets the current occupational requirements for the nominated occupation in Australia.
How can I pay for my TRA skills assessment?
Applications lodged to TRA can be paid by Visa or MasterCard through TRA’s Online Portal https://extranet.deewr.gov.au/trades/Interface/Pages/Security/Logon.aspx . All payments will be charged in Australian dollars.
What do I do if I can’t download /access the application form for the Migration Skills Assessment, Migration Points Advice or the Australian Recognised Trade Certificate?
To access the PDF version of the application form on the TRA website, you need Adobe 8 or above (Adobe is available as a free download). If you are unable to access the application form please use the Word document version available on the website.
I’ve been locked out of the online portal. What should I do?
If you have been locked out of your online account or are unable to reset your password or have forgotten your username, you must send a signed written request to TRA requesting to have your account unlocked and/or for a new password and username to be issued. Your request must include your TRA Reference number, your Username (if known), your full name, date of birth and your email address so we can advise you when your request has been actioned. If the request is not signed your request will not be actioned. Your request can be submitted to TRA as a PDF attachment in an email to [email protected], by fax to +61 2 6290 8780 or posted to: Trades Recognition Australia Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education GPO Box 3022 CANBERRA ACT 2601 AUSTRALIA Once received, your request will be forwarded to our IT area for actioning. We are unable to provide a timeframe for this to occur
I have received my skills assessment outcome letter and need feedback. What should I do?
To request feedback, please email [email protected] your personal information including your TRA number. Please note responses to feedback can take up to 20working days
Do I need an IELTS test?
Under the TRA Migration Skills Assessment Program, the 457 Skills Assessment Programand the Offshore Skills Assessment Programan IELTS test result is not required.Depending on the visa you are applying for, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) may have IELTS requirements. Please check these requirements directly with DIAC. The Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA) requires an IELTS score of 6 or greater in each sub-test of the one General Training or Academic Test at the time of lodgement of your application. You don’t need the IELTS test for PSA if you hold a valid passport from and are a citizen of the UK, Canada, New Zealand, USA or Republic of Ireland.
How long is my IELTS valid?
Your IELTS test results should be less than three years old
How can I get a refund?
To apply for a refund, you should read the ‘Refund Policy’ prior to completing and signing a ‘TRA Refund Request Form’. These are available on the ‘Contact Us’ page of the TRA website www.innovation.gov.au/tra. Your request can be submitted to TRA as a PDF attachment in an email to [email protected], by fax to +61 2 6290 8780 or by post.
I’ve lost my skills assessment outcome letter. Can I get a replacement?
You must request a replacement outcome letter in writing, either by fax, email or post. Your request must include yourfull name, TRA reference number, date of birth, current postal address and email address. If sending your request by post or fax, please include your signature. Copies of letters will only be sent to the email address for the applicant or agent provided in your application.
Can I ask TRA to return my documents?
TRA cannot return your documents. You must notsend original documents to TRA and you should keep a copy of your application for your own records.
Is MSA the right program for my occupation and country of passport?
The Migration Skills Assessment is for applicants who are not required to be assessed under TRA’s Offshore Skills Assessment Program(OSAP) or not required to be assessed under the TRA Job Ready Program. To see the list of countries and occupations for the OSAP program
How will I know if TRA has received my application?
TRA is not able to verify receipt of mail. Applications are registered following receipt. You will receive an acknowledgement letter with your TRA reference number confirming receipt of your application once it has been registered.
How long will it take to process my skills assessment?
Applications are assessed in order of receipt and processing times may vary depending on the program. Generally most TRA Migration Skills Assessments and Migration Points Advice are completed within 60 working days. Should there be any considerable delays
I need my application expedited, what do I need to do?
Only applicants who have an offer of employer or state/territory sponsorship and who can provide evidence which meets TRA requirements will have a request for expedition considered. The following evidence must be provided to TRA with any request to expedite an application: 1. A letter from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and/or a State/Territory authority responsible for State Migration sponsorship confirming: a. approval of a ‘nominated position’, b. that the applicant is the nominee for that position, and c. the expiry date for that offer. AND/OR 2. A letter from a person with the appropriate authority of the employer intending to sponsor the applicant, on their letterhead, with details regarding the nature of the urgency. This letter must be signed by a person with the appropriate authority to progress the applicant’s migration sponsorship and include their position within the company and contact details. Applicants who fulfil the requirements above can submit a request for expedition. This request must be sent to TRA in writing. The request must include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, TRA Reference number, email address and signature along with a full explanation of the request type and reasons for the request.
The application form asks “At what age did you commence employment?” What does this mean?
This refers to your age when you commenced full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid employment in your nominated occupation
What does “years of general education” mean?
General education covers all compulsory education, including primary and secondary schooling
What evidence do I need for my employment?
TRA requires sufficient evidence of paid employment to verify that your employment was full-time (or equivalent part-time) and at the required skill level for your occupation in Australia. TRA will require at least one primary source of evidence or a minimum of two secondary sources of evidence for each year and each period of employment being claimed. Additional evidence may also be requested.
What if I have only worked part–time?
Evidence of employment undertaken on a part-time basis will be considered and counted toward the employment requirement on a pro-rata basis. TRA considers full-time employment in Australia as 38 hours per week, unless a particular industrial award specifies otherwise. For example, if hours worked are 20 hours per week it would take an applicant two years to meet the equivalent of one year full-time employment.
How many payslips do I need to provide?
TRA will require at least one primary source of evidence or a minimum of two secondary sources of evidence for each year and each period of employment being claimed. Pay slips may be a primary or a secondary source of evidence for paid employment depending on the information provided on the payslip. Comprehensive information regarding evidence requirements can be found in the TRA Migration Skills Assessment Applicant Guidelines
What’s the difference between a skills assessment and points advice?
The purpose of TRA Migration Points Advice is to provide advice regarding qualifications and specific periods of employment over the past ten years following a successful skills assessment. TRA will issue a letter with advice for use in a skilled migration application to DIAC. The awarding of points for the skilled migration points test remains at the discretion of delegated officers of DIAC
How will I know if I have to have points advice?
The visa subclass you are applying for with DIAC will specify whether it is a pointstested visa. Unless you have already been advised by DIAC that you require points advice from TRA you should check with DIAC to confirm that you require points advice before lodging an application with TRA. Please note that you are required to have a successful skills assessment before you are eligible to apply for the MPA. Please also note that TRA provides migration points test advice only. A decision to award points remains with DIAC.
Do I need to resubmit documents I have already provided to TRA with a previous MSA or MPA application?
In most instances you are not required to resubmit documents you have already provided with previous MSA or MPA application. You can submit any additional evidence you wish to have assessed in a review, subsequent application or for points advice. Please ensure you quote your TRA reference number.
I don’t have a formal qualification. Will I get a successful skills assessment?
To be eligible for a successful MSA outcome you are required to provide evidence of: 1. a qualification comparable to the relevant qualification in Australia for the occupation and 2. employment at the required skill level for Australian industry standards. Your application is likely to be unsuccessful if you do not have a relevant qualification for your nominated occupation. You may consider undertaking a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process with an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Details about which RTOs can deliver and assess your skills and evidence against the relevant Australian qualification for your occupation are listed on the Australian Government’s website: https://training.gov.au/Search/Training. You can contact one of the RTOs listed directly.
Can my work experience substitute for a qualification?
No. TRA does not accept work experience as a substitute for a qualification.
Why does TRA need a transcript of the subjects I studied for my qualification?
TRA compares qualifications issued overseas to the relevant Australian Training Package qualification for the nominated occupation when determining relevance. To do this, TRA requires the academic transcript to be provided in the application. If you do not have a copy of your qualification and transcript we suggest that you contact the institution that issued your award and ask them to provide you with either a copy of your transcript, or other official certified documentation stating your name, the qualification and the date awarded, an overview of the content of the program and the competencies/subjects completed by you.
I have received my skills assessment outcome letter and need feedback. What do I need to do?
To request feedback, please email [email protected] with your personal information including your TRA number. Please note responses to feedback requests can take up to 20 working days.
How do I request a review of my MSA outcome?
To apply for a review you must complete and lodge the Application for Review form that was attached to your outcome letter and include any additional information within 60 working days of the date of your letter. If you are unable to meet the review deadline, you can submit a new application with the required fee at any time.
How do I request a copy of my MSA outcome letter or my MPA letter?
You must request a replacement outcome letter in writing, either by fax, email or post. Your request must include your full name, TRA reference number, date of birth, current postal address and email address. Copies of letters will only be sent to the email address for the applicant or agent provided in your application.
What do I do if I want a skills assessment for a 485 visa?
You can apply for a Provisional Skills Assessment and if successful, apply to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection for a 485 visa.
Can I participate in the Provisional Skills Assessment or the Job Ready Program before I complete the relevant studies?
No, you must have completed your studies before you apply for a Provisional Skills Assessment which is the first step of the Job Ready Program.
I am a Dental Technician and cannot get the necessary work until I am qualified, can I still apply?
TRA requires evidence that you have undertaken work relevant to your nominated occupation, in an established commercial operation in Australia using current industry standard equipment and industry endorsed processes. The evidence you supply will need to show that you have demonstrated skills in a range of tasks and duties required for your occupation. Vocational placements completed as part of your Australian qualification may be counted towards the Provisional Skills Assessment work requirements where it meets the criteria above.
What is the minimum amount of work and/or vocational placement hours required to be eligible to apply for a Provisional Skills Assessment?
Your work and/or vocational placement should total a minimum of 360 hours.
Can my work from overseas be counted?
No. Only work performed in Australia and relevant to the occupation will be counted in this program.
What evidence do I need to provide with my Provisional Skills Assessment application?
Please refer to sections 2.1.5 C of the Job Ready Program Guidelines.
Do I need to provide evidence of my payment for each step of the Job Ready Program?
No, Job Ready Program participants should make all payments using the credit card payment facility within the Job Ready Program component of the TRA Online portal. This payment facility links all required payment information directly to your TRA application. You will be sent a payment receipt to your nominated email address. This is for your records only.
What is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requirement for the Provisional Skills Assessment?
All applications for the Provisional Skills Assessment require an IELTS score of 6 or greater in each sub-test of the one General Training or Academic Test at the time of lodgement. Your IELTS test results should be less than three years old. You are required to enter your Test Result Form (TRF) number in your online application when applying for the Provisional Skills Assessment. TRA will check the results of your test directly with IELTS. Do not provide a paper copy of your IELTS Test result to TRA. You are not required to sit the IELTS test to demonstrate that you meet the English language threshold for the PSA if you hold a valid passport from and are a citizen of the UK, Canada, New Zealand, USA or Republic of Ireland.
I've been locked out of the online portal, what should I do now?
If you have forgotten your password for the online portal, please follow these instructions: From the online portal registration screen, click on Click here if you have forgotten your password. By answering the three security questions you selected when first registering, you will be able to reset your password and log in using your username. If you have been locked out of your online account or are unable to reset your password or have forgotten your username, you must send a signed written request to TRA requesting to have your account unlocked and/or for a new password and username to be issued. Your request must include your TRA Reference number, your Username (if known), your full name, date of birth and your email address so we can advise you when your request has been actioned. If the request is not signed your request will not be actioned. Your request can be submitted to TRA as a PDF attachment in an email to [email protected], by fax to +61 2 6290 8780 or posted to: Trades Recognition Australia Department of Industry GPO Box 3022 CANBERRA ACT 2601 AUSTRALIA Once received, your request will be forwarded to our IT area for ac
How do I reprint the Summary Page from the online portal?
If you have submitted your application online but did not print the Summary Page, you can reprint one from the Online Application Tracking portal. When you have signed in with your Username and Password, select the Job Ready Program link in the Toolbar at the top of the page. This should bring up your information and links to the available Job Ready Program steps. Select the link for the step for which you submitted your application and the appropriate summary page will be displayed containing a print button. It is important you use this print button rather than the printer icon on the toolbar, to ensure you print an application Summary Page acceptable to TRA.
Am I able to withdraw my Provisional Skills Assessment and get a refund of the fee?
You can withdraw your application by sending TRA a signed request. Refunds will only be approved in limited circumstances. Please see the TRA Payment and Refund Policy. Requests for refunds must be made using the correct form and sent to [email protected] .
Can I request an expedition of my Provisional Skills Assessment application?
A request for expedition of a Provisional Skills Assessment / Job Ready Program application must be sent to TRA in writing. The request must include your full name, date of birth, TRA Reference number, email address, signature and reasons for the request. Your request can be submitted to TRA as a PDF attachment in an email to [email protected], by fax to +61 2 6290 8780 or posted to: Trades Recognition Australia Department of Industry GPO Box 3022 CANBERRA ACT 2601 AUSTRALIA Once received, your request will be forwarded to the appropriate area for consideration.
How do I reapply for a Provisional Skills Assessment?
If you are required to reapply for a Provisional Skills Assessment, you will need to register again as a new user. When registering through the Job Ready Program Registration online portal, sign in with a new username and password. Do not tick that you have a previous TRA Application File Number.
How do I apply for a Provisional Skills Assessment Review?
If you have previously applied for a Provisional Skills Assessment and were unsuccessful, you may choose to seek a review of your assessment outcome using the form included with your outcome letter. Your review application must be received by TRA within 60 working days of the date of your outcome letter. Payment for the review can be made using your Online Portal account. An additional link “Provisional Skills Assessment Review Payment” will be activated within your online portal account to make this payment. You do not have to seek a review. You can re-apply by submitting a new application online at any time. If you are lodging a review application, you must demonstrate you met the program criteria as at the date of your original application. If you cannot do this you must lodge a new application online. If you choose to submit a new application, you should note the following information: You are required to register as a NEW USER on the TRA Online Portal establishing a new username and password. This will generate a new TRA Reference Number. The new application must be ‘decision ready’ for assessment. You must include all of the required supporting evidence in relation to the new application. It is your responsibility to ensure that your application is correct, accurate and complete before you submit it to TRA. Before submitting your application, you should check your eligibility by reading the information about the Job Ready Program.?
Can I apply for a second Provisional Skills Assessment review?
TRA provides the opportunity for applicants to apply for one review only. If you have already submitted an ‘Application for Review’ and were unsuccessful, you will need to register a new Job Ready Program account and submit a new online Provisional Skills Assessment application. When you send TRA your new application and supporting documents after applying online, ensure that you include a covering letter with your previous TRA reference number. Before submitting a new application, please check your eligibility by reading the information about the Job Ready Program.
I have lost my review application form, how do I get another one?
You can print a Review Request Form, here.
Can I start the Job Ready Employment step before I get my Provisional Skills Assessment outcome?
No. You can only apply for the JRE step when you have: a successful Provisional Skills Assessment outcome lodged an application for, or hold a suitable visa which provides sufficient time to complete the full requirements of the Job Ready Program (in most cases this will be the 485 visa) secured employment that meets the eligible Job Ready Employment requirements (see Section 2.2.6) less than 4 months remaining on your student visa. Important: TRA will determine the suitability of visas other than the 485 for the purpose of participation in the Job Ready Program on a case by case basis. The decision to accept or reject visas for this purpose will be at the absolute discretion of TRA and its officials.
Can I start the Job Ready Employment step while on a bridging visa waiting for my 485 visa?
Yes. You will be required to provide details of your visa when you apply for the Job Ready Employment step on the Online Portal.
Can I use any employer for my 12 months employment for the Job Ready Employment step?
Your employer must be prepared to register with TRA and sign the Employment Registration Form. For your employment to be eligible for the Job Ready Employment step it must: have commenced after you completed your Australian qualification; include tasks and duties at an appropriate skill relevant to your qualification; be paid in accordance with applicable industrial awards or agreements and Australian workplace relations laws; and not have been used to meet the work component for your Provisional Skills Assessment.
If I have already competed some employment, can I count that towards the 12 months employment requirement?
No. The start date for the 12 months employment is deemed by TRA as the date you register and submit your employment details through the online portal provided the Job Ready Employment Summary Page and Employment Registration Form, (printed from the online portal), is received by TRA within 30 working days of the online submission.. Any employment already undertaken prior to registration will not be eligible for the 12 months employment requirement.
What is the minimum number of hours required for the employment period in the Job Ready Program?
You are required to complete at least 1725 hours of paid employment over a minimum of 12 months. Before you can apply for a Job Ready Workplace Assessment you must complete at least 863 hours over a minimum of 6 months. Paid employment as annual leave or sick leave will not be eligible towards the Job Ready Program.
What wage should I expect to be paid?
Your employer would be expected to pay you the appropriate award wage for your trade according to the award for your particular industry and occupation. More information on industry awards under the national workplace relations system is available here.
If I am working as a contractor or am self-employed, can this be counted towards the 12 months employment for the Job Ready Program?
The Job Ready Program requires participants to be supervised by a qualified tradesperson in an Australian workplace. Self-employment cannot be considered for the Job Ready Program. TRA may consider subcontractor work only if the nominated occupation you request is in a building construction trade. Subcontractors whose employment is eligible for consideration must show that they expect at least 50 per cent (863 hours) of their work to occur with a single contractor, and that the contractor is willing to fulfil the requirements of your employer for the purpose of the Job Ready Program.
Can I use employment performed outside Australia?
No. All employment under the Job Ready Program must be performed within Australia.
How do I find an employer?
TRA cannot assist you with finding employment. You may like to try employment vacancies in newspapers, online job searches or you can approach an employer directly.
I have already done some voluntary work for my employer; can I count that towards my 12 months employment for the Job Ready Program?
No. Your 12 months employment under the Job Ready Program must be paid. Voluntary experience will not be counted.
Can I have more than one employer?
Yes, but you must register any employers with TRA via the Online Portal for your employment to be considered. You are required to complete at least 50 per cent (863 hours) of your Job Ready Employment with a single employer.
Do I have to pay the Job Ready Employment fee for every employer I register with TRA?
No. You only need to pay the Job Ready Employment fee for your first employer.
What will my employer need to do during my employment?
Your employer will need to: provide trade level work relevant to your skills level; nominate an appropriately skilled supervisor; sign off the monthly journal you will be required to maintain while you participate in the Job Ready Program to document and record examples of the work you are doing in the workplace relevant to your nominated occupation; and allow an independent assessor into the workplace to undertake the Job Ready Workplace Assessment.
Will I need to attend an interview?
When TRA receives your Employment Registration Form you will be allocated a TRA Liaison Officer (TRA LO) who will visit you and your employer in your workplace to answer any questions you may have about the Job Ready Program and assist you as you participate in the program. TRA will determine if your employment is suitable for the Job Ready Employment step when your TRA LO undertakes the workplace visit.
What evidence do I need to provide for the Job Ready Employment step?
Your TRA Liaison Officer will regularly ask you to send documentation to demonstrate you are meeting the employment eligibility criteria. This documentation will include: evidence such as payslips to support you are being paid by your employer; and Job Ready Journals that have been verified by your employer. As your TRA Liaison Officer reviews your documentation, they will contact you to confirm if you are eligible to apply for the next step of the Job Ready Program.
What if my employer does not provide payslips?
It is a legal requirement that all employers in Australia provide their employees with payslips. Your TRA Liaison Officer will discuss this with you during the workplace visit.
Do I still need to undertake Professional Development?
No, as of 1 January 2014, participants will no longer be required to complete Professional Development training in Australian Workplace Language and Culture as part of the Job Ready Program. If you have already enrolled with a TRA approved RTO you can elect to finish the training but it is no longer an eligibility requirement to proceed to the Workplace Assessment step. If you choose not to finish the training you must contact the RTO and your TRA Liaison Officer (TRA LO) to advise you have withdrawn from the course.
If I have already enrolled for Professional Development training and I withdraw, can I get a refund?
If you do not finish the training you will need to discuss any refund options with the RTO as TRA has no involvement with payments made directly to RTOs.
What do I do when I have completed the Job Ready Employment step?
When you have completed 12 months paid employment equalling a minimum of 1725 hours, 12 monthly journals that have been verified by your employer and the Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA), you can apply to TRA for a Job Ready Final Assessment. You should contact your TRA Liaison Officer before applying for each step of the Job Ready Program to ensure you are eligible to apply.
I've been locked out of the online portal, what should I do now?
If you have forgotten your password for the online portal, please follow these instructions. From the online portal registration screen, click on “Click here if you have forgotten your password.” By answering the three security questions you selected when first registering, you will be able to reset your password and log in using your username. If you have been locked out of your online account or are unable to reset your password or have forgotten your username, you must send a signed written request to TRA at [email protected] requesting to have your account unlocked and/or for a new password and username to be issued. Your request must include your TRA Reference number, your Username (if known), your full name, date of birth and your email address so we can advise you when your request has been actioned. If the request is not signed your request will not be actioned. Your request can be submitted to TRA as a PDF attachment in an email to [email protected], by fax to +61 2 6290 8780 or posted to: Trades Recognition Australia Department Of Industry GPO Box 3022 CANBERRA ACT 2601 Once received, your request will be forwarded to our IT area for actioning. We are unable to provide a timeframe for this to occur.
What is a Job Ready Workplace Assessment?
When you are eligible for a Workplace Assessment an independent assessor will come to your workplace to assess how you apply your skills in your workplace.
What do I need to apply for a Job Ready Workplace Assessment?
After you have been working in your trade for at least 6 months and provided pay evidence to support a minimum of 863 hours paid employment and completed 6 months of journals that have been verified by your employer you will be able to register for a workplace assessment which will be conducted by a TRA approved assessor in your workplace. You should contact your TRA Liaison Officer before applying for a Job Ready Workplace Assessment to determine if you are eligible to apply.
What do I need to apply for a Job Ready Final Assessment?
You must have a successful Provisional Skills Assessment outcome, completed all components of the Job Ready Employment step and successfully completed the Job Ready Workplace Assessment. You should contact your TRA Liaison Officer before applying for a Job Ready Final Assessment to determine if you are eligible to apply.
What do I do next if my application is successful?
If you receive a successful Job Ready Final Assessment outcome from TRA, you can use that outcome to apply to DIBP for permanent migration. You should visit the DIBP website to identify your options. Your outcome is not a qualification nor does it represent formal accreditation of your skills and experience.
How much will an assessment cost?
The assessment fee depends on the occupation being assessed and varies between the individual TRA-approved RTOs. As a guide the documentary evidence stage generally costs between $600-$800, while the technical/practical stage generally costs between $1,200-$1,800. Applicants should contact the relevant RTO to confirm the price for their assessment.
What occupation do I nominate?
TRA cannot advise you on the right occupation for your application. You must nominate the occupation for which you wish to be assessed based on your skills and experience. When nominating your occupation, please refer to the ANZSCO occupations listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) available on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) website. Applications without a nominated occupation or that nominate an occupation that TRA does not assess cannot be processed by TRA.
My occupation and country of passport are not on the list for the 457 Skills Assessment Program. What should I do?
If you do not hold a passport from one of the nominated countries and/or are not seeking a skills assessment in one of the nominated occupations you may not be required to undertake a skills assessment as part of your 457 visa application. You should confirm the requirements for your visa application with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).
How long will it take to process my 457 skills assessment?
The RTO you select to conduct your skills assessment will advise you how long the process will take. Typically, an assessment may be completed within seven weeks from the date you submit the required documentary evidence to the RTO. Further information on the process for the 457 skills assessment program is available in the applicant guidelines available on the TRA website.
How do I locate a registered training organisation (RTO) that can conduct a skills assessment for my occupation?
TRA has approved a number of RTOs to conduct skills assessment services in a range of occupations and locations around the world. Please visit the to identify the RTOs available to conduct your assessment, and their contact details.
How do I obtain an occupational licence in Australia?
Australia has strict safety standards and licensing requirements for licensed occupations. While Trades Recognition Australia (and TRA-approved registered training organisations) are responsible for assessing the skills of migrants to ensure they have the skills required to operate in their occupation in Australia, occupational licensing is the responsibility of the relevant state or territory licensing authority. Often the requirements for licensing include a period of employment experience and obtaining Australian-specific knowledge of the relevant occupation within the Australian environment. Successful skills assessments for licensed occupations conducted by TRA-approved registered training organisations (either through the Offshore Skills Assessment Program, the 457 skills assessment program or the Optional Skills Assessment Service) result in the issue of an offshore technical skills record. This recognises an individual’s technical skills, but also acknowledges that the individual has yet to apply their skills in the Australian environment. An offshore technical skills record enables individuals to apply for a provisional licence upon arrival in Australia to work under supervision while they address any Australian-specific knowledge and work experience gaps before applying for a tradesperson’s licence. Please visit the pathway to occupational licensing page for further information.
Do I need an IELTS test?
Under the 457 skills assessment program an IELTS test is not a requirement, however you will be required to undertake a technical assessment in English without assistance. This may also include a practical demonstration. For information about English language requirements and your visa application, please contact the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).
Will my work experiences and qualifications be recognised?
TRA is unable to provide advice about work experiences and the likely comparability of a specific qualification to the relevant Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification, without conducting a comprehensive assessment. Skills assessments are conducted by TRA-approved Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), the RTO you select will take into consideration all the necessary information and evidence that you have provided. Please follow the Program guidelines to ensure you provide a decision ready* application.
How long will it take to process my skills assessment?
The RTO you select to conduct your skills assessment will advise how long the process will take. Typically, an assessment may be completed within thirteen weeks from the date you submit the required documentary evidence to the RTO. Further information on the process for the Optional Skills Assessment Service is available in the Applicant Guidelines (PDF 490KB).
How much will an assessment cost?
The assessment fee depends on the occupation being assessed and varies between the individual TRA-approved RTOs. As a guide the documentary evidence stage generally costs between $600-$800, while the technical/practical stage generally costs between $1,200-$1,800. Applicants should contact the relevant RTO to confirm the price for their assessment.
How do I locate a registered training organisation (RTO) that can conduct a skills assessment for my occupation?
TRA has approved a number of RTOs to conduct skills assessment services in a range of occupations and locations around the world. Please visit the RTO finder site to identify the RTOs available to conduct your assessment, and their contact details.
How do I obtain an occupational licence in Australia?
Australia has strict safety standards and licensing requirements for licensed occupations. While Trades Recognition Australia (and TRA-approved registered training organisations) are responsible for assessing the skills of migrants to ensure they have the skills required to operate in their occupation in Australia, occupational licensing is the responsibility of the relevant state or territory licensing authority. Often the requirements for licensing include a period of employment experience and obtaining Australia-specific knowledge of the relevant occupation within the Australian environment. Successful skills assessments for licensed occupations conducted by TRA-approved registered training organisations (either through the Offshore Skills Assessment Program, the 457 skills assessment program or the Optional Skills Assessment Service) result in the issue of an offshore technical skills record. This recognises an individual’s technical skills, but also acknowledges that the individual has yet to apply their skills in the Australian environment. An offshore technical skills record enables individuals to apply for a provisional licence upon arrival in Australia to work under supervision while they address any Australian-specific knowledge and work experience gaps before applying for a tradesperson’s licence. Please visit the pathway to occupational licensing page for further information.