New Application Process
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is changing the way applications for the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) and Migration Points Advice (MPA) are provided, effective 18 March 2020.
What are the changes to the MSA and MPA Programs application process?
As of 18 March 2020, applications for the MSA and MPA Programs must be submitted through the TRA Online Portal accessed via the TRA website. An applicant or migration agent will need to complete all relevant details in the online application and upload all required documents before proceeding to the payment screen.
The new TRA Online Portal will streamline the application process and allows for immediate registration of an application in TRA assessment systems.
This will replace out existing processes and TRA will no longer accept emailed applications.
What will the TRA Online Portal do?
The new TRA Online Portal will remove the need for an application to be emailed. The current MSA and MPA Application Forms no longer need to be completed, as the information must be submitted through the online process.
The user will be required to create a username and password and a TRA reference number will be automatically generated. The user then selects the relevant TRA assessment program.
As part of the online application process, the user will be required to complete all the mandatory fields, including personal details, relevant qualification history and employment information. Details of the applicant’s nominated migration agent or representative is also entered through the TRA Online Portal.
An Employer Template will still be required to be completed by the applicant’s employer. The template is uploaded into the TRA Online Portal as part of the application. The currently used Self-Employment Templates will no longer be required.
Submitting an application via the TRA Online Portal
An application can only be submitted once all the mandatory fields are completed, the required documentation is uploaded and the payment accepted. At this point no further changes can be made. A receipt and email acknowledgement will then be sent to the nominated email address.
What does this mean for existing applicant’s awaiting an outcome or a points letter?
MSA or MPA applications submitted by email prior to 18 March 2020 will not be affected by these changes and the application will be processed.
What other changes are taking place?
The Migration Skills Assessment Applicant Guidelines and the Migration Points Advice Applicant Guidelines will be updated to reflect the new application processes. The eligibility requirements remain the same for both programs, however there is a minor change for both programs with the evidence required for self-employment arrangements.
Assessment outcomes will now be finalised within 120 days from the date of submission.
Further information
Migration Skills Assessment and Migration Points Advice Applicant Guidelines on the TRA Website: www.tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au
Email enquiries: traenquiries@dese.gov.au
