The Migration Skills Assessment Program is a documentary-based assessment that determines how your qualifications and employment history compare with Australian standards for your Nominated Occupation.
This program is a pathway for people applying for a skilled migration visa in occupations and countries that are not required to be assessed in any of our other programs.
We do not award Australian qualifications, occupational registrations or occupational licences. You will need to make sure you meet any employment, licensing or qualification requirements in your Nominated Occupation.
To register for the Migration Skills Assessment Program, your Nominated Occupation must be:
• Listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL). You can find this information on Skilled occupation list, noting TRA would be listed as the relevant Assessing Authority.
• Directly relevant to your qualification and/or apprenticeship.
• Directly relevant to your employment.
What is my nominated occupation?
Your nominated occupation is the job you want to be assessed for based on your skills and experience.
You are not eligible to apply for this program if you are:
• From a specified country of passport or occupation, which requires assessment through our Offshore Skills Assessment Program
• Seeking an assessment in one of the following licensed occupations:
- Air conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
- Electrician (General)
- Electrician (Special Class)
- Plumber (General)
• Applying for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
• Applying for a Skills in Demand or Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
The Pathfinder tool on our website can help you find the correct assessment program for you.
The total cost to complete this program is $795. You can make payment through our Online Portal when you submit your application.
All costs are in Australian dollars (AUD). More information about fees, including any additional assessment fees (if required), reviews and refunds is in the Migration Skills Assessment Program Guidelines.
Before you apply, there are a few things you should do:
• Check with Home Affairs that your visa pathway needs a skills assessment.
• Use the Pathfinder tool to check if this Program is right for you.
• Read the Migration Skills Assessment Program Guidelines carefully.
To apply for this program, you must register through our Online Portal.
The Online Portal will guide you through the documents you need to submit at each stage of your application. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and that all your details are current and correct.
1. Register - Complete your online registration.
2. Upload Evidence - Provide all required evidence.
3. Review and Confirm - Check that you have completed all sections of the application.
4. Submit - Make your payment and click submit.
The Migration Skills Assessment Program Guidelines will help you understand how the program works, who can apply, and what it costs. It also provides information about authorising a person or migration agent to act on your behalf.
Please read the Program Guidelines before you apply so you know what to expect.
If you still need help, you can look at our Frequently Asked Questions or you can call our Enquiry Line:
Phone (in Australia): 1300 360 992
Phone (outside Australia): +61 2 6240 8778
Our Enquiry Line is available Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm Australian Eastern Standard Time.
Applications for the Migration Skills Assessment Program are typically processed within 120 days of submission. Where applicable, this timeframe applies after all required documentary evidence has been provided.
If the program involves multiple steps, applicants must complete each step or stage before progressing to the next.
Processing times may vary
Processing times are a guide only and may change. Some applications may take longer to finalise.
As of July 2026, our average processing times are tracking at 120 days.