Three short lessons on choosing the right occupation, building evidence assessors trust, and avoiding the mistakes that lead to negative outcomes.
1Why the occupation matters most3 min
2Evidence assessors trust4 min
3After the outcome3 min
About 11 minutes, with quick checks along the way. Taught by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2318164).
Lesson 1 of 3, 3 min
Why the occupation matters most
Lesson 1 videoWhy the occupation matters most
video coming soon ✎
A skills assessment checks your qualifications and work against one occupation. Choose the wrong one and even a strong file can come back negative.
How to choose
Start from what you actually do each day, not your job title
Compare your duties with the occupation's tasks
Check the occupation is on the list for the visa you want
Check which states currently want it
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Your occupation also decides your assessing authority — VETASSESS, TRA, ACS, Engineers Australia, ANMAC, AITSL, CPA and others each have their own rules and fees.
Lesson 2 of 3, 4 min
Evidence assessors trust
Lesson 2 videoEvidence assessors trust
video coming soon ✎
Assessors look for a consistent story across every document.
The core evidence
Reference letters for every role: letterhead, dates, hours per week, salary and your real duties
Payslips spread across each role, matching the dates in the letter
Qualifications and full transcripts, with certified translations
Tax and super records to back up the employment
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Generic duties copied from the occupation description are one of the most common reasons for a negative outcome. Assessors notice.
Quick check, 2 questions
Quick check
Question 1
Your friend got a positive assessment as a Project Manager. Should you use the same occupation?
Question 2
What's the problem with copying duties from the occupation description into your reference letter?
Lesson 3 of 3, 3 min
After the outcome
Lesson 3 videoAfter the outcome
video coming soon ✎
A positive outcome opens the door, but it isn't a visa.
It usually stays valid for about three years
Some authorities deduct years before counting experience — check the date your skilled employment starts
Next comes your visa plan: 482, 186, 189, 190 or 491
If the outcome is negative
Don't panic. A review, appeal, reassessment or a different occupation may work — but review windows are short. Waiting can cost you the option.
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Well done.
You've finished Skills assessment, first time right. Here are the key points to remember.
Key takeaways
Your occupation decides the assessing authority.
Reference letters should describe your real duties, not the occupation description.
Payslips and letters must cover the same dates.
A positive outcome is one step — points, English and age still matter.
Every situation is a little different. Here's your next step ↓
