Offshore Skills Assessment Program
Victoria University is authorised by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) to conduct skills assessment services for persons seeking Permanent migration (GSM/ENS) under the Offshore Skills Assessment Program.
The Offshore Skills Assessment Program is for eligible applicants who work in a nominated occupation and who hold a passport from a nominated country.
Permanent migration currently includes:
- General Skilled Migration (GSM) and
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS).
For advice on visa requirements and migration pathways please contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
From 1 July 2012 some applicants of the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) may require a skills assessment. For the latest information on changes to visa requirements please visit DIAC.
On this page
Assessment
You can apply for a Permanent Migration (GSM and ENS) Skills Assessment with Victoria University (VU) if you hold a passport from one of the following nominated countries.
- China
- Fiji
- India
- Iran
- Ireland
- Korea (South)
- Philippines
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- United Kingdom
The skills assessment is based on formal and structural recognition of prior learning.
After successfully completing a skills assessment applicants will receive:
- an Australian qualification for non-licensed trades, or
- an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR) for licensed trade.
Information for applicants
Applicants must read the Information for Applicants – Offshore Skills Assessment Program Guide before submitting their application.
Applications have now closed for 2012 finalisation
The Victoria University (VU) Consortium including the Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD) will be closed over Christmas and New Year. Applications for Permanent Migration (GSM/ENS/RSMS) have now closed in order to meet the 13 weeks standard processing time.
Please review the timetable below, in line with these standard processing times.
The VU Consortium will be available for applicant/agent enquiries throughout this period (except closure dates listed below).
|
02 October 2012 |
Last date to receive Permanent Migration (GSM/ENS/RSMS) applications to meet 13 week standard processing time. (All nominated occupations)) |
|
30 October 2012 |
Last date to receive Temporary Migration (457) applications to meet 7 week standard processing time. (All nominated occupations) |
|
14 December 2012 |
All GSM and 457 applications for 2012 finalised within Service Deed timelines (as per above cut-off dates). |
|
21 December 2012 |
Victoria University closes for Christmas break |
|
2 January 2013 |
Victoria University reopens |
|
10 January 2013 |
RTO Assessors available to recommence skills assessments for Construction, Engineering and Hospitality (Cook/Chef) nominated occupations |
|
04 February 2013 |
RTO Assessors available to recommence skills assessments for Automotive and Hospitality (Baker/Pastry Cook) nominated occupations |
Pathways
There are two application pathways.
Pathway 1 – Applicants who do not hold a relevant Australian trade qualification.
Pathway 2 - Applicants who hold a relevant Australian trade qualification.
Determine the application pathway that is right for you.
Pathway 1 application forms
Pathway 1 is for applicants who do not hold a relevant Australian Qualification. Further information on Pathway 1 requirements is in Information for Applicants.
Automotive occupation
Download and complete the Skills Assessment application form of the nominated occupation that applies to you:
- Diesel Motor Mechanic (ANZSCO code: 321212)
- Motor Mechanic - General (ANZSCO code: 321211)
- Vehicle Painter (ANZSCO code: 324311)
Construction occupation
Download and complete the Skills Assessment application form of the nominated occupation that applies to you:
- Bricklayer (ANZSCO code: 441411)
- Carpenter (ANZSCO Code: 331212)
- Carpenter and Joiner (ANZSCO Code: 331211)
- Joiner (ANZSCO Code: 331213)
- Plumber (General) (ANZSCO Code: 334111)
Engineering occupation
Download and complete the Skills Assessment application form of the nominated occupation that applies to you:
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (ANZSCO code: 342111)
- Electrician - General (ANZSCO code: 341111)
- Electrician - Special Class (ANZSCO Code: 341112)
- Electronic Equipment Trades Worker (ANZSCO Code: 342313)
- Metal Fabricator (ANZSCO code: 322311)
- Sheet Metal Trades Worker (ANZSCO code: 322211)
- Welder - First Class (ANZSCO code: 322313)
Pathway 2 application forms
Pathway 2 is for applicants who already hold an Australian Qualification in a relevant and directly related trade.
Further information on Pathway 2 requirements is in Information for Applicants.
To begin, download the Skills Assessment application form of the nominated occupation that applies to you:
Automotive occupation
Download and complete the Skills Assessment application form of the nominated occupation that applies to you:
- Diesel Motor Mechanic (ANZSCO code: 321212)
- Motor Mechanic - General (ANZSCO code: 321211)
- Vehicle Painter (ANZSCO code: 324311)
Construction occupation
Download and complete the Skills Assessment application form of the nominated occupation that applies to you:
- Bricklayer (ANZSCO code: 441411)
- Carpenter (ANZSCO Code: 331212)
- Carpenter and Joiner (ANZSCO Code: 331211)
- Joiner (ANZSCO Code: 331213)
- Plumber (General) (ANZSCO Code: 334111)
Engineering occupation
Download and complete the Skills Assessment application form of the nominated occupation that applies to you:
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (ANZSCO code: 342111)
- Electrician - General (ANZSCO code: 341111)
- Electrician - Special Class (ANZSCO Code: 341112)
- Electronic Equipment Trades Worker (ANZSCO Code: 342313)
- Metal Fabricator (ANZSCO code: 322311)
- Sheet Metal Trades Worker (ANZSCO code: 322211)
- Welder - First Class (ANZSCO code: 322313)
Assessment steps
There are four stages to the Permanent Migration (GSM and ENS) Visa Program Assessment.
Stage 1: Application Review
Stage 2: Documentary Evidence
Stage 3: Technical Interview
Stage 4: Assessment Outcome
We want to welcome you to Australia as soon as possible. To ensure your application proceeds quickly, please submit your application completed in full with all required documentation use our Occupation Specific check list before submitting your application.
Should further evidence be requested, the requested evidence must reach the offices of the Skilled Migration Assessment Services within the notified timeframe. Where documentation is received after the notified timeframe, the application file will be closed. Applicants will need to restart their Permanent Migration (GSM and ENS) Visa Program Assessment process.
Please contact the Skilled Migration Assessment Services team if you require additional information.
Fees
Application fees will vary according to the occupation being assessed. Fees are outlined on the Skills Assessment application.
UPDATE: Victoria University advises new fees will apply to all skill assessment applications for Permanent Migration (GSM and ENS) visa effective 01 July 2012.
Processing delay: Licensed occupations
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic, Electrician (General) and General Plumber
Effective 13 December 2012
Victoria University is currently reviewing the processing of the Skills Assessment for all Licensed Occupations in line with industry requirements.
Electrician (General)
Victoria University is currently conducting Practical Assessments offshore and onshore in Australia.
Plumbing
Practical assessments not are currently being conducted.
Additional Information and Forms
- Agent Authorisation Form
- Reassessment Policy
- Reassessment Payment Form
- Skilled Migration Assessment Service - Complaints Policy
- Licenced trades regulatory bodies
Common questions
Do I need to be living in my own country to be assessed?
No.
I've heard that there are new Guidelines for the GSM visa assessment?
A GSM Points Test Review is currently underway. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has the most current updates on changes
Do I need to complete a TradeSET (Self-Evaluation Tool) for a Pathway 1 application?
Yes. Completing a TradeSET is mandatory for all Pathway 1 applications. It is a Trade Self Evaluation Tool to help you identify if you have the relevant skills that meet the Australian standards in your trade. Save and print a copy and include this with your skills assessment application with VU.
Do I need to complete a TradeSET (Self-Evaluation Tool) for a Pathway 2 application?
No. Because you hold an Australian qualification within the nominated occupation/trade
How long will the process take?
The process takes a maximum of ten weeks from receipt of complete application and payment.
How is the technical interview conducted?
You will be required to attend one of our offices to participate in a Technical Interview conducted via Skype.
Is an interpreter allowed at the technical interview?
No. The presence of an interpreter could dilute the applicant's understanding of their chosen trade and jeopardise the integrity of the assessment.
Who are the assessors?
The assessors are either employees of VU or employed by our partner Technical And Further Education Western Australia (TAFEWA) organisations.
What qualification will I receive if I'm successful?
Successful applicants will receive a Certificate III - Australian Qualification for non-licensed trades; for licensed trades they will receive an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR). This will allow applicants to apply to the relevant state/territory licensing regulator for provisional electrical license. This permit to work allows them to work under supervision of qualified tradespersons.
What are the requirements for migration?
Find all current requirements for migration at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Contact us
For enquiries, or to provide any feedback, please contact us:
Visa Skills Assessment Team
Phone: +61 3 9919 7365
Email: GSM@vu.edu.au
Office hours: Monday - Friday 8.00am - 6.00pm AEST