Offshore Skills Assessment Program
Victoria University (VU) undertakes skills assessment services for eligible applicants seeking to apply for permanent migration under the authority of Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). This is referred to as the Offshore Skills Assessment Program.
Permanent Migration currently includes General Skilled Migration (GSM) and Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS).
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 | Korea (South) | United Kingdom |
| Fiji | Pakistan | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| India | Philippines | |
| Iran | South Africa | |
| Ireland | Sri Lanka |
The skills assessment is based on formal and structural recognition of prior learning.
Applicants will receive an Australian qualification for non-licensed trades or an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR) for licensed trade after successfully completing a skills assessment.
Information for Applicants
Applicants must read the Information for Applicants – Offshore Skills Assessment Program Guide before submitting their application.
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.
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.
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 19 March 2012.
Pathway 1 Application Forms
Pathway 1 is for applicants who do not hold a relevant Australian Qualification. Further information on Pathway 1 requirements is located in Information for Applicants – Offshore Skills Assessment Program Permanent Migration.
To begin, download the Skills Assessment application form of the nominated occupation that applies to you:
Aviation
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) (ANZSCO code: 323111)
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) (ANZSCO code: 323112)
Automotive
- Diesel Motor Mechanic (ANZSCO code: 321212)
- Motor Mechanic - General (ANZSCO code: 321211)
- Vehicle Painter (ANZSCO code: 324311)
Construction Industries
- Bricklayer (ANZSCO code: 441411)
- Carpenter (ANZSCO Code: 331212)
- Carpenter and Joiner (ANZSCO Code: 331211)
- Joiner (ANZSCO Code: 331213)
- Plumber (General) (ANZSCO Code: 334111)
Engineering and Industrial Training
- 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 can be found in Information for Applicants – Offshore Skills Assessment Program Permanent Migration.
To begin, download the Skills Assessment application form of the nominated occupation that applies to you:
Aviation
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) (ANZSCO code: 323111)
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) (ANZSCO code: 323112)
Automotive
- Diesel Motor Mechanic (ANZSCO code: 321212)
- Motor Mechanic - General (ANZSCO code: 321211)
- Vehicle Painter (ANZSCO code: 324311)
Construction Industries
- Bricklayer (ANZSCO code: 441411)
- Carpenter (ANZSCO Code: 331212)
- Carpenter and Joiner (ANZSCO Code: 331211)
- Joiner (ANZSCO Code: 331213)
- Plumber (General) (ANZSCO Code: 334111)
Engineering and Industrial Training
- 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)
Additional Information and Forms
- Agent Authorisation Form (PDF, 183 KB)
- Reassessment Policy (PDF, 306 KB)
- Reassessment Payment Form (PDF, 211 KB)
- Skilled Migration Assessment Service - Complaints Policy
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.
Can you assess people for other visas in Certificate III Australian qualifications?
Yes. Please email GSM@vu.edu.au for further information.
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