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Avoiding Mistakes in Skills Assessments Australia: Top 10 Errors Applicants Make (and How to Fix Them)
Applying for an Australian Skilled Migration visa starts with one crucial step — Skills Assessment. Whether you apply through Subclass 189, 190, 491, or 485 visas, a positive skills assessment determines your eligibility. Unfortunately, many applicants make avoidable mistakes that result in delays, rejections, or loss of points.
Below is a complete guide outlining the Top 10 Common Mistakes in Skills Assessments in Australia — and how you can avoid them.
Top 10 Common Mistakes in Australian Skills Assessments & How to Avoid Them
Choosing the Wrong Occupation Code
Your occupation must match the ANZSCO code that best reflects your daily job responsibilities — not your job title.
Common issue: Applicants select an occupation with higher demand but unrelated duties.
How to avoid:
- Compare your tasks with ANZSCO descriptions.
- Prepare job evidence that supports your chosen code.
- Get professional guidance if unsure.
Submitting Overlapping or Incorrect Work Experience Dates
Assessing authorities check experience carefully. If your dates overlap or look inconsistent, they may reject your application.
How to avoid:
- Verify employment dates with HR letters, payslips, and tax statements.
- Avoid “month/year” discrepancies.
- Use a timeline to ensure accuracy.
Using Weak or Generic Employment Reference Letters
Many applicants submit references that lack details or look copied. Assessing bodies such as VETASSESS and ACS need strong proof of duties.
How to avoid:
- Get references on official letterheads.
- Include job title, duties, dates, salary, and hours.
- Tailor duties to match ANZSCO tasks (without copy-pasting).
Not Providing Pay Evidence for Each Employment Period
Most assessing authorities require proof that your work was paid and genuine.
How to avoid:
Submit:
- Payslips
- Bank statements
- Tax records
- Employment contracts
Missing even one period can result in refused experience.
Not Meeting English Language Requirements
Some assessments require a minimum score in IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
How to avoid:
- Check requirements of your specific authority.
- Take the test early.
- Consider coaching if you’re targeting high scores.
Assuming Overseas Degrees Are Automatically Recognized
Not all international degrees are considered equivalent to Australian standards.
How to avoid:
- Check whether your institution and qualification are recognised.
- Provide detailed transcripts and course descriptions.
- Consider additional verification if required.
Submitting Irrelevant or Excessive Documents
More documents do not always mean better results.
How to avoid:
- Follow the authority checklist exactly.
- Provide only relevant, clear, and certified documents.
- Combine multi-page documents into single PDFs when required.
Ignoring Assessing Authority Differences
Each authority has different criteria — VETASSESS, ACS, AITSL, Engineers Australia, etc.
How to avoid:
- Review requirements specific to your assessing authority.
- Confirm if you need skills interviews, practical tests, or CPD logs.
- Understand turnaround times and fees.
Rushing Applications Due to 485 or EOI Deadlines
Last-minute submissions often contain mistakes, missing files, or incorrect forms.
How to avoid:
- Plan your assessment at least 3–6 months before deadlines.
- Keep your documents organised and updated.
- Never upload partial or incomplete evidence.
Not Consulting an Expert Before Lodging
Most assessment refusals happen because applicants apply without guidance.
How to avoid:
- Seek help from a Registered Migration Agent (RMA).
- Get your documents pre-assessed before submission.
- Avoid DIY mistakes that may cost points or eligibility.
Why Choose Abbasi Migration for Skills Assessment & Visa Guidance?
Abbasi Migration & Citizenship Services is a trusted, Registered Migration Agency (MARN) that specializes in:
- Skills assessments (VETASSESS, ACS, Engineers Australia, TRA & more)
- Subclass 189, 190, 491, 485, 186 & 482 visas
- Occupation selection and points calculation
- Document preparation and compliance checks
If you want a smooth and error-free skills assessment, Abbasi Migration helps you avoid all common mistakes and ensures your application meets Australian standards.
FAQs
What is a Skills Assessment in Australia?
A skills assessment verifies that your qualifications and work experience match Australian industry standards.
How long does a skills assessment take?
Depending on the authority, it can take 8–16 weeks on average.
Can I change my occupation after a skills assessment?
Yes, but you must apply for a new assessment under the new ANZSCO code.
Is work experience counted before qualification?
Some authorities count post-qualification only (like VETASSESS), while others allow pre-qualification.
Do I need an agent for skills assessment?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended to avoid mistakes that lead to refusals or delays.
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