If you are seeking a skills assessment for migration purposes, you will need to create an account to access the skills assessment portal and submit the online form.
***Last Updated: 1 November 2024***
Our current processing time for general skills assessment is 12 weeks. For Aged or Disabled Carer applications, the current processing time is 6 weeks. A lodged application must be decision-ready. Applications that are not decision-ready generally take longer to be processed. Please review the supporting documents checklist and ensure you submit all of the required documents for assessment.
Before you prepare and submit your application, ensure that you have read the FAQs and ACWA’s fraud management policy.
If you have a query related to your skills assessment, please read “Communicating with the assessment team” below. Due to the current high volume of applications, the assessment team must focus on processing applications. The skills assessment team is not available via the phone and, if your query is not urgent, please refrain from emailing . Please refer to the information on our website as follows:
- FAQs – here you will find the answers to frequently asked questions about the skills assessment process.
- Skills assessment criteria – if you are unsure about which occupation to nominate, please ensure you read the full assessment criteria. Please note that requirements for assessment are slightly different for each occupation.
- Fast-tracking – we do not offer a fast-track service. Please read below regarding urgent priority requests (considered on a case-by-case basis only).
- Review requests – please read the review and appeal policy below which includes instructions on how to submit a review request.
- Course accreditation – if you have any queries regarding your ACWA accredited qualification, please speak with your education provider.
- Status updates – We will not respond to status update requests for applications that are still within the advertised processing time.
Skills assessment portal
The skills assessment portal is where you will manage your skills assessment. Through the portal you can:
- apply online
- check the status of a pending application
- download your outcome certificate
You will receive an email when an assessing officer makes a change to the status of your application, including when your outcome is ready.
Online form
Please do not use capslock/all capitals when completing the online form.
If you are applying for a skills assessment under the general skilled migration program, select ‘Submit a new skills assessment’.
If you are applying for a skills assessment under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement, select ‘Submit a new skills assessment – Aged or Disabled Carer’
Fees
Payment is made at the time of submission (via Mastercard or Visa) and is non-refundable. If an alternative payment is necessary, please contact us.
Skills assessment – $965
Skills assessment (Aged or Disabled Carer) – $595
Timeframe
The processing time for general skills assessment applications is approximately 12 weeks.
The processing time for Aged or Disabled Carer applications under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement is 6 weeks.
Please note: this is an approximate timeframe only. Applications can take longer if, for example, documents are missing from an application, or there are complications verifying documents or contacting referees/employers. Please ensure that your application is decision-ready, with no documents missing, and that all contact details provided in your application are current.
Fast-tracking
We do not offer a fast-track service with an associated fee. The processing timeframe for skills assessment is approximately 12 weeks from the date of submission with payment. Applicants are urged to plan ahead and submit a decision-ready application knowing that it may take up to 12 weeks to be processed. If you require your application to be processed urgently, you may submit a priority request to assessments@acwa.org.au only after an application has been formally submitted. Please note that a priority request must be substantiated with documentary evidence.
Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and approval is not guaranteed. Requests without sufficient evidence or legitimate reasoning will be rejected. If your request is approved, we will endeavour to issue your outcome considering the deadline provided, however we cannot guarantee an outcome within any given timeframe. Please plan ahead.
Using a migration agent
We will not discuss your application with other people unless you authorise us to do so. If you want someone to act on your behalf, you will need to attach a signed Form 956 authorising this person to act as your agent. The address used for correspondence will be that nominated on the form.
Communicating with the assessment team
Assessment officers are not available via phone. If you need to update your contact details, email assessments@acwa.org.au and include your Application ID in the subject line.
Please note:
✔ Assessment team is only available via email
✔ Email response time is 7 days
✔ If you have lodged an application, you must include your Application ID
✖ Do not send multiple follow up emails or ‘cc’ multiple ACWA accounts. This slows down response times for everyone.
These policies are in place to ensure the assessment team can focus on processing applications.
Appeals and reviews
If your skills assessment outcome is unsuccessful, you have the opportunity to request a review or an appeal. There are two options available:
- If you disagree with your unsuccessful skills assessment outcome, you can ask for a review of the decision.
- If you believe the review decision is incorrect, you may appeal the decision.
Before lodging your application, please make sure you read the review and appeal policy. The policy includes important information such as who is eligible, when you need to lodge your application, how long it will take, how much it will cost, and what documents you need to provide.