One of the most common—and understandable—questions we hear from migration applicants is:
“Do applicants from some countries have higher or lower approval rates for skills assessments?”
The short answer is no country is officially disadvantaged, but the quality, structure, and verifiability of evidence can vary significantly between countries. These differences can influence how closely an application is assessed—and how much additional scrutiny it receives.
In this article, ACTS Visa Skills explains what really affects approval outcomes and why applicants from some regions may experience more challenges than others.
Skills Assessments Are Not Country-Based
Australian assessing authorities do not publish approval rates by nationality, and they do not assess applications based on passport or country of origin.
Skills assessments are based on:
- Occupation-specific criteria
- Australian standards and frameworks
- Document authenticity and verifiability
- Relevance of qualifications and employment
Every applicant is assessed against the same published criteria, regardless of where they are from.
Why Approval Experiences Can Differ by Country
While the criteria are consistent, practical differences between countries can affect how easily applicants meet those standards.
1. Education Systems Vary Widely
Qualifications are assessed against the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Some countries have:
- Shorter degree programs
- Different academic structures
- Non-standard credit systems
- Limited practical components
This doesn’t mean the qualification is inferior—but it may require additional explanation or supporting evidence.
2. Employment Documentation Standards Differ
In some countries:
- Formal reference letters are uncommon
- Payslips or tax records are not routinely issued
- Employers are difficult to contact or no longer exist
- Business records are not publicly searchable
This can make verification more challenging and lead to requests for further information or closer scrutiny.
3. Self-Employment Is More Common in Certain Regions
Applicants from regions where self-employment or informal contracting is common often face:
- Higher evidence requirements
- More detailed financial documentation
- Greater emphasis on proving skilled work
Without strong records, even genuine experience may be questioned.
4. Verification Risk Profiles
Assessing bodies apply risk-based verification processes. This means:
- Some applications may be subject to additional checks
- Certain industries or regions may require more evidence
- Employers may be contacted directly
This is about verification reliability, not nationality.
What Actually Improves Approval Chances (Regardless of Country)
Successful skills assessments consistently share the same qualities:
- Clear, detailed, occupation-aligned duties
- Consistent information across all documents
- Strong employment evidence (multiple sources)
- Transparent explanations for any gaps or anomalies
- Early identification of potential risk areas
Applicants from any country can achieve a positive outcome when their application is well-prepared and strategically presented.
Common Mistake: Assuming Country Is the Problem
Many applicants believe a refusal or delay occurred “because of their country.” In reality, the issue is usually:
- Insufficient detail in employment references
- Duties not matching the nominated occupation
- Missing or weak supporting documents
- Misalignment between qualifications and work experience
These are fixable issues with proper professional guidance.
How ACTS Visa Skills Helps Level the Playing Field
At ACTS Visa Skills, we specialise in preparing high-risk and complex skills assessments, including:
- Overseas qualifications and employment
- Self-employment and business ownership
- Non-standard documentation
- Employers that are no longer operational
We:
- Identify country-specific documentation challenges early
- Strengthen evidence to meet Australian standards
- Prepare clear, compliant employment statements
- Reduce verification delays and refusal risk
Final Thoughts
Skills assessment approval rates are not determined by country, but by how well an applicant’s qualifications and experience can be verified against Australian standards.
With the right preparation, applicants from any country can achieve a positive outcome.
If you’re concerned about how your background may be assessed, ACTS Visa Skills is here to guide you with clarity, expertise, and confidence.
Contact ACTS Visa Skills today for a professional skills assessment review and personalised advice.