If you’re planning to migrate to Australia as a skilled worker in engineering or construction trades, you’ve probably heard advice from friends, colleagues, or online forums. While well-meaning, relying on unverified migration advice can be risky—and in some cases, it can jeopardise your skills assessment or visa application entirely.
As a TRA-approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO) specialising in engineering and construction trades, ACTS Visa Skills has seen first-hand how misinformation can lead to costly mistakes, delays, and even refusals.
1. Migration Advice from Friends Is Often Outdated
Australian migration rules, skills assessment requirements, and trade standards change frequently. Advice from friends who migrated years ago may no longer be accurate.
Common outdated guidance includes:
- Which occupation to nominate
- Evidence requirements for TRA assessments
- Minimum work experience thresholds
- Points test rules or visa pathways
Following outdated advice can result in incorrect applications, unnecessary delays, or negative outcomes.
2. Friends Are Not Registered Migration Agents
Only registered migration agents are authorised to give formal advice about migration or skills assessments. Friends—even those who have successfully migrated—cannot guarantee accurate guidance for your specific circumstances.
Reliance on informal advice can lead to:
- Submitting the wrong assessment stream
- Using insufficient evidence
- Overstating qualifications or work experience (which can risk credibility)
3. Skills Assessments Require Technical Precision
Engineering and construction trades are highly technical. Assessing authorities, including TRA, focus on practical skills, detailed work duties, and evidence alignment with ANZSCO standards.
Friends may:
- Oversimplify what counts as relevant experience
- Give incorrect tips on preparing employment references
- Underestimate documentation requirements
Even a small mistake can delay your assessment by months.
4. Every Application Is Unique
Two applicants in the same occupation may have completely different requirements depending on:
- Qualifications (overseas vs. Australian)
- Work experience (onshore vs. offshore)
- Self-employment vs. employee experience
- Employer documentation and verification
Generic advice from friends often fails to account for individual circumstances, which can result in refusals.
5. Consequences of Following Informal Advice
The risks of relying on friends’ migration advice include:
- Skills assessment delays or rejections
- Visa application refusals
- Loss of fees, time, and opportunity
- Increased stress and uncertainty
In some cases, errors may require starting the process from scratch, which can set back your plans by months—or even years.
How ACTS Visa Skills Protects You
As a TRA-approved RTO, ACTS Visa Skills provides professional, compliant guidance for engineering and construction trades, including:
- Assessing your eligibility before you apply
- Selecting the correct occupation and assessment stream
- Preparing employment references and supporting documents
- Mapping overseas experience to Australian standards
- Reducing the risk of RFIs, delays, or refusal
We ensure your application meets TRA requirements and Australian trade standards, so your skills assessment reflects your actual experience and ability.
Final Thoughts
Migration advice from friends might seem helpful, but it is never a substitute for professional guidance. Engineering and construction trades are technical, regulated, and strictly assessed—so mistakes can be costly.
With a TRA-approved RTO like ACTS Visa Skills, you can move forward confidently, knowing your skills assessment and migration pathway are in compliant, experienced hands.
Contact ACTS Visa Skills today to start your skills assessment for engineering or construction trades the right way.