Applying for a skills assessment through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) like Australian Construction Training Services (ACTS Visa Skills) is a vital step for tradespeople looking to migrate or work legally in Australia. However, many applicants face delays—or even rejection—simply because of avoidable mistakes in their evidence submission.
To help you avoid setbacks, here are the most common mistakes people make when submitting their skills assessment evidence, and how you can avoid them.
1. Incomplete or Missing Documents
This is one of the most frequent and costly mistakes. Missing just one key piece of evidence—like a payslip, qualification certificate, or employer reference—can hold up your entire application.
How to avoid it:
- Use a document checklist based on your specific trade and visa pathway.
- Double-check all required documents before submitting your application.
- Include both employment and qualification evidence.
2. Unverified or Uncertified Documents
If your documents aren’t properly certified (or translated into English if required), they may be rejected.
How to avoid it:
- Make sure all copies are certified by an authorised person (e.g., a justice of the peace, lawyer, or notary public).
- Ensure all foreign-language documents are officially translated into English by a certified translator.
3. Inconsistent Dates and Job Titles
Mismatched or inconsistent information between your resume, employment references, payslips, and other records raises red flags with assessors.
How to avoid it:
- Double-check that your dates and job titles match across all documents.
- If your duties changed while working with one employer, explain that clearly in your reference letter.
4. Weak or Vague Employer References
Many applicants provide generic employer statements that don’t describe what they actually did in their trade. Assessors want to know exactly what kind of work you performed and how it relates to Australian standards.
How to avoid it:
- Employer references must be detailed and specific to your trade.
- Include information such as: the tools you used, the types of jobs you worked on, safety procedures followed, and your level of responsibility.
5. Lack of Evidence for Self-Employment
If you were self-employed, you’ll need strong evidence to prove your work experience. Many applicants only submit invoices or business registration, which isn’t enough.
How to avoid it:
- Include business registration, tax records, invoices, receipts, photos of your work, and client testimonials.
- Provide a statutory declaration explaining your role, projects, and daily tasks if employer references are not available.
6. Low-Quality Scans or Photos
If your documents are blurry, incomplete, or difficult to read, assessors may reject them or request clearer copies—delaying your application.
How to avoid it:
- Provide clear, high-resolution scans of all documents.
- Avoid using mobile phone photos unless taken with good lighting and resolution.
7. Failing to Demonstrate Practical Experience
Some applicants provide lots of paperwork but don’t show hands-on, practical experience. Assessors need to see evidence that you’ve actually worked in your trade, not just studied it.
How to avoid it:
- Submit photos of you doing trade work, job sheets, safety forms (like SWMS or JSAs), and tool lists.
- Be ready to talk about your experience in a technical interview or practical assessment if required.
A successful skills assessment starts with clear, detailed, and properly certified documentation. Avoiding these common mistakes not only improves your chances of a smooth approval but also saves you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Before submitting, take the time to review everything carefully, follow all instructions, and if needed, seek guidance from a migration agent or skills assessment expert. If you would like to get started with your skills assessment, contact ACTS Visa Skills today
