Timeline Breakdown
If you’re planning to migrate to Australia for work or study, or apply for a skilled visa, chances are you’ll need to complete a skills assessment. This process is essential to prove that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.
One of the most common questions applicants ask is: “How long does a skills assessment take?” The answer depends on several factors — including the assessing authority, the occupation, and the completeness of your application.
In this blog, we’ll break down the skills assessment timeline and walk you through what to expect at each stage.
What Is a Skills Assessment?
Before diving into the timeline, let’s clarify what a skills assessment is.
A skills assessment is an official evaluation conducted by a designated assessing authority to determine whether your skills, qualifications, and experience align with Australian industry standards for a specific occupation.
Skills Assessment Timeline: Step-by-Step Breakdown
While timelines can vary between assessing authorities, here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:
1. Gathering Documents (1–4 weeks)
Before you apply, you’ll need to collect supporting documents, such as:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Employment references
- Resume/CV
- ID documents (passport, etc.)
- Pay Evidence
- Evidence of English proficiency (if required)
Tips to speed this up:
- Request documents early from employers or educational institutions
- Get certified translations if your documents are not in English
- Double-check guidelines from the assessing body to avoid delays
2. Submitting Your Application (1 day)
Once you have all your documents ready, submitting your application is typically done online through the relevant assessing authority’s portal.
Some assessments may require:
- Online application form
- Payment of fees
- Uploading certified documents
Most authorities won’t begin the assessment until payment is received.
3. Assessment Processing Time
This is the part that varies the most.
Estimated processing times by assessing authority:
| Assessing Body | Estimated Time |
| Australian Construction Training Services – ACTS Visa Skills | 8–12 weeks (standard) |
Timelines can be affected by application errors, peak periods, or missing documents.
4. Outcome Notification (1–2 weeks)
Once your application is assessed, you’ll receive an email or letter with the outcome. If successful, this will include a positive skills assessment letter — essential for your visa application.
If unsuccessful, the authority may:
- Provide reasons for the outcome
- Suggest appeal or review options
- Recommend further qualifications or experience
Summary: Skills Assessment Timeline at a Glance
| Stage | Time Estimate |
| Document Preparation | 1–4 weeks |
| Submission | 1 day |
| Processing by Authority | 4–16 weeks |
| Receiving the Outcome | 1–2 weeks |
| Total Time | 6–20+ weeks |
Need Help with the Skills Assessment Process?
That’s where ACTS – Visa Skills comes in.
ACTS – Visa Skills: Your Trusted Partner in Skills Assessment
Navigating the skills assessment process can be overwhelming — especially if you’re juggling work, family, and visa deadlines. ACTS – Visa Skills is here to make the process faster, easier, and stress-free.
Why Choose ACTS?
✅ Expert Guidance – Our team understands the unique requirements of each assessing authority and can help you compile a fully compliant application.
✅ Industry Experience – We specialise in assessments for trades, technical roles, and skilled occupations under TRA and other authorities.
✅ Support Every Step of the Way – From document collection to liaising with assessors, we’re with you throughout the entire journey.
✅ Training Pathways Available – Don’t meet the criteria yet? We can connect you with relevant training and certification to strengthen your application.
What Our Clients Say
“ACTS helped me get my skills assessment done quickly and without stress. I had no idea where to begin, but their team walked me through it step-by-step.” – Mark, Diesel Mechanic
Ready to Start?
Let ACTS – Visa Skills help you take the next step in your migration or career journey.
Visit: visaskills.com
Email: enquiries@visaskills.com
Final Word
A skills assessment might seem like a small part of the visa process, but it’s one of the most important. With the right preparation and expert support from ACTS – Visa Skills, you can avoid delays and move forward with confidence.
Don’t leave it to chance — get assessed the right way, the first time