A skills assessment is often the first major step in an Australian migration journey—and one of the most time-sensitive. Yet many applicants unknowingly make mistakes that can delay their application by months, even when they are otherwise eligible.
As a TRA-approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO), ACTS Visa Skills regularly reviews delayed and high-risk cases. In most situations, the delay is avoidable.
Below are the most common mistakes that cause unnecessary processing delays—and how to prevent them.
1. Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Evidence
One of the most frequent causes of delay is missing or incorrect documentation, such as:
- Incomplete employment references
- Missing payslips, contracts, or tax records
- Incorrect dates or job titles
- Documents not translated by accredited translators
Assessing authorities cannot proceed until all required evidence is provided, often issuing Requests for Further Information (RFIs) that add weeks or months to processing time.
How to avoid it: Ensure all documents are complete, consistent, and meet the assessing authority’s requirements before submission.
2. Poorly Written Employment Reference Letters
Generic or vague reference letters are a major red flag. Common issues include:
- Duties that don’t match the nominated occupation
- Copy-and-paste job descriptions
- No explanation of tools, systems, or level of responsibility
- Missing employer contact details
This often results in additional scrutiny or RFIs.
How to avoid it: Employment references should clearly demonstrate how your day-to-day duties align with your nominated occupation.
3. Choosing the Wrong Occupation
Selecting an incorrect or loosely related occupation can lead to:
- Extended assessment time
- Requests for clarification
- Negative assessment outcomes
This is especially common for applicants with overlapping roles or broad job titles.
How to avoid it: Confirm the correct ANZSCO occupation before applying, not after submission.
4. Inconsistent Information Across Documents
Assessing authorities cross-check every detail. Delays often occur when:
- CVs conflict with reference letters
- Employment dates differ across documents
- Duties don’t align with claimed experience
- Visa history contradicts work claims
Even small inconsistencies can trigger verification checks.
How to avoid it: Ensure all documents tell the same, accurate story.
5. Weak Evidence for Self-Employment
Self-employed applicants frequently experience delays due to:
- Limited financial records
- Missing client contracts or invoices
- Unclear role descriptions
- Lack of business registration evidence
Assessing bodies must be confident the work was genuine and skilled.
How to avoid it: Provide comprehensive business, financial, and client documentation from the outset.
6. Claiming Experience During Full-Time Study
Claiming full-time skilled work while studying full-time is a common reason for RFIs, especially if:
- Timelines overlap
- Work hours appear unrealistic
- No explanation is provided
This often leads to extended processing or experience deductions.
How to avoid it: Clearly explain study and work arrangements and provide supporting evidence.
7. Submitting Low-Quality or Unverifiable Documents
Delays can occur when documents:
- Are unclear or poorly scanned
- Lack official formatting
- Come from employers that cannot be contacted
- Appear inconsistent with regional employment norms
This can trigger additional verification checks.
How to avoid it: Submit clear, professional, and verifiable documentation wherever possible.
8. Applying Without Professional Review
Many applicants only seek help after delays occur. By then:
- RFIs are already issued
- Processing times have been extended
- Corrections become more difficult
How to avoid it: Have your application reviewed by an experienced professional before submission.
How ACTS Visa Skills Prevents Costly Delays
As a TRA-approved RTO, ACTS Visa Skills helps applicants avoid unnecessary delays by:
- Identifying risks before submission
- Ensuring correct occupation selection
- Preparing compliant employment statements
- Reviewing evidence against current TRA standards
- Minimising RFIs and verification issues
Our goal is to help your application move forward smoothly and efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Most long delays are not caused by assessing authorities—they are caused by avoidable mistakes at the application stage.
With proper preparation and expert guidance, you can reduce processing time and avoid months of unnecessary waiting.
If you want your skills assessment done right the first time, ACTS Visa Skills is here to help.
Contact ACTS Visa Skills today for professional skills assessment support and pre-submission review.