When You Need a Reassessment

Common Reasons and Solutions (When Applying for a Skills Assessment Through TRA)

If you’re planning to migrate to Australia for work and your occupation is in a trade, you’ll likely need a skills assessment through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). TRA assessments ensure your qualifications, experience, and skills match Australian standards. However, not every application sails through on the first try. Sometimes, applicants find themselves needing a reassessment—a situation that can feel frustrating but is often navigable with the right knowledge.

In this article, we’ll explore why reassessments happen, the most common reasons behind them, and what you can do to improve your outcome on the next attempt.

What Is a Reassessment?

A reassessment refers to the process of submitting your application again after an unsuccessful outcome, either due to insufficient evidence or issues identified during the initial skills assessment. TRA allows reassessments within a specific timeframe, typically 12 months from the date of your original assessment outcome.

You do not need to resubmit your entire application—only the components that were deemed unsatisfactory.

Common Reasons for Needing a Reassessment

Here are the most frequent issues that lead to a reassessment request:

1. Insufficient Employment Evidence

One of the main criteria in TRA assessments is proving you have the required employment history in your nominated trade. Common issues include:

• Missing employer references or incomplete details
• References not outlining tasks performed, hours worked, or equipment used
• Lack of payslips, tax records, or contracts to support your work history

Solution: Review the TRA’s evidence requirements carefully. Resubmit with:

• Detailed, signed employer references
• Supporting documents such as payslips, tax returns, or bank statements
• Clear information about duties performed that match your ANZSCO code

2. Unrecognised or Non-Equivalent Qualifications

TRA may not accept certain qualifications if they’re not considered equivalent to Australian standards.

Solution: If this applies to you:

• Include an official translation (if applicable)
• Provide a full transcript of subjects studied
• Submit any additional certifications or training evidence
• Where required, apply through the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) or Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) to supplement gaps

3. Incorrect ANZSCO Code

Choosing the wrong ANZSCO code can result in rejection, especially if your evidence doesn’t align with the listed tasks for that occupation.

Solution:

• Reassess your skills and duties and choose the ANZSCO code that best reflects your experience
• Adjust your employment references and evidence accordingly
• Seek professional advice if you’re unsure about the right code

4. Failure to Meet English Language Requirements (Where Applicable)

Some applicants fail to provide acceptable evidence of English proficiency where it is required (especially under certain pathways).

Solution:

• Submit results from an approved English test (IELTS, PTE, etc.) that meets the minimum requirements
• If your qualifications were taught in English, provide evidence such as a letter from the institution confirming the medium of instruction

5. Insufficient Documentary Evidence

Generic or incomplete applications lacking proper supporting documentation are frequently declined.

Solution:

• Cross-check all requirements on the TRA website or the guidelines for your specific pathway (e.g., MSA, OSAP, TSS)
• Label all documents clearly and ensure they are well-organised
• Include certified copies of your original documents

How to Submit a Reassessment

To apply for a reassessment, you must:

• Log in to your TRA online portal
• Select ‘Reassessment’ from your application options
• Pay the reassessment fee (as of the latest guidelines)
• Upload only the new or updated evidence TRA requested in the outcome letter

Keep your documentation specific, concise, and relevant to the areas TRA highlighted in your original assessment outcome.

Tips for a Successful Reassessment

1. Read the Assessment Outcome Letter Carefully
   This will detail exactly why your application was unsuccessful and which areas need improvement.
2. Be Organised
   Create a checklist based on TRA’s requirements and your feedback letter.
3. Don’t Repeat the Same Mistakes
   Ensure your new submission directly addresses the shortfalls identified in your first application.
4. Get Help if Needed
   Consider consulting a Registered Migration Agent or a trade-specific migration specialist. A small investment in expert advice can save you time and money.

Final Thoughts

While receiving an unsuccessful TRA outcome can be discouraging, it’s not the end of the road. Many applicants are successful after reassessment—especially when they take the time to understand the reasons for rejection and provide stronger, clearer evidence.

Approach the reassessment process methodically, focus on the areas highlighted by TRA, and seek guidance if needed. With the right strategy, you can turn your initial setback into a successful migration step. Contact Visa Skills Australia today to get started