Mandatory Skills Assessment for the 482 Visa: What You Need to Know

Clear Answer First

For many applicants, a mandatory skills assessment is required before applying for a Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482). However, if you have completed a relevant qualification in Australia, you may be exempt from this requirement.

This rule is important for both applicants and employers considering an Employer Sponsored Visa in Australia.

Why Is a Skills Assessment Required?

The 482 visa Australia allows employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers when local talent cannot fill a role. To ensure workers meet Australian standards, applicants in certain occupations—particularly trade occupations—must undergo a skills assessment through an authorised skill assessing body.

This is especially relevant for applicants from specific countries, where it is a mandatory requirement to undergo a skills assessment for specific occupations for qualifications and work experience gained overseas,  before a visa will be granted.

Common occupations requiring skills assessment include:

• Chef and Cook
• Motor Mechanic and Diesel Motor Mechanic
• Electrician
• Plumber
• Carpenter
• Metal Fabricator

Who Needs a Mandatory Skills Assessment?

Not all applicants need to complete this step. The requirement depends on:

1. Many but not all trade-related occupations.
2. Passport Country – typically Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Fiji, India Nepal, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe.

Example: A chef from the Philippines applying for a work visa in Australia will need to complete the mandatory assessment, but if they have completed a relevant hospitality course in Australia, they will not need to do a skills assessment.

When Can the Skills Assessment Be Waived?

Applicants who have completed relevant Australian qualifications—for example, a Certificate III or IV in their trade— will be exempt from having to do a skills assessment.

This waiver saves applicants both time and money and streamlines the Australia visa application process.

Pathways Without Skills Assessment: Australian Qualifications

Completing an Australian trade qualification, beginning with a Student Visa Australia, can eventually transition into a work sponsorship visa Australia with full-time rights.

Benefits for Employers and Applicants

For employers, sponsoring a worker who has already completed their skills assessment—or who holds a recognised Australian qualification—reduces risks and shortens processing time.

For applicants, this can be the pathway to long-term settlement, including:

• Permanent residency through an Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186)
• Including partners and children if they have family in or outside Australia

Why Work with an Immigration Specialist in Sydney?

Navigating mandatory skills assessments is complex. At AustraliaMigrate, our team of immigration specialists in Sydney and migration agents Australia-wide guide you through every step. We help determine whether:

• You need a skills assessment for your occupation and nationality
• Your Australian qualification exempts you
• You should pursue a 482 visa, a regional visa Australia, or transition to permanent residency

We also assist families with parent visa Australia, child visa, and parent visa applications to keep loved ones together.

Key Takeaway

A mandatory skills assessment is often required for the 482 Employer Sponsored Visa Australia, but applicants with relevant Australian qualifications qualify for an exemption. Understanding these rules early ensures a smoother migration journey and helps employers secure the skilled workers they urgently need.

With expert support from a trusted immigration specialist Australia, you can make confident decisions about your Australia immigration visa pathway.