186 Visa Skill Requirements

Overview

When applying for a visa (186 visa skill Requirements), applicants must provide evidence that their skills were assessed as suitable for the nominated occupation at the time of application. A skills assessment conducted after the visa application does not meet the visa requirements.

Skill Assessment Matching

A positive skills assessment must match the specific 6-digit ANZSCO occupation code on the nomination. For example:

• A positive assessment for “Fitter and Turner” (ANZSCO 323212) will not meet the criteria if the application specifies “Metal Machinist (First Class)” (ANZSCO 323214), even though both occupations belong to the same core group (3232).

The skills assessment must clearly indicate that the relevant assessing authority found the applicant’s skills suitable no later than the date the visa application was submitted. While you can submit a skills assessment after applying, the assessment results must have been obtained before the application date. If the assessment is not included with the application, the applicant should be given the opportunity to submit it, provided it was obtained before the application date. Any correspondence should clearly state that an assessment dated after the application will not satisfy the visa requirements.

Validity Period

Some skills assessing authorities issue assessments with specified expiry dates. Key details include:

• Skills assessments with expiry dates must be valid when applying.
• Skills assessments without expiry dates are valid for three years from the assessment date.

Employment Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria at the time of application:

• Three years of full-time employment in the nominated occupation (38 hours per week).
• Periods of career changes, unemployment, or unpaid leave are excluded.

Recognized Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognized Prior Learning (RPL) refers to cases where qualifications are assessed based on prior work experience and other learning rather than formal coursework. When applying for a visa under RPL, the following considerations are key:

Certificates Without Coursework: Some AQF certificates may lack appropriate coursework or assessments. These may be invalid if solely based on prior work experience or unverified qualifications. Instead, applicants should provide:

• A Statement of Attainment from the RTO, issued for completing accredited units.
• Evidence of progressive assessment through classroom instruction and practical coursework.