By Sukhjinder Singh December 3, 2025 0 Comments

Job Ready Program (JRP): Fees & Requirements – Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

The Job Ready Program (JRP) is designed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) to assess whether your qualifications and workplace skills meet Australian industry standards before applying for permanent or skilled visas.

Job Ready Program (JRP) Fees

Program StageFee (AUD)Duration / Requirement
1. PSA (Prerequisite)$130Verify qualification (Required for 485 Visa)
2. JRE (Employment)$490Registration of employment.
3. JRWA (Workplace Assessment)$2,845Occurs after 6 months of JRE
4. JRFA (Final Assessment)$75Final sign-off after 12 months
Total Estimated Cost$3,540Total Duration: Min. 12 Months
Chef, moto mechanic ready for Job ready program

JRP Steps (4 Stages)

The Job Ready Program consists of four mandatory steps, and must be completed in order:

  1. Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA)
  2. Job Ready Employment (JRE)
  3. Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA)
  4. Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA)

Step 1: Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA)

Before you can start the Job Ready Program, you must pass the PSA.

The Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA) is the entry-level assessment that verifies your Australian qualification is genuine and relevant to your nominated occupation. It is typically required to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).

PSA Eligibility:

  • Hold a relevant Australian qualification (Certificate III, IV, or Diploma).
  • Your qualification must be from a CRICOS-registered RTO.
  • You must have completed the study in Australia.

Why is it important?

A successful PSA outcome determines that you are eligible for the Graduate Visa (485) and allows you to apply for the full Job Ready Program (JRP).

Critical Rule: You must have a successful PSA outcome to apply for JRE (Step 2). Your PSA outcome is valid for 3 years.

Step 2: Job Ready Employment (JRE)

Once you have your successful PSA and a valid visa (usually the 485 visa), you enter the employment phase.

What is JRE?

You begin working in your nominated occupation to gain real-world experience. You must register your employment with TRA so they can track your skill development.

Eligibility:

  • Valid PSA outcome (within the last 3 years).
  • Current passport.
  • Employed in your nominated occupation.
  • Be in an employer–employee arrangement (or approved subcontractor arrangement).

Documents Required:

  • Employment Verification Report (EVR): Signed by your employer.
  • Pay Evidence: 3 weeks of payslips or payroll printouts.
  • Passport: Copy of current passport.

Additional or New Employers

You can register up to 5 employers during the program and must complete at least 6 months full-time equivalent with one of the registered employers before JRWA.

Employment Requirements to Finish JRP:

  • Time: Minimum 12 months.
  • Hours: At least 1,725 hours of paid employment (Full time or Part time or Casual)
  • Subcontractors: Allowed only if you work at least 6 months with one contractor who signs your reports.

Claiming Prior Employment

You may claim up to 3 months of employment before your JRE application IF:

  • It was with your first registered employer
  • It was in your nominated occupation
  • It was ongoing on your JRE application date
  • It meets TRA approval

Step 3: Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA)

After completing 6 months of employment (and approx. 863 hours), you must submit your Skills Progress Report (SPR), Employment Confirmation Form, and 6 months of pay slips.

Once TRA reviews and approves these documents, they will issue a JRWA Confirmation Form. You must sign this form and pay the assessment fee to proceed. TRA will then assign an approved assessor who will visit your workplace to test your practical skills and verify your competency.

What happens?

An assessor visits your workplace to verify that you are working at the standard of an Australian tradesperson.

The Assessment Includes:

  • Reviewing your Skills Progress Report (SPR).
  • Observing you perform daily tasks.
  • Interviewing you about your trade knowledge.
  • Testing practical skills.

Outcomes:

  • Job Ready: You passed! You demonstrated safe work practices and industry-standard skills.
  • Not Yet Job Ready: You may need further training. You can request a review or apply for a second assessment (additional fee applies).

Step 4: Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA)

This is the final stage confirming that you have met all JRP requirements.

Eligibility:

  • Successful JRWA outcome.
  • Completed 12 months full-time equivalent employment (1,725 hours).
  • Provided valid Employment Confirmation Forms.

Outcome: Within 45 days, TRA will email your final outcome letter. This document is your Official Full Skills Assessment and is used for skilled migration visa applications (e.g., 189, 190, 491).

Review of JRP Outcome

If you disagree with JRE or JRFA outcomes, you have:

  • 45 days to request a review
  • No fee for review

How to Apply for the Job Ready Program

You apply through the TRA Online Portal using the username and password created during your PSA/JRPRE application.

Each login uses multi-factor authentication, and a one-time passcode will be emailed to you.


Step-by-Step Application Process

For each stage of the JRP, you must:

  1. Log into the TRA Online Portal
  2. Select Job Ready Program
  3. Complete the online form
  4. Upload all documents
  5. Pay fees
  6. Click Submit & Print for final submission

Ineligible Occupations

Please note that some licensed trades are not eligible for the JRP because they have their own specific licensing pathways. These typically include:

  • Electrician (General / Special Class)
  • Plumber (General)
  • Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic

Conclusion

The Job Ready Program is essential for international graduates seeking skilled employment and migration pathways in Australia. Understanding each step — PSA, JRE, JRWA, JRFA — helps you prepare the correct documents, meet employment requirements, and achieve a successful skills assessment.

If you need assistance with the JRP or skilled visa pathways, Migration Dreamz is here to support you.

Contact Migration Dreamz

📞 0433 662 117
📧 admin@migrationdreamz.com.au
📍 Unit 11, 4 Queen Street, Bentley WA 6102
🌐 www.migrationdreamz.com.au

FAQ – Job Ready Program (JRP) Australia

How many hours do I need for a job ready program?

The Job Ready Program (JRP) requires a total of at least 1,725 hours of paid employment. This must be completed over a minimum period of 12 months from your JRP start date.

How much does a job ready program cost?

The total cost is roughly $3,540, paid in four stages:

Step 1: $130 for the PSA (Skills check).
Step 2: $490 for JRE (Employment registration).
Step 3: $2,845 for JRWA (Practical assessment).
Step 4: $75 for JRFA (Final completion).

Can I work as casual for JRP?

Yes, you can complete the Job Ready Program (JRP) while working in a full-time, part-time, or casual capacity. The specific type of contract does not matter as long as you complete the minimum requirement of 1,725 hours of paid employment.

How long do I have to finish the Job Ready Program?

You must complete the entire Job Ready Program within 3 years, starting from the date your Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA) was successful. If you do not finish all stages within this 3-year window, you will receive an unsuccessful result and may need to start the process again.

Is it possible to begin the Job Ready Program while I am still on a Student Visa?

Yes, you can. As long as you have your successful PSA result, you can register for the JRP. The main thing to remember is that you must still comply with your Student Visa work restrictions. Because you are limited in how many hours you can work per fortnight, it will take you longer to reach the required 1,725 hours compared to someone on a full-time work visa.

Can I change employer during the JRP?

Yes, you are permitted to register up to 5 different employers during your Job Ready Program. However, you must complete at least 6 months of full-time equivalent work with a single employer before you can sit for your Workplace Assessment (JRWA). Additionally, any new employer must be officially approved by TRA before you can begin counting hours with them.

How do I know if my job tasks are eligible?

Your employment must include tasks closely related to your nominated occupation according to ANZSCO skill descriptions. Your EVR, SPR, and assessment will confirm whether your tasks meet the required skill level.

Can subcontractors participate in the JRP?

Yes, subcontractors may be eligible if they:

1. Meet TRA employment conditions
2. Work consistently with one contractor for at least 6 months
3. Can provide invoices and bank statements
4. Have their EVR and Skills Progress Report signed by the contractor

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