This updated guide explains the purpose, eligibility, required documents, fees, application process, outcome, and review rights in simple, clear language.
Objective of Migration Skills Assessment Program
The purpose of the MSA is to assess whether:
Your qualification is comparable to the relevant AQF standard
Your employment experience matches Australian industry expectations
Your training and work history reflect the skills of a competent tradesperson
You meet the standard required for Skilled Migration visas
TRA uses a documentary-based assessment to confirm you meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.
Document Requirements (What You Must Provide)
You must upload original colour scans of required documents in PDF format (minimum 150 dpi, max 10 MB per file).
✔ Identity Documents
Passport identification page
Evidence of name change (if applicable)
✔ Qualification Documents
Final qualification / trade certificate
Full academic transcript showing subjects, dates, and outcomes
Apprenticeship contracts, journals, or completion letters (if applicable)
✔ Employment Documents
For each employment period claimed:
Employer Template (must be typed, not handwritten)
Pay evidence (payslips, tax assessments, bank statements, superannuation, etc.)
✔ Self-Employment Evidence (if applicable)
Business registration documents
Annual tax records
Invoices issued/received
Bank statements
Accountant statements
⚠ Handwritten documents are not accepted. ⚠ TRA may request further evidence if verification is not possible.
Your qualification is directly relevant to the occupation
Your employment matches ANZSCO tasks for that occupation
You can provide 3 years of full-time (or equivalent) paid employment
You cannot apply if:
You hold a passport/occupation that requires assessment through Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)
You require a skills assessment for licensed occupations:
Electrician (General)
Electrician (Special Class)
Plumber (General)
Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
You are applying for visa subclasses:
485 (use Job Ready Program)
482 (use TSS Skills Assessment Program)
Qualification Requirements
Your qualification must:
Be formally awarded
Be relevant to your nominated occupation
Include sufficient training and study load
Match the AQF requirement for your trade (Certificate III/IV or equivalent)
TRA will not accept:
Occupational licences
Short courses
Trade tests without qualification
Work experience alone
Incomplete qualifications
Employment Requirements
You must demonstrate:
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time relevant employment
Tasks and duties matching the ANZSCO for your nominated occupation
At least 12 months of recent (last 3 years) employment to show currency of skills
✔ Full-time
38 hours per week (or the full-time standard in your country).
✔ Part-time
Calculated pro-rata.
Pay Evidence (What TRA Accepts)
Employment Outside Australia
Must include at least 2 sources per year:
Tax records / notices of assessment
Work permits or official employment confirmation
Payslips (minimum 3)
Superannuation documents (if applicable)
Bank statements showing wage deposits
Employment in Australia
At least 2 sources per year:
Income statements / ATO documents
3 payslips
Superannuation
Bank statements showing wage deposits
Self-Employment Overseas
At least 3 sources per year:
Business registration
Trade licences
Annual tax documents
Invoice history
Bank statements
Accountant statements
Self-Employment in Australia
At least 3 sources per year:
ABN
BAS statements
Tax returns
Bank statements
Financial statements
Accountant statements
Verification Process
TRA may:
Contact your employer
Validate business registration details
Request additional documents
Seek employer confirmation through an official email
If employment cannot be verified, the claim may be rejected.
Migration Skills Assessment Outcome
You will receive your outcome via email:
✔ Successful MSA
You can use the outcome letter to:
Lodge a skilled visa
Claim points for your skills
Proceed with your migration pathway
❌ Unsuccessful MSA
TRA will explain:
Reasons for the refusal
Missing documents
Tasks not matching ANZSCO
Qualification issues
Employment verification failures
You may:
Request a review ($610)
Submit a new application
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the Migration Skills Assessment take?
Processing times vary but most assessments take 10–16 weeks, depending on complexity and verification requirements.
Can I use work experience instead of a qualification?
Yes. If you get an RPL qualification from Australian Institute on the basis of 3 years of relevant full time employment. But TRA will assess this strictly.
What if TRA cannot verify my employment?
TRA may ask for additional evidence. If it still cannot be verified, the claim will be rejected.
Can I apply for the MSA from overseas?
Yes. The MSA is available worldwide as long as you meet qualification and employment requirements.
Need Help with Your Migration Skills Assessment?
Migration Dreamz can help you prepare a complete and compliant TRA MSA application, including:
