Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) – Complete Guide (Updated 2026)

The Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) is a mandatory skills assessment pathway for overseas-trained workers applying for certain skilled visas to Australia. It ensures that applicants have the skills, knowledge, and experience to perform at the level expected of an Australian tradesperson.

Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) assessments are conducted through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) in partnership with TRA-approved Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

This guide explains OSAP eligibility, documents, fees, pathways, assessment process, outcomes, and how Migration Dreamz can assist with your skills assessment.

Objective of Offshore Skills Assessment Program

The Offshore Skills Assessment Program aims to:

• Confirm whether an applicant can work at the required Australian skill level in their nominated occupation.
• Ensure applicants can contribute immediately to Australia’s skilled workforce after migration.
• Provide a formal skills assessment outcome required for various skilled migration visas (excluding subclass 485 and TSS 482).

OSAP is compulsory for applicants who:

• Work in a nominated occupation listed under OSAP
• Hold a passport from a nominated country or Special Administrative Region (SAR)
• Apply for a permanent skilled visa
• Apply for specific licensed trade occupations

How to Apply for Offshore Skills Assessment Program

To begin your OSAP assessment, applicants must:

1. Select a TRA-Approved RTO

Use the RTO Finder on the TRA website:

• Choose your nominated occupation
• Review the list of approved RTOs
• Contact the RTO directly to discuss eligibility and assessment requirements

2. Register on the TRA Online Portal

You will need to:

• Create a username and password
• Enter your personal and skills information
• Upload required documents
• Enter the RTO Assessment Payment Identifier Code provided by your chosen RTO

IMPORTANT — Do NOT apply if:

✘ You cannot provide all required documents
✘ You are unable/unwilling to travel to an approved assessment venue
Failure to attend within the required time will result in withdrawal of application and fee loss.

OSAP Document Requirements

You must upload full-colour scanned documents, including:

• Passport identification page
• Qualifications
• Employment statements and evidence
• Training documentation
• Translations (if original documents are not in English)
• Evidence of payment

RTOs may require you to present original documents during the assessment process.

OSAP Fees (GST Excluded – AUD)

OSAP Eligibility

OSAP applies to applicants who:

• Hold a passport from a nominated country/SAR, and
• Work in a TRA-nominated occupation

OSAP is compulsory for licensed trades:

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

The program is also open to applicants from all countries who are willing to travel to an approved assessment location.

OSAP Pathways Overview

OSAP offers two pathways, depending on your qualifications.

🔹 Pathway 1 – No Australian VET Qualification

You must demonstrate:

• Full-time work experience based on trade type:
  • Licensed trade, no formal training → 6 years’ experience
  • Licensed trade, formal training → 4 years’ experience
  • Non-licensed trade, no formal training → 5 years’ experience
  • Non-licensed trade, formal training → 3 years’ experience
• 12 months full-time employment in the nominated occupation in the last 3 years
• Complete documentary evidence
• Attend technical interview and, for licensed trades, a compulsory practical assessment

🔹 Pathway 2 – With Australian VET Qualification or Unrestricted Australian Occupational License

Requirements:

• At least 3 years full-time paid employment in a directly related occupation
• 12 months full-time employment in the last 3 years
• For licensed trades, the 12 months must be in Australia
• Submit a complete set of identity, skills, and employment documents
• Attend a technical interview conducted by a qualified assessor

Documentary Evidence Assessment

Your RTO will check:

• Identity
• Skills
• Experience
• Qualifications (if applicable)
• Whether you meet Pathway 1 or Pathway 2 requirements

Successful applicants move to the next stage: Technical Skills Assessment.

Technical Skills Assessment

Conducted by a TRA-approved assessor, this includes:

For Pathway 1 Applicants

• Technical interview
• Evidence review
• Practical demonstration (mandatory for licensed trades)

For Pathway 2 Applicants

• Technical interview only
• Evidence gathering from employers/referees

The assessor checks whether you meet the full range of tasks required in Australia’s training packages.

Technical Assessment Outcome

The RTO sends a recommendation to TRA.
TRA makes the final decision.

You will receive either:

✅ Successful Outcome

• Pathway 1 (non-licensed): Australian VET qualification awarded
• Pathway 1 (licensed): Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR) issued
• Pathway 2: Skilled migration outcome letter

❌ Unsuccessful Outcome

The RTO provides:

• Outcome letter
• Identified skill gaps
• Options for review or reassessment

Skills Assessment Outcome

A successful OSAP outcome provides documentation that can be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs for skilled visa applications, such as:

• Subclass 189
• Subclass 190
• Subclass 491
• Subclass 186 (DE for licensed trades)
• Subclass 494

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of Offshore Skills Assessment Program?

To ensure overseas-trained workers meet Australian industry standards before applying for skilled migration.

2. Which visas require an Offshore Skills Assessment Program?

Most permanent skilled visas, except subclass 485 and TSS 482.

3. Who conducts the OSAP assessments?

TRA-approved Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

4. Do I need to travel for the assessment?

Yes, for certain occupations—especially licensed trades requiring practical assessments.

5. Can I apply if I’m missing documents?

No. OSAP requires decision-ready evidence.

6. What if my assessment is unsuccessful?

You may apply for a review or reassessment, depending on the stage.

Need Help With Your OSAP Application?

Migration Dreamz assists applicants with:

✔ Eligibility assessment
✔ Document preparation
✔ Employment evidence organisation
✔ RTO selection guidance
✔ Complete management of OSAP Pathways 1 & 2
✔ Skilled visa planning after a successful OSAP outcome

📞 Contact Migration Dreamz Today
Let us help you complete your OSAP skills assessment with confidence.