UPDATE: VETASSESS Halts New Applications for Certain Trade Occupations
The Trade Skills Assessment plays a crucial role for prospective migrants to explore various Australian visa programs, including:
General Skilled Migration Visas (subclass 491 visa, subclass 190 visa, and subclass 189 visa)
Employer-Sponsored Temporary Working Visas (TSS subclass 482 visa and subclass 494 visa).
The skills assessment is a vital component of the migration process to Australia, determining if individuals possess the necessary skills and knowledge for their chosen occupation. VETASSESS, for example, assesses approximately 25 occupations, including electricians, welders, plumbers, carpenters, cooks, chefs, motor mechanics, and more.
Recent Suspension by VETASSESS
VETASSESS has recently announced a temporary suspension of new applications for the assessment of seven trade occupations. This suspension commenced on 25 September 2023 and affects the following occupations:
VETASSESS and Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) have collaborated and made the decision to enhance the efficiency of managing the overwhelming influx of applications.
However, this only applies to Pathway 1 and Pathway 2 applications under OSAP and TSS programs but does not affect the Job Ready program.
VETASSESS further announced that new Pathway 1 applications for the occupation of Plumber (General) (ANZSCO Code 334111) would be paused from 30 September 2023. The date of resuming new applications for those occupations is currently unknown.
Impact on Applicants
Individuals who have already submitted applications to VETASSESS for assessment in any of these occupations need not take any action, as their applications will be processed as usual. However, those planning to apply for a skills assessment in these occupations have a few options:
Apply for a skills assessment with an alternative Registered Training Organisation (RTO) approved by TRA to assess their occupation in the interim.
Wait for the suspension to conclude, then apply for a skills assessment with VETASSESS. The exact date of resuming new applications for these occupations remains uncertain.
It is crucial for prospective candidates to carefully evaluate their circumstances and select the solution that best aligns with their needs. It is worth noting that other RTOs might also be grappling with high application volumes, so the temporary halt by VETASSESS could potentially increase demand for these organizations.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
At Agape Henry Crux, our Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law with our team of immigration lawyers are specialized in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
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