Understanding the Difference Between MSA and OSAP: Which Skills Assessment Pathway Is Right for You?

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Disclaimer:

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional migration advice. The Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) and Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) processes are detailed and can involve complex eligibility criteria, document requirements, and case-specific factors that are not fully addressed here. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult a registered migration agent, education consultant, or qualified professional before making any decisions or submitting an application. Relying solely on simplified summaries may result in delays, errors, or adverse outcomes.

If you are preparing to apply for a skilled visa to migrate to Australia, one of the first and most important steps is obtaining a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. For trade and technical occupations, that authority is usually Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

TRA offers several assessment pathways, but two of the most commonly confused are:

• Migration Skills Assessment (MSA), and

• Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)

Although they both serve the purpose of verifying your skills and experience, they differ significantly in their processes, eligibility criteria, and target applicants. Choosing the correct pathway is essential, as applying under the wrong program will likely lead to delays or rejection.

This guide will help you understand both options clearly so you can make the right decision for your situation.

What is the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA)?

The Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) is a document-based assessment. It is intended for applicants who:

• Hold formal qualifications that are comparable to the Australian standard for their occupation,

• Have at least three years of full-time work experience in their nominated occupation (or equivalent part-time), and

• Can provide sufficient evidence of employment, including detailed documentation such as payslips, tax documents, and contracts.

Key Features of MSA:

• No technical or practical test is required.

• The assessment is conducted by TRA directly.

• It is primarily intended for applicants who are not in licensed trades and not from OSAP-mandated countries.

• Commonly used for skilled migration visa types such as subclass 189, 190, or 491.

Requirements:

• A relevant qualification comparable to an Australian qualification.

• At least 3 years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience.

• At least 12 months of work experience in the last 3 years in the same occupation.

• Documented proof of employment (e.g., employer letters, payslips, tax records).

What is the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)?

The Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) is a more comprehensive process that includes both documentation review and a technical skills assessment, which may involve a practical test or technical interview.

It is mandatory for:

• Applicants in licensed trades, such as Electricians, Plumbers, or Refrigeration Mechanics, and

• Applicants from specific countries or regions listed by TRA as requiring OSAP for certain occupations.

Key Features of OSAP:

• Involves both document checks and a technical assessment conducted by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

• Required for occupations where practical skills are considered essential.

• Suitable for applicants who do not have an Australian qualification but have substantial work experience.

• More costly than MSA due to the additional assessment components.

• Requires applicants to be willing and able to attend an assessment venue, either in person or online depending on availability and occupation.

Requirements:

• Relevant experience in your nominated occupation.

• Depending on your training background and trade licensing, between 3 to 6 years of experience may be required.

• If applying through Pathway 1 (no Australian qualification): a technical interview and possibly a practical assessment are required.

• If applying through Pathway 2 (with an Australian VET qualification): a technical interview is required.

How to Choose the Correct Pathway

Choosing between MSA and OSAP is not a matter of personal preference; it depends on your occupation, country of passport, and qualifications.

Use MSA if:

• You have a formal qualification comparable to an Australian qualification.

• You are not applying in a licensed trade (e.g., you are a Cabinetmaker, Chef, or Engineering Technician).

• Your country and occupation combination does not require OSAP.

• You can provide clear, verifiable documentation for your work experience.

You must use OSAP if:

• Your occupation is a licensed trade in Australia (e.g., Electrician, Plumber, Air Conditioning Mechanic).

• TRA has designated your country and occupation as requiring OSAP (regardless of your qualifications).

• You do not have a formal Australian qualification, but you have the skills and experience to perform the work and are willing to undergo a technical assessment.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	MSA	OSAP
Type of Assessment	Document-based only	Document + Technical interview/practical test
Assessed By	TRA directly	TRA + Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Occupation Suitability	Non-licensed trades only	Licensed trades or mandatory country/occupation
Practical Test Required	No	Yes (for many occupations)
Common for Which Visa Types	Subclass 189, 190, 491	Subclass 189, 190, 491
Average Fees	$795 AUD	$1,120 – $4,000+ AUD depending on occupation
Processing Time	Up to 120 days	Around 15 weeks once application is decision-ready

Final Advice

Before applying for any skills assessment:

1. Check your occupation and passport country requirements on the TRA website.

2. Use the TRA Pathfinder Tool to confirm which pathway is applicable.

3. Ensure all your documents are ready before applying — all applications must be "decision ready".

4. Consult a professional migration agent if you are still unsure.

Applying under the correct pathway from the start can save you time, money, and unnecessary frustration.

Need Assistance?

At ICS International, we specialise in helping skilled migrants navigate the Australian skills assessment process. Whether you need help deciding between MSA and OSAP, collecting your documents — our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to book a consultation and get your migration journey on track.