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Which Countries' Passport Holders Require a Skills Assessment for a 482 Visa?

  • anish560
  • Feb 12
  • 3 min read

Australia's Skilled in Demand Visa (previously known as Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa) Subclass 482 allows employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill labor shortages. However, depending on the applicant’s occupation and country of passport, a skills assessment may be required as part of the visa process.


What is a Skills Assessment?


A skills assessment is a formal evaluation of an applicant’s qualifications, training, and work experience to ensure they meet Australian standards for their nominated occupation. This assessment is conducted by authorized skills assessing bodies designated by the Australian Government.


When is a Skills Assessment Required?


A skills assessment is required for several visa types, including the 482 Skilled In Demand Visa, when:

  • The applicant’s occupation is in a trade-related profession.

  • The applicant holds a passport from a country where skills assessment is mandatory for their specific occupation.

For trade occupations, if an applicant has formally studied and completed their qualification in Australia, they may be exempt from the skills assessment requirement.


Countries That Require a Skills Assessment for a 482 Visa

For specific trade occupations, applicants from the following countries must undergo a skills assessment:


  • Automotive Electrician: Fiji, Hong Kong SAR, India, Macau SAR, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

  • Baker: China, Fiji, Hong Kong SAR, India, Macau SAR, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

  • Carpenter & Cabinetmaker: Brazil, Fiji, Hong Kong SAR, India, Macau SAR, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

  • Chef & Cook: Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Fiji, Hong Kong SAR, India, Macau SAR, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

  • Diesel Motor Mechanic: Fiji, Hong Kong SAR, India, Macau SAR, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

  • Electricians (General & Special Class): Fiji, Hong Kong SAR, India, Macau SAR, Philippines, South Africa, Vietnam

  • Fitter (General, Welder, and Turner): Brazil, China, Fiji, Hong Kong SAR, India, Macau SAR, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

  • Metal Fabricator & Machinist: Brazil, China, Fiji, Hong Kong SAR, India, Macau SAR, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

  • Motor Mechanic (General): Fiji, Hong Kong SAR, India, Macau SAR, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

  • Panelbeater: China, Fiji, Hong Kong SAR, India, Macau SAR, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

  • Pastrycook: Brazil, China, Fiji, Hong Kong SAR, India, Macau SAR, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

  • Sheetmetal Trades Worker & Toolmaker: Brazil, China, Fiji, Hong Kong SAR, India, Macau SAR, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

  • Welder (First Class): Brazil, China, Fiji, Hong Kong SAR, India, Macau SAR, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

  • Program or Project Administrator & Specialist Managers (NEC): All countries


Exemptions for Australian-Qualified Applicants

If an applicant has formally studied and completed their trade qualification in Australia, they may not be required to undergo a skills assessment. This exemption applies mainly to trade-related occupations, ensuring that those who have been trained in Australia meet local standards without additional assessments.


Professional Occupations:

Also, most of the professional occupations do not need a skill assessment for a 482 visa of any countries of passports. For example, if you are an accountant, you do not need a skill assessment for this skilled in demand visa.


Conclusion


A skills assessment is a crucial requirement for many 482 visa applicants, depending on their occupation and country of origin. Understanding whether this step is necessary can help streamline the visa application process and avoid unnecessary delays. If you are unsure whether you need a skills assessment, consulting a migration agent or checking with the relevant skills assessing authority is highly recommended.


For further assistance, ICS Migration and Education is here to guide you through the process. Contact us today for expert migration and education advice!


Note: The abovementioned information is for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice. If you are looking for legal advice, please book an appointment with our registered migration agents.

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