Applying for a work permit (457 visa) assessment

VETASSESS is approved by the Australian Government to conduct skills assessments for temporary worker (subclass 457) visas.

From 1 July 2009, employer sponsored temporary workers applying for a work visa in certain trades, and who are from specified countries, must undertake a skills assessment.

VETASSESS can undertake your skills assessment if you are nominating one of the following trade occupations:

  • Welder (First Class) (4122-15)
  • Motor mechanic (4211-11)
  • Cook (4513-11)
  • Fitter (4112-11)
  • Metal fabricator (4122-11)

From the 1 November 2009, VETASSESS can undertake your skills assessment in the following trade occupations:

  • Panel Beater (4213-11)
  • Vehicle Painter (4214-11)
  • Automotive Electrician (4212-11)
  • Metal Machinist (First Class) (4112-13)
  • General Mechanical Engineering Tradesperson (4111-11)
  • General Fabrication Engineering Tradesperson (4121-11)
  • Sheet metal Worker (First Class) (4124-11)
  • General Electrician (4311-11)
  • Carpenter (4411-13)
  • Baker (4512-11)
  • Cabinetmaker (4922-11)

and if you are from one of the following countries:

  • Brazil
  • Fiji
  • Papua New Guinea
  • South Africa
  • Vietnam
  • China
  • India
  • Philippines
  • Thailand
  • Zimbabwe

VETASSESS works in partnership with Kangan Institute and GippsTAFE


A skills assessment is one part of an application for a temporary worker visa. Other requirements include:

  • employer sponsorship
  • a minimum International English Language Test Score of 5 (IELTS).

Before applying for a skill assessment for a temporary work visa, go to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website to make sure that you understand the current requirements.

To find out more about the VETASSESS skills assessment process click here.