VETASSESS are updating processes and systems in the Professional assessment area

Key updates include: 

• Processing times 
• Timeframe to provide additional documents and information 
• Urgent processing for visa applicants with an invitation to apply 
• Options available after completion of an initial full skills assessment 
• Additional requirements for identity documents 
• Outcome letter terminology 

Processing times 

VETASSESS aim to finalise applications within the timeframe below from the date of lodgment. These timeframes do not include any time taken for applicants to provide missing documents or information requested after lodgment. 

Assessment type - Professional Occupations timeframes 

• Skills assessment for migration: 7 weeks 
• Outcome review: 7 weeks 
• Reassessment: 7 weeks 
• Appeal: 12 weeks 

Timeframe to provide additional documents and information 

VETASSESS will provide 28 days for applicants to submit additional documentation or information necessary for a decision against the assessment criteria. If the required documents and information are not provided within this timeframe, VETASSESS will make two additional attempts to obtain them. If the required information and documents are still not provided, and/or the applicant does not respond to our requests, the skills assessment application will be finalised as not suitable. 

VETASSESS will not close the case without a decision; and will issue an outcome based on the information available to VETASSESS at the time. Applicants may request to withdraw an application from further processing. The refund policy will apply - please see the refund policy here. 

Urgent processing for visa applicants with an invitation to apply 

If an applicant has been invited to apply for a visa and has 60 days to lodge the visa application, and their previous skills assessment has expired, they may request urgent processing of their application without the Priority Processing fee. Applicants should email their request to migrate@vetassess.com.au and include evidence of their invitation to apply for a visa. 

Options available after completion of an initial full skills assessment 

After the completion of an initial full skills assessment application, different options are available depending on the outcome. If an applicant receives a suitable or not suitable outcome for the initial application, the following options and timeframes apply from the date of completion. 

Applicants may lodge an appeal within 90 days of a not suitable outcome for the outcome review. They may provide additional documents and information to support their claims. See further information on reviews, reassessment and appeals here. 

Additional requirements for identity documents 

As proof of identity, applicants must provide at least three separate identity documents. The following updates apply to identity documentation requirements: 

• At least one document must show the applicant's full name and date of birth 
• At least one document must be a current and valid (not cancelled or expired) government-issued identity document with the applicant's photograph and signature 
• If the applicant has changed their legal name, they must provide documents that show the change from one legal name to the next (statutory declarations are not acceptable) 

Outcome letter terminology and content 

The outcome letters are being updated to a new format. They will now state the validity period of the assessment, include any known aliases for the applicant, and provide more detail in the "next steps" section. 

Outcome letter terminology will change as follows: 

• a positive outcome will now be described as a suitable outcome 
• a negative outcome will now be described as a not suitable outcome 

A suitable outcome means the applicant meets the requirements and assessment criteria for the nominated occupation. Previously issued outcome letters will not be updated and remain valid. 

If you have questions about these changes, please reach out to the VETASSESS team on info@vetassess.com.au.