Menu
 

TRA Skills Assessment

Trade Skills Assessment for Australian Migration

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is the authorised assessing authority for many trade occupations under the skilled migration program. The TRA Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) is a documentary-based evaluation that compares your qualifications and employment history against Australian standards for your nominated ANZSCO trade occupation. A successful outcome is required for points-tested skilled migration visas such as subclass 189, 190 and 491, and some employer-sponsored visas. The assessment confirms you can perform at the required skill level in Australia.

Apply Now
TRA skills assessment

TRA Assessment & Trade Standards

TRA assesses qualifications and employment history against Australian standards for nominated trade occupations.

Why TRA matters

  • Mandatory for applicants in nominated trade occupations seeking permanent skilled migration.
  • Ensures your overseas or Australian trade qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.
  • A positive outcome provides official confirmation for your visa application.
  • Helps meet Department of Home Affairs requirements for migration points and visa eligibility.
  • TRA does not issue Australian qualifications, licences or registrations.
 

TRA assessment scope

  • Authorised assessing authority for many trade occupations listed on the relevant skilled occupation lists.
  • Documentary-based assessment of qualifications and relevant employment history.
  • Compares your skills and experience to the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level and job role requirements.
  • Focuses on whether you meet the skill level needed to work as a skilled tradesperson in Australia.
  • Supports skilled migration visa pathways when a positive outcome is issued.
  • Outcome is valid for visa applications (check Department of Home Affairs for current validity rules).
 

The TRA Migration Skills Assessment is a document-based process. It evaluates the relevance and comparability of your trade qualifications and paid employment history. You must nominate the correct occupation and ensure your application is complete and decision-ready before submission.

TRA Assessment Pathways

The main service is the migration skills assessment for child care occupations.

1: Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) – Primary Pathway

Eligibility: Applicants with trade qualifications and relevant paid employment seeking assessment for skilled migration visas (189, 190, 491, etc.).

What it covers: Documentary assessment of qualification comparability to Australian standards + relevant employment history.

Fee: Refer to current fees on the TRA website.

Processing: Applications processed in order of receipt (current target: within 120 days).

Advantage: Provides the required positive skills assessment outcome for visa applications.

Documents: Passport, qualifications, employer references, pay evidence.

2: Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA)

 Eligibility: Applicants who need a provisional outcome before applying for the Job Ready Program (JRP).

What it covers: Initial assessment of qualifications and employment.

Advantage: Required first step for the Job Ready Program.

3: Job Ready Program (JRP)

Eligibility: International graduates in Australia with an Australian trade qualification.

What it covers: Structured program with workplace training and assessment.

Advantage: Leads to a full skills assessment outcome after successful completion.

4: Other Programs (TSS / OSAP)

Eligibility: Specific cases (Temporary Skill Shortage visa or Offshore applicants).

What it covers: Targeted assessments for temporary visas or offshore applicants.

TRA Assessment Process

Navigate the documentary-based assessment process from preparation to outcome.

Step 1: Preparation & eligibility check

Check with the Department of Home Affairs that your visa requires a skills assessment and that TRA is the correct authority for your nominated occupation. Review the TRA Migration Skills Assessment Applicant Guidelines and occupation requirements. Gather all required documents in the correct format (original colour scans).

Step 2: Application submission

Register and lodge your application through the TRA online portal. Complete all mandatory fields, upload supporting documents, and pay the assessment fee. Ensure the application is decision-ready before submission.

Step 3: Assessment review & outcome

TRA reviews your qualifications and employment history. You will receive the outcome via the online portal. If successful, use the positive assessment for your expression of interest (EOI) or visa lodgement. Contact TRA if you need to provide additional information during assessment.

Documentation & Requirements Checklist

Prepare high-quality original colour scans of documents for your application.

1: Personal identification

  • Current valid passport (identification page)
  • At least one additional official photo-bearing identity document (if required)
  • Name change document (if applicable)

2: Academic qualifications

  • Trade qualification certificates or awards
  • Official academic transcripts for each qualification
  • Evidence of comparability to Australian standards (where relevant)

3: Employment history

  • Completed employer templates or detailed references on official letterhead for each employment period
  • Provide evidence (payslips, tax documents, bank statements or contracts) for each claimed period
  • Evidence that employment was paid, full-time (or equivalent) and relevant to the nominated occupation
 

4: Additional (if applicable)

  • Agent or representative authorisation form (if using a migration agent)
  • Any other supporting documents requested in the TRA guidelines
  • Self-employment evidence (if claiming self-employed periods)

Guidelines: All documents must be clear, original colour scans. Non-English documents require accredited translations (provide both original and translated versions). Multi-page documents should be uploaded as single files where possible. Applications must be decision-ready with all mandatory evidence to avoid delays or rejection.

TRA skills assessment is an essential step for tradespeople planning to migrate to Australia under the skilled migration program. By carefully reviewing the eligibility requirements, selecting the correct occupation, and preparing complete, high-quality documents, you increase your chances of receiving a positive outcome that supports your visa application. Start early by checking the official TRA Applicant Guidelines and ensuring your application is decision-ready before submission. Log in through the TRA online portal and respond promptly to any requests for additional information. A successful TRA outcome strengthens your migration profile, but remember that a skills assessment does not guarantee visa approval or employment. Always verify the latest requirements, fees, and processing times directly on the official TRA website before applying.

Succeeding with your TRA skills assessment in 2026

TRA skills assessment
Apply Now
Previous
Next