Skilled employment assessment is optional, but it may help you claim points for skilled work experience in your visa application. The decision on points is made by the Department of Home Affairs.

Who can apply?

You can apply if you have already received a suitable qualification assessment outcome (previously called a full or permanent skills assessment) from CA ANZ for the same occupation code.

What counts as skilled employment?

CA ANZ considers your work experience as skilled if it:

• happened after you completed a relevant tertiary qualification or professional membership comparable to an Australian Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• matches the tasks listed under your nominated ANZSCO occupation code.
• took place within the last 10 years before your CA ANZ skills assessment application.
• was paid and continuous, for at least 20 hours per week.
• adds up to at least one year of work, without overlapping claims. You cannot claim more than 12 months of experience in a 12-month period. If you worked in two jobs at the same time, choose the one that best matches your nominated occupation. CA ANZ will assess the longest possible period of relevant work.

What documents do I need?

You must provide:

• a reference letter from your employer.
• pay slips from the start, middle, and end (or most recent) of your employment period.

Your reference letter must include:

• business letterhead with full address and contact details (contact number, website and email address).
• your name and a clear signature of a direct line manager, CEO, or HR representative, with the position clearly indicated.
• your job title, exact start and end dates, and a detailed job description reflecting daily and monthly tasks. Generic descriptions or those copied from ABS will not be accepted.
• your weekly work hours and employment type (full-time/part-time, permanent/temporary/contract).
• salary details.

If you do not have standard documents

You can submit alternative documents such as:

• govern tax records (e.g. payments summaries or notice of assessment) listing employer and applicant’s name.
• bank statements showing salary payments from employers indicating applicant and employer’s name.
• employment contracts with job details (job title, position description, working hours and salary).
• official employer appointment letters or position descriptions.

If you still cannot provide these, you may submit a Statutory Declaration or Affidavit. This must include:

• detailed reasons for the absence of a reference letter and official documentation.
• detailed information about your employment, including dates duties.
• supporting documents like tax certificates, employment contracts, pay slips and any other relevant information that verifies employment.

Note: CA ANZ cannot accept a Statutory Declaration or Affidavit on its own. You must include other documents to support your claims. Without supporting documentation, the skilled employment component may not be considered.

All declarations must be signed by an authorised witness.

In Australia: Refer to list of authorised witnesses.

Outside Australia: Contact an Australian Embassy or follow your country’s legal standards.

Digital Commonwealth statutory declarations are accepted.

If you were self-employed

You must provide:

• a statutory declaration describing your business, role, work type, and weekly hours
• business registration from the relevant authority
• practicing certificate
• tax reports for the full business period
• at least two client reference letters on letterhead confirming your work and service duration

Translations

If your documents are not in English, include:

• The original documents
• A certified English translation

If you live in Australia, use a translator accredited by NAATI.

If you live overseas, use a certified translator from your country. The translation must include the translator’s name, contact details, company (if applicable) and certification number or stamp.

Combined assessment option

You can apply for a combined assessment that includes both:

1. Qualification assessment – CA ANZ checks if your qualifications meet the required standard.
2. Skilled employment assessment – if your qualifications are suitable, CA ANZ will assess your work experience.

If your qualifications are not suitable, your skilled employment assessment will also be marked as ‘not suitable’ due to the absence of a suitable qualification outcome.

Fees are non-refundable.

You can apply for a reassessment once you meet the criteria.

Important notes

• CA ANZ may ask for more documents to complete your application.
• CA ANZ may contact your employer to verify your work.
• Work periods that do not meet the requirements or lack clarity will not be considered.
• CA ANZ does not provide migration or visa advice. Please contact the Department of Home Affairs for help with visa questions.

Disclaimer

The content on this website is provided for general information purposes and may not take into account detail that could be significant in your particular context. The website and its content is not a substitute for reading and understanding (as applicable) the Chartered Accountants ANZ’s Member Handbook, constitutional documents, legislation, regulations, professional guidelines or other applicable laws, or where necessary, obtaining specific advice regarding a specific issue.