Reviewed by John Hu, founder of John Hu Migration Consulting and Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0746141).
VETASSESS assesses skills for a range of designated occupations in Australia’s migration system. On 7 August 2026, it announced that fees for a number of Professional Skills Assessment services rose from 9 September 2026. This guide summarises the affected services and what applicants should check.
At a glance: The change covers Professional Skills Assessments and several related services. Assessments for trade occupations are excluded. The fee that applies depends on when VETASSESS received the application, so check the current fee schedule before lodging.
Which VETASSESS services had a fee increase?
VETASSESS says the revised fees apply from 9 September 2026 to:
- Professional Skills Assessments
- Priority Processing
- Skills Assessment Support
- Chinese Qualification Verification
- All non-migration skills assessments and administration fees
Assessments for trade occupations are not included in this increase. VETASSESS says the adjustment reflects movements in the Consumer Price Index and relevant Australian Government guidance. The amount varies by service and application type; refer to the latest VETASSESS fee schedule for the applicable charge.
Which fee applies to an application?
Under VETASSESS’s announcement, applications received before 9 September 2026 are charged at the previous rates. Applications received on or after that date are subject to the new fee schedule. If you lodged before the change but are unsure how the receipt date was recorded, confirm the details with VETASSESS.
A fee change does not alter the underlying assessment criteria or document requirements. Before applying, confirm which authority assesses your nominated occupation and prepare qualifications, employment evidence and other documents against its current checklist.
Why skills assessment matters for skilled migration
A skills assessment is an important step in many Australian skilled migration pathways. Whether VETASSESS or another designated authority assesses your occupation depends on the visa pathway, nominated occupation and your circumstances. Different occupations may be assessed by different bodies, so verify the relevant authority and visa requirements before planning an Expression of Interest (EOI) or visa application.
Practical checks before you apply
- Confirm your assessing authority: VETASSESS is not the assessing body for every occupation. Check the authority assigned to your nominated occupation.
- Check the current fee schedule: Confirm the assessment type and any priority or supplementary service fees.
- Allow time to prepare: Assessment timeframes can vary and may take weeks or longer, depending on the application and documents.
- Review the evidence: Submit qualification, employment and employer evidence in line with the official checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Australian skilled visa applicants need a VETASSESS assessment?
No. Australia has multiple skills-assessing authorities, and responsibility varies by occupation and visa pathway. Check the designated authority and applicable requirements for your nominated occupation.
If I applied before 9 September 2026, which fee applies?
VETASSESS says applications it received before 9 September 2026 are charged at the previous rates, while applications received on or after that date are charged under the new schedule. Contact VETASSESS if you need to confirm the received date or treatment of a particular service.
Further reading and official sources
Read our overview of Australian skilled migration for a general outline of skilled pathways.
Sources: VETASSESS: Change in Assessment Fees for Professional Skills Assessments (7 August 2026); VETASSESS fee schedule for professional occupations.
Outcomes, processing times and follow-on visa arrangements depend on the applicant’s background, occupation, evidence and official requirements. VETASSESS and other assessing authorities may update fees or requirements; check the latest official information. This article is for general information only and is not a guarantee of approval or individual legal advice.
To discuss your occupation assessment and Australian skilled migration planning, call (852) 3568 1436 or WhatsApp (852) 9178 8523, or complete our free assessment form.