As the holiday season is fast approaching, the importance of proactive planning is brought to the forefront of the migration process.
Skills assessment bodies such as VETASSESS and Trades Recognition Australia will either be closed during the holiday period or operating in limited capacity. To mitigate the impact of closures, applicants are encouraged to submit skills assessment applications well in advance of the closures to avoid delays. Delays in obtaining a positive skills assessment can impact your overall visa application timeline, depending on the visa subclass being applied for.
Engineers Australia –
- Closed from 25th December 2032 to 5th January 2024 inclusive.
- All applications including Fast Track applications lodged between 28th November and 31 January 2024 may experience a service delay.
Trades Recognition Australia –
- Closed for the Christmas and New Year period. The enquiry line will close on 22nd December 2022, and reopen on 3rd January 2023.
- Email enquiries can be sent to TRAEnquiries@dewr.gov.au during this time.
VETASSESS –
- Closed from 22nd December 2022 to 8th January 2024. Applications will be accepted however payments will not be processed. Processing of applications will continue in limited capacity during this time.
- Last assessment outcomes for trades occupations will be issued in the week ending 22nd December 2023.
- Priority processing will be suspended from Sunday, 10th December 2023 and will resume from 8th January 2023.
Closure periods of alternate skills assessing bodies may be available via their official website. If unsure, please contact the skills assessing body directly.
The holiday season is a useful time to gather documentation and plan for the next steps in your visa application process to ensure that the new year is productive in securing your desired migration outcome.
If you are unsure of whether holiday closures will impact the timeline of your visa application process, we urge you to speak with your migration provider as soon as practicable.