To apply for the TSS Program you must engage with a TRA-approved RTO, register through the TRA Online Portal via the TRA website and make the first payment. You will be asked to create a username and password. Diagram 2 (below) provides an overview of the online application process.
NOTE: Do not apply for a skills assessment online if:
- you do not have the required documentation, or
- you are unable or unwilling to travel to an approved assessment venue, should you need to for your assessment
- Applicants that are not available to travel to an approved assessment venue within a nine-week timeframe will have their application withdrawn and any fees already paid will be forfeited
You may nominate a migration agent or representative to act on your behalf during the skills assessment process. To do this you need to complete the ‘Agent or Representative’ section of the online registration on the TRA Online Portal.
All applications must be ‘decision ready’ when submitted. This means that:
- all the mandatory fields in the TRA Online Portal have been completed
- all the required documents have been uploaded to the RTO
- the mandatory fee has been paid.
1.4.1 Choose an RTO
You are required to select a TRA-approved RTO to conduct your skills assessment. You can find a suitable RTO through the RTO Finder located on the TRA website by:
- selecting your nominated occupation from the list available
- choosing your TRA-approved RTOs from the list of RTOs
- selecting an RTO.
Once you have selected your RTO you will need to contact them directly to discuss both your eligibility and the overall requirements of the skills assessment process, including the expectations and evidence you will have to provide.
Fees for the TSS Program skills assessments are paid to TRA via the TRA Online Portal. You will first need to contact your chosen RTO to obtain a unique RTO Assessment Payment Identifier Code for the service you require e.g., documentary evidence assessment, technical assessment, etc.
1.4.2 Document Requirements
RTOs must be able to verify the content and validity of all documents you provide to support your application. Therefore, the following minimum quality control standards apply to documents submitted electronically. Please ensure you have full-colour scans of:
- passport identification page
- qualification/s
- evidence of skills and experience including, but not limited to, training documents, evidence of employment and employment statements
- copies of each document in original language accompanied by a copy of the English translation
- evidence of your payment (payment receipt from TRA).
RTOs can request that you present original documents for verification and will discuss these arrangements and any additional requirements with you.
1.4.3 Documents not in English
If your application documents are not in English, you must also provide an English translation of the documents.
- Translating documents in Australia
Acceptable translations of documents in Australia can be obtained from translators accredited with the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) website. Translations must include the translator’s name, NAATI identification number and accreditation status.
Please check the translator’s accreditation by either calling NAATI on +61 2 6260 3035 or asking to see the translator’s letter or certificate of accreditation in the language you require.
- Translating documents outside Australia
If you have documents that were translated outside Australia, the translator must be approved by the authorities in the country where the translation was made. If you are unsure of the process contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate for advice.
Overseas translations must be on the organisations letterhead and include an official stamp. The translator’s name (all in block letters), signature and contact telephone number must be legibly printed below the signature. This information is required so that the RTO can contact the translator, if necessary, to verify the translated documents.