On 8th May 2024 the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, Minister for Skills and Training announced the fast tracking of skills assessments from migrants who have building and construction-related skills. This initiative will allow migrants to assist with meeting urgent demand in the Australian housing construction sector as part of a big focus on housing in the 2024-25 Budget.
Over the next two years Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) will prioritise the processing of around 2,600 skills assessments in the targeted construction occupations as well as streamlining skills assessments for around 1,900 potential migrants from countries with comparable qualifications who want to work in Australia’s housing and construction industry. The complete list of occupations is available on TRA’s website, www.tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au.
On 1 July 2024 TRA’s in-house assessment programs, the Provisional Skills Assessment, Job Ready Program and the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA), commenced prioritising skills assessments for these occupations. Migrants do not need to apply for prioritisation, TRA will identify relevant applications from the occupation selected when registering on our systems for a skills assessment.
From 31 July 2024, TRA is removing the mandatory Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) assessment requirement for specified occupation/ low-risk country of passport combinations for applicants with a relevant Australian or overseas qualification. This initiative will allow applicants to apply for a cheaper and simpler MSA. Applicants who do not have a qualification are able to opt-in for OSAP occupations. TRA has consulted with industry representatives on the risks of a streamlined assessment for these occupations and countries of passport.
Please check with the Department of Home Affairs before submitting your application, to confirm a skills assessment is required for your visa application, and that TRA is the correct authority for your nominated occupation.
If you have any queries, please email us at traenquiries@dewr.gov.au