A skills assessment checks your qualifications and work against one occupation. Choose the wrong one and even a strong file can come back negative.

How to choose

• Start from what you actually do each day, not your job title
• Compare your duties with the occupation's tasks
• Check the occupation is on the list for the visa you want
• Check which states currently want it

Assessors look for a consistent story across every document.

The core evidence

• Reference letters for every role: letterhead, dates, hours per week, salary and your real duties
• Payslips spread across each role, matching the dates in the letter
• Qualifications and full transcripts, with certified translations
• Tax and super records to back up the employment

A positive outcome opens the door, but it isn't a visa.

• It usually stays valid for about three years
• Some authorities deduct years before counting experience — check the date your skilled employment starts
• Next comes your visa plan: 482, 186, 189, 190 or 491

If the outcome is negative

Don't panic. A review, appeal, reassessment or a different occupation may work — but review windows are short. Waiting can cost you the option.