VETASSESS Skills Assessment Fees Increased from September 9, 2026: New Fees Explained for Australian PR Applicants

Applicants planning Australian skilled migration should be aware of an important update from VETASSESS.

From September 9, 2026, VETASSESS has increased fees for Professional Skills Assessments and several related services. The change affects applicants seeking skills assessments for eligible professional occupations and may impact the overall budget for people planning Australian skilled migration pathways.

The updated fees apply to a range of services, including Professional Skills Assessments, Priority Processing, Skills Assessment Support, Chinese Qualification Verification, non-migration skills assessments and certain administration services.

However, an important distinction must be made: the September 2026 fee increase does not apply to trade occupation assessments.

VETASSESS stated that the fee changes were introduced in line with movements in inflation and reviewed in accordance with Australian Government guidance. The organisation also confirmed that applications received before September 9, 2026 would be charged under the previous applicable fee structure.

For Indian professionals planning to apply for Australian skilled migration, this update means that budgeting for the skills assessment stage has become even more important.

A skills assessment is often one of the key steps in Australia's skilled migration process. Depending on the nominated occupation and visa pathway, applicants may need a positive skills assessment before progressing with their Expression of Interest or visa application.

This article explains the latest VETASSESS fee increase, the new fees, who may be affected, how VETASSESS skills assessments work and what Australian PR applicants should do next.

Important Disclaimer: Australian immigration laws, skills assessment requirements, occupation lists and fees can change. This article is intended for general information only and should not be considered legal or migration advice. Applicants should always check the latest requirements directly with the relevant assessing authority and the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

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What Is the Latest VETASSESS Fee Update?

VETASSESS announced that its Professional Skills Assessment fees would increase from September 9, 2026.

The increase applies to Professional Skills Assessments and several associated services.

According to VETASSESS, the fee increase covers:

• Professional Skills Assessments
• Priority Processing
• Skills Assessment Support
• Chinese Qualification Verification
• Non-migration Skills Assessments
• Administration fees

The increase does not apply to assessments for trade occupations.

The changes are particularly relevant to skilled migration applicants nominating occupations assessed by VETASSESS.

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When Did the New VETASSESS Fees Take Effect?

The revised VETASSESS fees came into effect on:

September 9, 2026

Applicants whose applications were received before September 9, 2026 were subject to the previous applicable fee structure.

Applications lodged from the effective date are subject to the updated fees.

VETASSESS officially announced the change in August 2026, giving applicants advance notice of the increase.

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VETASSESS New Fee Structure from September 9, 2026

For applicants who are not Australian residents for tax purposes, the commonly relevant Professional Skills Assessment fees have increased.

Key VETASSESS Fee Changes

Service	Previous Fee	New Fee from September 9, 2026
Full Skills Assessment	AUD 1,096	AUD 1,146
Priority Processing	AUD 825	AUD 863
Points Test Advice	AUD 311	AUD 325
Subclass 485 Skills Assessment	AUD 416	AUD 436
Review – Subclass 485	AUD 265	AUD 277
Reassessment – Subclass 485	AUD 379	AUD 396
Post-485 Assessment under same occupation	AUD 852	AUD 891
Reassessment within 12 months	AUD 745	AUD 779
Appeal	AUD 1,082	AUD 1,132
Renewal within 3 years	AUD 473	AUD 495

The amounts above are generally quoted excluding GST for applicants who are not Australian residents for tax purposes. Applicants should confirm the final amount applicable to their individual circumstances before making payment.

The September 2026 fee update has been widely reflected in the updated fee schedule published for professional assessment services.

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Full Skills Assessment Fee Increased to AUD 1,146

The most important change for many Australian PR applicants is the increase in the Full Skills Assessment fee.

Previously:

AUD 1,096

New fee from September 9, 2026:

AUD 1,146

This represents an increase of AUD 50 for the standard Full Skills Assessment.

The Full Skills Assessment is one of the most commonly used VETASSESS services for professionals applying under Australian skilled migration pathways.

Depending on individual eligibility and occupation requirements, a positive skills assessment may be required before an applicant can move forward with certain skilled migration pathways.

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Priority Processing Fee Also Increased

Applicants considering Priority Processing should also be aware of the revised fee.

Previously:

AUD 825

New fee:

AUD 863

Priority Processing is an additional service and is separate from the standard Full Skills Assessment fee.

This means applicants choosing Priority Processing may need to budget for both:

• The standard assessment fee

• The additional Priority Processing fee

Applicants should also remember that Priority Processing is subject to VETASSESS eligibility and service requirements.

It should not be assumed that every applicant can automatically access priority processing.

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Subclass 485 Skills Assessment Fee Changes

The September 2026 changes also affect certain VETASSESS assessments associated with the Temporary Graduate visa pathway.

For eligible applicants, the relevant assessment fee has increased.

Service	Previous Fee	New Fee
Subclass 485 Skills Assessment	AUD 416	AUD 436
Review	AUD 265	AUD 277
Reassessment	AUD 379	AUD 396

These changes are particularly relevant to eligible international graduates who may need a skills assessment as part of their post-study visa pathway.

Applicants should carefully check whether VETASSESS is the correct assessing authority for their nominated occupation.

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Reassessment Fees Have Also Increased

Applicants may sometimes need a reassessment depending on their individual circumstances.

The reassessment fee within the applicable 12-month timeframe has increased from:

AUD 745 to AUD 779

A reassessment may involve additional documentation and eligibility considerations.

Applicants should therefore try to ensure that their original application is complete and accurate before submission.

A poorly prepared application can potentially result in:

• Delays
• Additional documentation requests
• Negative outcomes
• Additional application costs
• Reassessment expenses

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Skills Assessment Renewal Fee Increased

Applicants seeking to renew an eligible skills assessment within the applicable timeframe should also note the revised fee.

Previously:

AUD 473

New fee:

AUD 495

The fee applicable to a renewal can depend on the timing and type of application.

If a skills assessment has expired or falls outside the relevant renewal period, an applicant may need to submit a new assessment application.

Applicants should always verify the current validity and renewal requirements directly with VETASSESS.

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Review and Appeal Fees

The fee changes also affect applicants who need to request a review or appeal following an assessment outcome.

Some examples include:

Review Type	Previous Fee	New Fee
Qualification Review	AUD 340	AUD 356
Employment Review	AUD 609	AUD 637
Qualification and Employment Review	AUD 913	AUD 955

Appeal fees have also increased.

Because reviews and appeals can involve significant additional costs, applicants should focus on submitting a strong and properly documented application from the beginning.

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What Is VETASSESS?

VETASSESS is one of Australia's recognised skills assessing authorities.

It assesses qualifications and employment experience for a range of professional occupations.

A skills assessment generally involves evaluating whether an applicant's:

• Qualifications
• Employment experience
• Professional background
• Occupation
• Employment duties

meet the requirements for the nominated occupation.

VETASSESS explains that qualifications may be compared with the Australian Qualifications Framework, while employment experience is assessed for relevance and the appropriate skill level.

A positive skills assessment does not automatically grant an Australian visa.

It is an assessment of the applicant's qualifications and/or employment against the requirements of the nominated occupation.

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Why Is a Skills Assessment Important for Australian PR?

For many skilled migration applicants, a skills assessment is an important step before progressing with an Australian immigration application.

Depending on the visa pathway, applicants may need a positive assessment from the relevant skills assessing authority.

Skills assessments can be important for pathways such as:

• Skilled Independent visa pathways
• State nominated skilled migration pathways
• Regional skilled migration pathways
• Certain employer-sponsored pathways
• Other occupation-specific programs

The relevant assessing authority depends on the nominated occupation.

Not every occupation is assessed by VETASSESS.

Other Australian assessing authorities may include organisations responsible for specific professions such as engineering, accounting, teaching, healthcare and trades.

Therefore, the first step should always be identifying the correct assessing authority.

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Which Occupations Are Assessed by VETASSESS?

VETASSESS assesses a wide range of professional occupations.

These can cover areas including:

• Business and finance
• Marketing
• Human resources
• Administration
• Project management
• Arts and education
• Science and agriculture
• Construction and manufacturing
• Hospitality
• Retail
• Other professional occupations

The exact occupation requirements can vary significantly.

Each occupation may have specific criteria relating to:

• Qualification level
• Field of study
• Employment experience
• Relevance of employment
• Years of experience
• Skill level

Applicants should never assume that having a similar job title automatically makes them eligible.

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Why Choosing the Correct Occupation Is Important

One of the most important stages in a VETASSESS application is selecting the correct nominated occupation.

Many applicants make the mistake of choosing an occupation based only on their job title.

However, the assessment process can also consider:

• Actual job duties
• Educational background
• Employment responsibilities
• Relevance of qualifications
• Length of employment experience

For example, two professionals may have similar job titles but perform completely different duties.

Similarly, an applicant may have extensive work experience but an educational qualification that is not closely related to the nominated occupation.

Each situation needs to be assessed according to the requirements of the specific occupation.

Choosing an incorrect occupation can lead to unnecessary delays or an unsuccessful assessment outcome.

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How Does the VETASSESS Skills Assessment Process Work?

Although requirements vary by occupation, the general process usually involves several stages.

Step 1: Choose Your Occupation

Applicants first need to identify the occupation they intend to nominate.

They should carefully review:

• Occupation description
• Qualification requirements
• Employment requirements
• Relevant occupation group

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Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements

Every occupation has its own requirements.

Applicants should determine whether their:

• Degree
• Diploma
• Professional qualification
• Work experience

meet the requirements.

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Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Applicants generally need to provide documents supporting their education and employment history.

Depending on the occupation and individual circumstances, documents may include:

• Passport
• Degree certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Employment reference letters
• Payslips
• Tax records
• Bank statements
• Employment contracts
• Professional registrations
• Other supporting documents

The exact requirements can vary.

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Step 4: Submit the Application

Eligible applicants submit their application through the relevant VETASSESS process and pay the applicable fee.

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Step 5: Assessment

VETASSESS reviews the qualifications and employment information provided.

Additional information may sometimes be requested.

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Step 6: Receive the Outcome

Applicants receive an assessment outcome.

A positive outcome may be used for eligible migration or employment purposes, depending on the specific requirements of the relevant visa or program.

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What Does the Fee Increase Mean for Indian Applicants?

For Indian professionals planning Australian skilled migration, the increase means that the overall cost of preparing for migration has increased slightly.

The skills assessment stage is only one part of the broader migration process.

Other possible costs may include:

• English language tests
• Educational documents
• Document translations
• Skills assessment fees
• Visa application charges
• Medical examinations
• Police clearance certificates
• State nomination fees where applicable
• Professional services

Applicants should therefore create a realistic migration budget before beginning the process.

The VETASSESS fee increase may appear relatively small compared with the total cost of migration, but every stage adds to the overall financial planning required.

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Does the Fee Increase Apply to Trade Occupations?

No.

This is one of the most important points in the September 2026 update.

VETASSESS clearly stated that the increase does not apply to assessments for trade occupations.

Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that every occupation assessed within the Australian skills recognition system is affected by this particular fee increase.

Trade occupations can have different:

• Assessing authorities
• Assessment procedures
• Fees
• Documentary requirements

Applicants should identify the correct assessing authority for their occupation before checking applicable fees.

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Does the Increase Apply to DAMA Applicants?

The updated fee structure is relevant to certain Designated Area Migration Agreement pathways where VETASSESS is involved in assessing the nominated occupation.

DAMA arrangements are employer and region-specific migration agreements designed to address labour shortages in particular areas of Australia.

Applicants considering a DAMA pathway should understand that:

• DAMA requirements can vary by region
• Employers must meet relevant requirements
• Occupation eligibility may differ
• Skills assessment requirements can vary
• A skills assessment does not automatically guarantee visa approval

The updated fee structure includes services connected with eligible professional assessment applications under relevant DAMA arrangements.

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Does the Fee Increase Apply to Industry Labour Agreements?

Certain professional assessment applications connected with Industry Labour Agreements may also fall within the updated fee structure.

However, applicants should not assume that every Industry Labour Agreement application follows the same process.

Requirements depend on:

• Industry
• Employer
• Occupation
• Agreement conditions
• Assessing authority

Professional advice may be useful for applicants with complex circumstances.

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What About GST?

The amount an applicant pays may depend on whether GST applies.

VETASSESS states that application fees can include GST for applicants who are Australian residents for tax purposes.

Applicants who are not Australian residents for tax purposes may have fees calculated differently.

This distinction is particularly important when comparing:

• Fees shown on websites
• Fees quoted by consultants
• Fees paid by applicants inside Australia
• Fees paid by applicants outside Australia

Applicants should always check the final fee applicable to their personal tax residency status.

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Should Applicants Rush to Lodge Their Application?

Applicants should not submit an incomplete or incorrect application simply to save money.

Before September 9, 2026, applicants who were fully prepared could potentially benefit from the previous fee structure.

However, submitting an application with:

• Incorrect occupation selection
• Incomplete documents
• Weak employment evidence
• Incorrect employment dates
• Missing qualification documents

could create larger problems than the fee increase itself.

The better approach is to ensure the application is properly prepared.

Saving AUD 50 on the standard assessment fee may not be worthwhile if an application is submitted incorrectly and later requires additional time or expense.

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How to Prepare a Strong VETASSESS Application

Preparation is extremely important.

Here are some practical steps applicants should consider.

Understand Your Occupation Requirements

Read the requirements for your nominated occupation carefully.

Do not rely only on information from:

• Social media
• Friends
• WhatsApp groups
• Old YouTube videos
• Outdated blogs

Requirements can change.

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Check Your Qualification Relevance

Your qualification may need to be relevant to your nominated occupation.

A degree with a similar name does not always guarantee that it meets the required standard.

Review:

• Course title
• Major field of study
• Academic transcripts
• Subjects studied

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Prepare Strong Employment Evidence

Employment evidence can be critical.

Reference letters should generally accurately reflect:

• Job title
• Employment dates
• Working hours
• Main duties
• Employer details

Supporting evidence may also be required depending on the circumstances.

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Ensure Your Employment Dates Are Accurate

All documents should be consistent.

Differences between:

• Resume
• LinkedIn profile
• Employment letter
• Visa application
• Skills assessment application

can create unnecessary questions.

Applicants should maintain accurate records of their employment history.

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Do Not Copy Generic Job Duties

Some applicants use generic job duties copied from occupation descriptions.

This can be risky.

Employment letters should accurately reflect the work actually performed by the applicant.

The duties should be truthful and supported by the applicant's genuine employment experience.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid in a VETASSESS Application

Choosing an Occupation Based Only on the Job Title

Job responsibilities are also important.

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Ignoring Qualification Requirements

Extensive experience may not always compensate for a qualification that does not meet occupation requirements.

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Submitting Weak Employment Letters

Generic or incomplete employment letters may create problems.

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Providing Inconsistent Information

Dates, titles and employment information should be consistent across documents.

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Claiming Ineligible Work Experience

Only genuine and eligible work experience should be claimed.

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Assuming a Positive Assessment Guarantees PR

A positive skills assessment is not a visa grant.

Applicants must still meet the requirements of the relevant immigration pathway.

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Using Outdated Information

Australian immigration and skills assessment rules can change.

Always verify current information.

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How the VETASSESS Fee Increase Affects the Australia PR Budget

A realistic Australian PR budget should include more than the visa application fee.

Potential expenses may include:

Pre-Application Expenses

• English language test
• Educational Credential Assessment where relevant
• Skills assessment
• Document preparation

Migration Application Expenses

• Visa application charge
• State nomination fees where applicable
• Medical examinations
• Police clearance certificates

Professional Expenses

Where applicable:

• Migration consultation
• Documentation support
• Professional application services

Settlement Expenses

After visa approval, applicants may need to consider:

• Flights
• Initial accommodation
• Living expenses
• Employment preparation
• Professional licensing requirements

The skills assessment fee is therefore one component of a larger migration financial plan.

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Is VETASSESS Required for Every Australian PR Applicant?

No.

The relevant skills assessing authority depends on the applicant's nominated occupation.

For example, different occupations may have different authorities responsible for assessing:

• Engineers
• Teachers
• Accountants
• Healthcare professionals
• Tradespeople
• IT professionals
• Other skilled occupations

Applicants must identify the correct assessing authority before beginning the process.

Submitting an application to the wrong authority can result in wasted time and money.

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VETASSESS Skills Assessment and Australian Skilled Migration

For applicants pursuing skilled migration, the skills assessment can be an important part of the journey.

A typical skilled migration pathway may involve:

1. Identifying the correct occupation.
2. Checking the relevant occupation list.
3. Identifying the assessing authority.
4. Completing a skills assessment.
5. Taking an English language test.
6. Calculating migration points.
7. Preparing an Expression of Interest where applicable.
8. Exploring state nomination opportunities.
9. Receiving an invitation where eligible.
10. Submitting the visa application.

Not every applicant follows exactly the same process.

Requirements depend on:

• Visa subclass
• Occupation
• State
• Age
• Qualifications
• Employment experience
• English language ability
• Other eligibility criteria

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Does a Positive Skills Assessment Guarantee a Visa?

No.

A positive VETASSESS skills assessment does not guarantee:

• An invitation
• State nomination
• Visa approval
• Permanent residence

It confirms that the applicant has met the relevant assessment requirements for the nominated occupation.

The applicant must still satisfy all other requirements of the relevant visa program.

For skilled migration applicants, this may include:

• Points requirements
• English language requirements
• Age requirements
• Health requirements
• Character requirements
• State nomination requirements
• Visa-specific criteria

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What Should Applicants Do Now?

If you are planning Australian skilled migration and your occupation is assessed by VETASSESS, consider the following steps.

Step 1: Check Your Nominated Occupation

Confirm whether VETASSESS is the correct assessing authority.

Step 2: Review Your Qualification

Check whether your qualification meets the occupation requirements.

Step 3: Review Your Work Experience

Determine whether your employment experience is relevant.

Step 4: Prepare Documents

Collect education and employment documents early.

Step 5: Check the Current Fee

Always review the latest VETASSESS fee schedule before payment.

Step 6: Plan Your Migration Budget

Consider the full cost of your Australian migration journey.

Step 7: Avoid Unnecessary Delays

If you are ready and eligible, unnecessary delays can sometimes affect timelines, document validity and future planning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When did VETASSESS increase its fees in 2026?

VETASSESS increased Professional Skills Assessment fees from September 9, 2026.

How much is the new VETASSESS Full Skills Assessment fee?

For applicants who are not Australian residents for tax purposes, the updated standard Full Skills Assessment fee is AUD 1,146, excluding applicable GST considerations.

What was the previous Full Skills Assessment fee?

The previous fee was AUD 1,096.

How much has the VETASSESS fee increased?

The standard Full Skills Assessment fee increased by AUD 50.

Has Priority Processing also increased?

Yes. The Priority Processing fee increased from AUD 825 to AUD 863.

Does the fee increase apply to trade occupations?

No. VETASSESS stated that the September 2026 increase does not apply to assessments for trade occupations.

Does every Australian PR applicant need VETASSESS?

No. The relevant skills assessing authority depends on the nominated occupation.

Is a VETASSESS skills assessment the same as a visa application?

No. A skills assessment and visa application are separate processes.

Does a positive VETASSESS assessment guarantee Australia PR?

No. A positive assessment does not guarantee an invitation, nomination or visa grant.

Can I apply for Priority Processing?

Priority Processing is subject to the relevant eligibility and service conditions.

Do applicants outside Australia pay GST?

GST treatment depends on the applicant's Australian tax residency status and other applicable requirements. Applicants should verify the final fee directly with VETASSESS.

Should I choose my occupation based on my job title?

No. Qualification requirements and actual employment duties should also be considered.

Can I use old employment experience?

The eligibility of employment experience depends on the specific occupation requirements and assessment criteria.

What happens if my assessment is unsuccessful?

Depending on the circumstances, applicants may have options such as providing additional information, requesting a review or applying for reassessment. Applicable fees and conditions may apply.

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What This Means for Future Australian PR Applicants

The VETASSESS fee increase is another reminder that the cost of Australian skilled migration can change.

Applicants should regularly monitor:

• Skills assessment fees
• Visa charges
• State nomination requirements
• Occupation lists
• English language requirements
• Migration policies

Planning based on information from several years ago can result in inaccurate budgeting.

For applicants who are serious about Australian skilled migration, preparation should begin with a realistic profile evaluation.

This should include:

• Occupation identification
• Skills assessment eligibility
• Qualification review
• Employment experience review
• English language planning
• Points calculation
• Visa pathway research

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How Resume & Travel Can Help

At Resume & Travel – An Overseas Careers Consultancy, we assist professionals exploring overseas career and migration opportunities based on their individual qualifications and professional background.

Our services may include:

• Australia PR profile evaluation
• Occupation identification guidance
• Skills assessment documentation guidance
• Migration pathway research
• Resume writing for international opportunities
• LinkedIn profile optimisation
• Overseas career guidance

Every applicant's situation is different.

Factors such as age, qualifications, work experience, occupation, English language ability and migration goals can influence the pathways available.

We recommend a proper profile evaluation before beginning a major international migration process.

Please note that immigration outcomes cannot be guaranteed, and all visa and skills assessment decisions remain subject to the relevant Australian authorities and assessing bodies.

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Final Thoughts

The VETASSESS fee increase from September 9, 2026 is an important update for professionals planning Australian skilled migration.

The increase affects Professional Skills Assessments and several related services, including Priority Processing, reassessments, renewals and certain Subclass 485 assessments.

For many applicants, the most noticeable change is the increase in the standard Full Skills Assessment fee from AUD 1,096 to AUD 1,146.

While the increase may appear moderate, it adds to the overall financial planning required for an Australian migration journey.

Applicants should focus on more than simply the assessment fee.

Choosing the correct occupation, understanding qualification requirements, preparing strong employment documentation and planning the complete migration process are equally important.

The September 2026 update also highlights the importance of checking official information regularly.

Australian immigration requirements and associated fees can change, and applicants should avoid relying solely on outdated blogs, social media posts or informal advice.

The best approach is to prepare early, maintain accurate documentation and understand your individual eligibility before starting the skills assessment process.

A properly prepared application can help avoid unnecessary delays, additional expenses and potential reassessment requirements.