INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS TSS SKILLS ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (TEMPORARY SKILL SHORTAGE)

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1 TSS SKILLS ASSESSMENT PROGRAM IMPORTANT: Please ensure you keep a copy of your application form and evidence for your own records prior to submitting. Victoria University ( VU ) has been approved by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) to conduct formal skills assessment for certain types of visas. If you want to live and work in Australia, you may need to have your existing skills assessed. Skills assessment is a government requirement. TSS Skills Assessment Program A TSS skills assessment is undertaken for the purpose of applying for a temporary skill shortage visa. This is a commonly used program for employers to sponsor overseas workers to work in Australia on a temporary basis. What can VU assess? Nominated Countries: Please read the TRA TSS Skills Assessment Program Applicant Guidelines on to determine if you are eligible for a skills assessment under this program. Nominated Occupations assessed by VU: Occupation ANZSCO Code Automotive Electrician Cabinetmaker Carpenter Carpenter and Joiner Chef (Commercial Cookery) Chef (Asian Cookery) Cook (Commercial Cookery) Cook (Asian Cookery) Electrician (General) Electrician (Special Class) Fitter (General) Fitter and Turner Fitter - Welder Joiner Metal Fabricator Metal Fitter and Machinist NEC Metal Machinist (First Class) Motor Mechanic (General) Pastrycook Sheet Metal Trades Worker Toolmaker Welder (First Class) What is the difference between Pathway 1 and Pathway 2? Pathway 1 is for Applicants who DO NOT hold a relevant Australian trade qualification. Pathway 2 is for Applicants who DO hold a relevant Australian trade qualification OR a Current, Identified Australian Occupational Licence (Electrician only). What is the Skills Assessment Process? APPLICANT NOTIFIED OF INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE STAGE 1: APPLICATION FOR ASSESSMENT STAGE 2: DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE ASSESSMENT STAGE 3: TECHNICAL INTERVIEW AND/OR PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION STAGE 4: ASSESSMENT OUTCOME SUCCESSFUL RECEIVE SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME LETTER, AUSTRALIAN QUALIFICATION OR OTSR STAGE 1: Application for Assessment UNSUCCESSFUL RECOMMENDATION / GAP TRAINING REASSESSMENT REFER TO REASSESSMENT POLICY 1. Application Form - Please complete the appropriate Pathway 1 or Pathway 2 form at and ensure that all sections/questions are completed. 2. Evidence - Prepare and attach your evidence to your application. All evidence documents must be scans of original documents. Note: Pathway 2 applicants will need to demonstrate at least three (3) years full-time paid employment in a relevant and directly related trade, including twelve (12) months full-time paid employment in the nominated trade in the three (3) years prior to lodging your application. Evidence of employment undertaken on a part time basis can also be considered and counted toward the employment requirement on a pro rata basis. For further information, please refer to the FAQ in the next sections. CRICOS Provider No K (Melbourne) 02475D (Sydney) RTO Code: July

2 TSS SKILLS ASSESSMENT PROGRAM STAGE 2: Documentary Evidence Assessment An assessor will review the information you have provided to verify that all the documentation required is provided. 1. Insufficient Documentation - If the documentation is insufficient, VU will notify you in writing that you are required to submit further documentation. You will be required to do so within 28 business days. If you fail to provide the requested further documentation within that timeframe, your application will be closed. The application will not progress until it is Decision ready. 2. Sufficient Documentation - Once the application is Decision Ready and therefore the documentation provided is correct and sufficient the assessor will match up your skills and knowledge to the Australian standards for your nominated occupation. An assessor will determine if the evidence supplied by the applicant matches the critical skills sets of the relevant nominated occupation and training package qualification. If the documentary evidence assessment shows that there is an 80% match to the critical skills, the applicant will be advised that they can proceed to the next stage of the assessment process. STAGE 3: Technical Interview The Technical Interview stage involves a conversation with an experienced assessor. This will be conducted either face to face at one of our offices or online via secure webcam. All technical interviews will be conducted in English. An interpreter is not allowed at the Technical Interview. This component provides an opportunity for you and the assessor to have a professional conversation about your required knowledge and skills for your occupation. The interviews will be conducted by Australian assessors; however you will be required to report to a Victoria University partner in your country at a nominated premise who will be responsible for: Verifying and confirming your identify using a range of evidence (passport, identity card with photo, etc); and Supervise and record the interview using a range of communication technology. STAGE 3: Practical Assessment In some cases you may be required to perform a Practical Demonstration which will allow the assessor to view your skills and knowledge via practical tasks. A Practical Demonstration is a mandatory method of assessment for all licensed trades and is the common form of assessment for client based offshore bulk assessments. For interstate and international locations of practical assessment centres, please contact us. STAGE 4: Assessment Outcome 1. Successful If you can demonstrate your skills and experience to the Australian Standards then you will receive an official TRA endorsed Successful Outcome letter which will satisfy the skills assessment requirement for a temporary skills shortage visa application with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). You will also be awarded with the relevant Australian trade qualification (Certificate III or IV)*. *Note: Only for non-licensed trades. For all licensed trades you will receive an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR). VU can only issue an OTSR if it is for migration purposes only. This will allow applicants to apply to the relevant state/territory licensing regulator for a provisional licence. This permit to work allows them to work under supervision of qualified tradespersons. 2. Unsuccessful VU will provide feedback, advice and a recommendation for reassessment in writing. If you wish to apply for a reassessment resulting from a skills gap you will be required to present further documentation/training/research/on-the-job experience etc. Applicants are only eligible for reassessment if applied for within the given timeframe. For full details, the reassessment policy can be found at A reassessment may also be an appeal of the original skills assessment outcome. GENERAL FAQ - TSS Skills Assessment Program What are my obligations as an Applicant? You must: Accurately and honestly complete the required VU Application Form and any other documentation issued to you by VU during your skills assessment. Provide valid, authentic, current evidence to VU in a timely manner to enable us to conduct your assessment Participate in the assessment as advised by VU. Can I appoint a migration agent or representative? You are not required to nominate a migration agent or representative as part of the TSS Skills Assessment Program. However, if you choose to nominate an agent or representative to act on your behalf during the process, you must notify VU, either on your original Application Form or by completing an Agent Authorisation Form. We will not speak to anyone in regards to your skills assessment unless you have provided written consent. A Migration Agent operating in Australia must be registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). Do I need to be living in my own country to be assessed? No. If you are currently residing in another country check with the VU Skilled Migration Assessment Services team to see if your assessment can take place there. CRICOS Provider No K (Melbourne) 02475D (Sydney) RTO Code: July

3 TSS SKILLS ASSESSMENT PROGRAM Do I require an English language test score for my skills assessment? No. It is not a requirement for your skills assessment. However it is a requirement for your visa application. Find out more at the website. How long will the process take? The skills assessment may take a maximum of seven (7) weeks to process from the point the application is deemed decision ready. If the application is not decision ready an opportunity to submit further evidence will be given (28 business days), however this will prolong the process. Who are the assessors? The assessors are either employees of Victoria University or employed by our partner State Training Providers in other States. Does VU provide additional training? Yes. Other training available for licence preparation include Metals, Electrical, Plumbing, Occupational Health and Safety, English language courses and gap training. All of these courses incur additional fees. APPLICATION FAQ - TSS Skills Assessment Program Am I eligible for the TSS Skills Assessment Program? To apply for a TSS skills assessment, at the application stage you must provide documentation to show: you hold a passport from one of the Nominated Countries (Refer to the TRA TSS Skills Assessment Program Applicant Guidelines) AND you are applying for a Nominated Occupation assessed by VU (Refer to Page 1) How should I submit and present my application? VU prefers electronic applications, providing they are accurately submitted. However, we also accept applications via post and if you do so, VU recommends that you submit your application in the form of a folder which clearly labels all your evidence enclosed and includes a Table of Contents or Document Register. Please refrain from using staples or permanent tacks. Missing or incomplete documentation will delay your application and will be returned to you. If I send an electronic application, how do I send my passport photos? Please refer to the Applicant Declaration of the application form. Affix two (2) standard colour passport sized photos and has them certified in the space provided. The photos need to be certified stating This is a true photo of [your full name] and then signed by an authorised signatory. Please follow the below photo guidelines: 35-40mm wide and 45-50mm high Good quality colour on high quality paper with no ink or marks on the image Natural expression, mouth closed. Show head and top of shoulders close up so that the face measures between 32mm and 36mm from the bottom of the chin to the crown Show you looking straight at the camera (not tilted head) No head coverings; facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of your face must be clearly shown No red eye Hair out of face and eyes Prescription glasses only, no tinted lenses Certified and dated (as specified above) Scanned copies must be clear in colour (not blurred) and show both sides What types of evidence do I have to submit? You must submit documentary evidence of your identity, skills and experience to VU for assessment. You will be assessed against the standards of the relevant Australian Qualification, the evidence you can provide the greater support for your application. You must submit the following: Completed VU Application Form (MANDATORY) Two (2) recent photographs passport sized, certified as true image and dated. Attach to application (MANDATORY) Passport bio page must show name, photo and date of birth (MANDATORY) Birth Certificate Evidence of name change/s (if applicable) Evidence of skills and experience (suggested documentary evidence to provide): - Detailed CV/Resume (MANDATORY) - Certificates of Qualification/s - Academic Transcript/s - Statement/s of Attainment - Content of subject/s studied - Licenses and Industry Memberships (MANDATORY for Pathway 2 Licensed Applicants) - Employer Statements (MANDATORY) [Minimum of two (2) if with current employer less than 2 years, Minimum of one (1) if with current employer at least 2 years or more] - References - Photographic/video evidence of you undertaking work tasks including a written summary - Position Descriptions - Job Tasks - Performance Review Reports - Tax Records - Annual Payment Summaries / Group Certificates / Payslips (MANDATORY for Pathway 2) - Statement from your registered / certified accountant (MANDATORY for Self-employed) CRICOS Provider No K (Melbourne) 02475D (Sydney) RTO Code: July

4 TSS SKILLS ASSESSMENT PROGRAM Note: Pathway 2 Qualified Applicants must provide a scan of the original Australian qualification and academic transcripts and provide sufficient evidence to satisfy the eligibility criteria. For Pathway 2 Licensed Applicants with a Current, Identified Australian Occupational Licence the License must be unrestricted. If you have more than one license please provide licenses for all states in which you have worked. Where past training providers and/or employers no longer exist, applicants must submit a personal statement on an appropriately signed and witnessed Statutory Declaration. What if my documents are not in English? If any of your documents were originally issued in a language other than English, than you must provide an English translation of those documents, compiled by a registered translation service. Applications submitted within Australia Acceptable translations may be obtained from translators accredited with the national Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Details of these translators can be found in the telephone directory under Translations or on NAATI s website: Please check the Translator s accreditation either by calling NAATI on , or asking to see the Translator s letter or Certificate of Accreditation Translations done by NAATI accredited translators must include the translator s name, NAATI identification number and accreditation status. Applications submitted outside Australia Acceptable translations may be obtained from: A Ministry of Justice (or equivalent) in the country where the qualification was obtained. The Australian Education International Section (AEIS) at an Australian Diplomatic Mission. Private and Commercial Translators. The Awarding Institution. You may also request advice at your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. Overseas translations must be done on the organisation s letterhead and include an official stamp, the translator s name, signature and contact telephone (all in block letters) legibly printed below the signature. When submitting foreign language documents, you must provide: Scans of all original foreign language documents; and Scans of all original English translations. How do I prepare an Employer Statement? Every Employer Statement you provide to Victoria University must be unique and include: the name of the business the nature of the business (for example, construction company, hotel) a detailed half-page description/overview of business and the services/products provided by the business the address of the business where you worked the start date and end date of your employment the nature of your employment (full-time, part-time) your normal hours of work your job title (occupation) a detailed description of the nature and content of the work you undertook a detailed description of the machines, tools and/or equipment you used the signature, name, position, telephone and contact details of the person authorised to make the statement the length of time that the person signing the statement has been supervising you must also be clearly indicated. All employment statements must be on company letterhead used by the employer s business, where possible. If you are unable to provide employer statements on letterhead you must provide us with an explanation of why this is not possible. If you send original employment statements they will not be returned. VU requires you to provide a valid contact telephone number and address for every person who supplies an Employer Statement in support of your application. VU may contact an employer to validate the information provided in the Employer Statement. If the contact details provided are not valid and the references cannot be verified, the assessment will be deemed unsuccessful. What if I am reluctant to approach my current employer for a Statement? If you are reluctant to approach your current employer for a statement of service ( Employer Statement ), you may submit a personal statement on an appropriately signed and witnessed Statutory Declaration. The Statutory Declaration is to detail as a minimum: the reason/s why they are submitting a Statutory Declaration; and all the necessary detail about any training and/or employment experience. What if I am self-employed? If you have, or are currently self-employed, you must provide evidence of trade, trade-related or occupation specific self-employment. The evidence should include a personal statement on an appropriately signed Statutory Declaration, affidavit, sworn statement or similar legal declaration (with your signature witnessed by a legal authority in your country). Your personal statement must provide the following details: a) the exact commencement and completion dates of each period of self-employment b) the occupation in which you were self-employed c) the nature and content of the work tasks you personally performed d) the number of staff you employed and their occupations, where relevant CRICOS Provider No K (Melbourne) 02475D (Sydney) RTO Code: July

5 TSS SKILLS ASSESSMENT PROGRAM e) a description of your workshop and the tools and equipment used f) a list of three clients, with contact details, for each year of self-employment you are claiming. You are also required to provide the following evidence of your self-employment: g) your business registration certificate valid for each period of self-employment you claim h) a statement on letterhead from your accountant or legal representative certifying the name and nature of your business, the exact start and end dates of your selfemployment and the capacity in which you were selfemployed. i) at least three statements from suppliers confirming the purchase of materials and equipment relevant to the work you were performing through your selfemployment for a range of different self-employment training periods you are claiming. j) at least three quotations/invoices or contracts for clients with details of the work completed, the client details and job location for work undertaken during the period of self-employment claimed. You must ensure that these documents reflect the range of work that you have undertaken in your nominated occupation over the course of the self-employment period claimed. k) references from three clients confirming full details of the work you did for them and the dates the work was undertaken. These references must be from different clients to those mentioned in j) above, but these clients must be included in f) above. l) evidence of any trade licensing or registration and the prerequisites to obtain the licence or registration, where relevant m) Any other documentation that provides support for the existence and purpose of the business. This may include information such as copies of advertising or promotional material (including internet advertising). Absence of signatures and payment. Electronic documents which are not scans of original documents. All applications must be decision ready. A decision ready application is one which is complete, and contains all necessary documents which are taken as being the applicant s best case for skills assessment. How do I submit my documents? Please do NOT send original documents or certified copies to VU. You may submit documents electronically: scans must be of original documents; scans of copies will not be accepted scans must be in colour; black and white copies will not be accepted the minimum scan resolution is 150 dpi (dots per inch). You will be requested to present original documents for verification prior to Technical Assessment. What is NOT accepted? General statements provided by the applicant, employers or training institutions will not be recognised as sufficient evidence of training or employment experience. Incomplete application. If an applicant does not answer all the questions on the application form in full or does not provide sufficiently detailed documentation to support the application, it may not be successful. CRICOS Provider No K (Melbourne) 02475D (Sydney) RTO Code: July

6 TSS SKILLS ASSESSMENT PROGRAM GLOSSARY o Agent a person who acts on your behalf in regards to your skills assessment application. This may include a migration agent, employer sponsor, family member or any other person acting on your behalf. o Decision ready - an application that is on the correct application form, is signed and dated, has the correct fee and represents an applicant s most comprehensive and strongest case for a successful assessment outcome. o Gap Training is the term given for the formal training that an individual may undertake to gain competence in units/subjects for which RPL or Credit Transfer has not been granted through the Skills Recognition process. o Migration Agent A registered migration agent can use their knowledge of Australia s migration procedures to offer advice or assistance to a person wishing to obtain a visa to enter or remain in Australia. They can also assist people who are nominating or sponsoring prospective visa applicants. o Skills Assessment the process of collecting evidence and making judgements on whether an individual can perform to the standard expected in an Australian workplace. o Visa A document that gives someone permission to travel into a specific country and stay there for a set period. ACRONYMS ANZSCO Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations AQTF Australian Quality Training Framework DHA Department of Home Affairs OTSR Offshore Technical Skills Record You can send your completed Application in one of the following ways to Victoria University: BY tss@vu.edu.au BY REGULAR POST Skilled Migration Assessment Services Sunshine Campus Victoria University PO Box MELBOURNE VIC 8001 Australia BY COURIER / IN PERSON Skilled Migration Assessment Services Sunshine Campus Victoria University 460 Ballarat Road SUNSHINE VIC 3020 Australia OFFICE HOURS Monday to Friday, 9.00am 5.00pm Eastern Standard Time ENQUIRIES For all enquiries please contact Skilled Migration Assessment Services on: RTO Registered Training Organisation TRA Trades Recognition Australia CRICOS Provider No K (Melbourne) 02475D (Sydney) RTO Code: July