6 Expert Responses: Navigating the Skills Assessment Process

1. What is the Date Deemed Skilled (DDS)? The Date Deemed Skilled is established during the Skills Assessment process, where we evaluate if and when you became skilled in your designated occupation. This involves reviewing your employment history over the past decade to ascertain alignment with the occupation criteria set by VETASSESS. The DDS is essentially the point when you are recognized as having met the necessary skill level required for your occupation according to VETASSESS standards.

2. Validity of the VETASSESS Skills Assessment Outcome Letter The outcome letter from a VETASSESS Skills Assessment remains valid for three years from its date of issue. It is advisable for applicants to also verify with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure they meet all requirements for their visa application during this period.

3. Alternative Documentation When Employer is Out of Business If you're unable to provide a current reference letter due to your previous employer ceasing operations, you should gather and submit any available official documents. These documents could include business registration details, employment contracts, appointment letters, prior reference or promotion letters, job descriptions, formal closure notices of the business, official tax receipts, pay slips, and bank statements featuring details of the employer.

4. Requirement for Organisational Charts Organisational charts need to be presented on official company letterhead, especially for managerial roles, and must be endorsed by individuals at the appropriate level within the company. If you are unable to meet this requirement, provide a statutory declaration detailing the reasons and include the relevant organisational chart information.

   
   

5. Proving Employment for Self-Employed Individuals For those self-employed or owning a business, proof of employment and role specifics must be supported by official evidence from authorized service providers, such as legal practitioners or qualified/chartered accountants. These professionals should detail your primary responsibilities and annual income. Additionally, client testimonies regarding your work, project involvement, and task performance should be presented, supported by corresponding payment proofs like tax receipts.

6. Handling Multiple Concurrent Employments For applicants working with two employers simultaneously, the standard requirement is to have a minimum of 20 hours per week per employment. If your employment contracts suggest variable hour distribution, we may consider these specifics when assessing if you meet the 20-hour minimum. Ensure you provide detailed, official documentation of your employment agreements and payment proofs. Be aware that any employment falling below the 20-hour weekly minimum will not satisfy the skills assessment criteria.

These answers aim to guide our clients through the particulars of the VETASSESS Skills Assessment process, ensuring clarity and readiness for compliance with all necessary standards.