Engineers Australia Migration Skills Assessment: How to Prepare Your ANZSCO Code and Documentation

Why the EA Skills Assessment Matters

The EA Skills Assessment is mandatory for most internationally trained engineers who wish to:

• Apply for a Skilled Migration Visa

• Gain recognition for employment in Australia

• Work in a nominated engineering occupation

Key Facts:

• Processing Time: Typically 8-12 weeks from complete submission

• Validity: Assessment outcome is valid for 2 years for migration purposes

• Cost: Varies by pathway (currently ~AUD $1,170 - $1,450)

• Location: All assessments are processed through EA’s office in Adelaide, South Australia

A positive assessment allows you to:

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect

• Be invited to apply for a skilled visa

• Work as a recognised engineer in Australia

Step 1: Understanding the ANZSCO Code System

What is ANZSCO?

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is a system that classifies all jobs in the Australian labour market. Each engineering occupation has a specific 6-digit code.

Why Your ANZSCO Code is Critical

Selecting the correct code is essential because:

1. It determines which skills are assessed

2. It must match your qualifications and experience

3. It affects your visa eligibility and points calculation

4. It aligns with state occupation lists (each state has different demand)

Common Engineering ANZSCO Codes

Pro Tip: If your exact specialisation isn’t listed, 233999 Engineering Professionals Not Elsewhere Classified is often appropriate but requires clear documentation.

Step 2: Selecting Your Correct ANZSCO Code

How to Choose the Right Code

1. Review the ANZSCO Dictionary (available on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website)

2. Match Your Qualifications: Your degree title should closely align with the occupation

3. Match Your Experience: At least 65-70% of your work should fall within the code description

4. Consider Future Roles: Choose a code that matches roles you want in Australia

5. Check State Demand: Research which codes are on skilled occupation lists for your target state (e.g., NSW, VIC, QLD)

Common Mistakes in ANZSCO Selection

Mistake 1: Choosing a code based on job title rather than actual duties

Incorrect: Calling yourself a "Project Engineer" (not an ANZSCO title)
Correct: Identify if your work is Civil (233211), Mechanical (233512), etc.

Mistake 2: Selecting overly broad or narrow codes

Solution: If 60% of your work is structural and 40% civil, choose 233214 Structural Engineer and explain the overlap in your application.

Mistake 3: Ignoring specialisations within codes

Example: 233211 Civil Engineer includes water, transport, and structural—specify your specialisation in your application.

What to Do if Unsure:

1. Review EA’s migration skills assessment page for guidance

2. Contact EA directly for pre-application advice

3. Consult with a registered migration agent specialising in engineering

Step 3: Document Checklist for EA Assessment

You must provide certified copies of all documents. Do not send originals.

Essential Documents for All Applicants

1. Identity Documents

• Passport bio-data page (certified copy)

• Passport-style photograph

• Name change documents (if applicable)

2. Qualification Documents

• Bachelor degree certificate (and master’s/PhD if relevant)

• Academic transcripts showing all subjects and grades

• Medium of instruction letter (if not obvious from transcripts)

• Course syllabus or subject descriptions (may be requested)

3. Employment Documents (if claiming work experience)

• Employment references on company letterhead detailing:

  • Job title

  • Employment dates (start and end)

  • Hours per week

  • Detailed description of engineering duties

  • Projects undertaken

  • Skills applied

• Payslips, tax returns, or employment contracts (supporting evidence)

• Organizational chart showing your position

4. English Language Proficiency

• IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or OET results

• Minimum requirement: 6.0 in each band (IELTS) or equivalent

• Exemptions: If you completed university studies in English (evidence required)

5. Curriculum Vitae (Australian Format)

• Maximum 3 pages

• Reverse chronological order

• Focus on engineering achievements

• Include references to Australian Standards if applicable

Additional Documents Based on Your Pathway

For CDR (Competency Demonstration Report) Applicants:

• Three Career Episodes (1,000-2,500 words each)

• Summary Statement

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record

• Important: Your CDR must be entirely original—plagiarism results in automatic failure

For Accredited Qualification Applicants:

• Evidence your qualification is EA-accredited or Washington Accord accredited

• Confirmation from your university if needed

For Washington/Sydney/Dublin Accord Applicants:

• Proof your qualification is from a signatory country

• Evidence the program is accredited under the accord

Step 4: Certification Requirements

All copies must be certified by an authorised person. In Australia, this includes:

• Justice of the Peace (JP)

• Medical practitioner

• Legal practitioner

• Police officer

• Other authorised witnesses (check EA’s list)

Certification Must Include:

1. “Certified true copy of the original”

2. Signature of certifier

3. Printed name of certifier

4. Qualification/position of certifier

5. Date of certification

6. Official stamp if available

International Applicants: Use equivalent authorised persons in your country (notaries public, lawyers, etc.)

Digital Certification:

EA now accepts digitally certified documents through services like:

• APOSTILLE Convention countries

• DFAT authorised services in Australia

• Registered digital certification providers

Step 5: The Application Process Timeline

Phase 1: Preparation (4-6 Weeks)

• Research and select ANZSCO code

• Gather all required documents

• Get documents certified

• Prepare additional materials (CDR if needed)

Phase 2: Submission (1 Day)

• Create online account via EA portal

• Upload scanned certified documents

• Pay application fee

• Receive acknowledgement and case ID

Phase 3: Assessment (8-12 Weeks)

• EA reviews completeness (2-3 weeks)

• Case officer assigned

• Additional information may be requested

• Assessment decision made

Phase 4: Outcome (1 Week)

• Result notification via email

• Positive outcome: receive assessment letter

• Negative outcome: receive reasons and appeal options

Step 6: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Based on EA’s latest data, these are the top reasons for delays or negative outcomes:

1. Incomplete Documentation (45% of delays)

Solution: Use EA’s checklist and submit everything at once.

2. Incorrect ANZSCO Selection (30% of reassessments)

Solution: Carefully match your duties to the ANZSCO description.

3. Poor Quality Certified Copies (25% of requests)

Solution: Ensure all certifications include all required elements.

4. Plagiarism in CDR (Automatic failure)

Solution: Write entirely original content. Use plagiarism checkers.

5. Insufficient Work Evidence (Common for experience claims)

Solution: Provide detailed references with specific engineering examples.

6. English Test Issues (5% of delays)

Solution: Ensure test is valid (2 years) and meets all band requirements.

Step 7: After Your Assessment

Positive Outcome:

• Your assessment letter is valid for 2 years for migration

• You can now submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect

• Consider applying for Engineers Australia membership (MIEAust)

• Update your resume with your EA recognition

Negative Outcome:

• You will receive detailed reasons

• You may appeal or reapply (depending on reasons)

• Consider seeking professional advice before reapplying

Supplementary Outcomes:

Sometimes EA issues a “partially positive” assessment requiring:

• Further documentation

• Additional qualifications

• English language improvement

• Follow the instructions carefully to achieve full recognition

Step 8: Special Considerations by Visa Type

For Skilled Independent Visa (189):

• Choose ANZSCO on Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

• Higher points required (typically 85+)

For Skilled Nominated Visa (190):

• ANZSCO must be on your nominating state’s list

• Research state-specific requirements (e.g., NSW, VIC, QLD have different lists)

For Skilled Work Regional Visa (491):

• ANZSCO must be on relevant regional occupation list

• Commitment to live and work in regional Australia required

For Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482):

• Different assessment pathway may apply

• Employer sponsorship required

Professional Help: When to Consider It

Consider professional assistance if:

• Your qualifications are non-standard

• You have complex employment history

• Previous application was unsuccessful

• You’re unfamiliar with Australian systems

• You want to maximise your chances first time

Our EA Assessment Support Service Includes:

• ANZSCO code selection guidance

• Document preparation checklist

• CDR writing and review (if needed)

• Application review before submission

• Post-submission query support

Our success rate: 98% positive assessment on first submission for clients using our full service.

Frequently Asked Questions (AEO Focus)

How long does the EA assessment take?

Typically 8-12 weeks from complete submission. Expedited processing may be available for additional fees.

Can I apply without work experience?

Yes, for qualifications assessment. However, for migration points, you’ll need to claim relevant experience separately.

What if my degree doesn’t exactly match an ANZSCO code?

Use 233999 Engineering Professionals NEC and provide strong evidence of how your qualifications align with engineering.

Do I need a job offer to apply for assessment?

No, the skills assessment is independent of employment.

Can I include non-engineering work experience?

Only engineering experience relevant to your nominated ANZSCO code counts.

What happens if my documents aren’t in English?

You must provide certified translations from NAATI-accredited translators.

Is the assessment different for each Australian state?

No, but different states nominate different ANZSCO codes for their skilled visas.

Can I change my ANZSCO code after submission?

Only before assessment begins. Contact EA immediately if you need to change.

Your Pre-Submission Checklist

Before hitting submit, ensure:

ANZSCO Code:

• Researched and selected appropriate code

• Checked against state occupation lists

• Duties match code description

Documents:

• All documents certified correctly

• English test results valid and meet requirements

• Employment references detailed and on letterhead

• Academic transcripts show all subjects

• Passport copy is clear and valid

Application:

• Online form completed accurately

• All required sections filled

• Payment method ready

• Digital copies are clear and readable

Additional (if applicable):

• CDR is original and follows EA format

• CPD record is detailed

• Summary Statement correctly cross-referenced

Final Tips for Success

1. Start Early: Begin document collection 3-4 months before you plan to submit

2. Be Thorough: Submit complete applications—partial submissions cause significant delays

3. Keep Copies: Maintain copies of everything you submit

4. Monitor Communication: Check your email regularly for EA requests

5. Be Patient: The process takes time—don’t panic if you don’t hear immediately

Next Steps After Assessment

Once you receive your positive assessment:

1. Register with EA as a member (MIEAust)

2. Submit your EOI in SkillSelect

3. Prepare for visa application (police checks, health examinations)

4. Start job searching with your recognised credentials

5. Consider state nomination if pursuing 190/491 visas

We’re Here to Help

The EA Migration Skills Assessment is a significant step in your Australian engineering journey. While the process is detailed, thorough preparation leads to successful outcomes for most applicants.

Need personalised guidance?
We offer:

• Free initial consultation to review your background

• Document preparation service

• CDR writing and review

• Application checking before submission

• Ongoing support through the assessment process

Download our free EA Assessment Preparation Checklist or book a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.

SharaConsulting has helped engineers from over 40 countries successfully navigate the EA assessment process. Our team includes engineers who have been through the assessment themselves and understand exactly what EA is looking for. We operate across Australia with particular expertise in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide visa processing pathways.