Latest Updates and Changes in VETASSESS Skill Assessment Criteria
A skilled visa is one
through which many professionals want to migrate to Australia. The VETASSESS
skill assessment is mandatory for many occupations. Professional
and General categories, such as managers, marketers and specialists, are
assessed by VETASSESS.
The VETASSESS
assessment has been modified to improve the applicant experience overall and
expedite the process. Candidates must be aware of these changes starting in
2026 to submit strong applications for their VETASSESS skills evaluation. This
blog outlines the key changes from 25 late and into 26.
VETASSESS Has Made Major Changes to the Professional Trade
Assessments from December 2025
The changes mainly
revolve around the speed and clarity of the process.
Firstly, the
processing times have been shortened. New full assessments are planned to have
a target of seven weeks. Appeals are aimed at 12 weeks. This helps to reduce
the waiting times and gives more flexibility to tight visa deadlines.
Secondly, the rules
regarding the extra documents have been widened. Applicants have 28 days to
fill in any missing information. If you need a follow-up, VETASSESS will send
you a request. They will mark your application as inappropriate if you don't
respond.
Thirdly, identity
checks have been made more rigorous. You need to show three pieces of ID,
including a government-issued photo document. For a change of name, the
evidence must be official links, not just declarations.
Also, outcome letters
have been updated. Good results now say "suitable, " and bad results
say "not suitable." Letters also have validity periods, aliases, and
more obvious next steps. Old letters are still valid.
Moreover, urgent
processing options offer help without additional charges if your assessment has
expired, but you have a visa invitation with a short deadline, e.g., 60 days.
These updates are only
for professional occupations and not for trades.
New Requirement for Pathway 1 Applicants from 1
January 2026
A key change affects
trade applicants. In fact, only by submitting an LLND (Language, Literacy,
Numeracy, and Digital Skills) assessment will Pathway 1 applicants be able to
proceed as of January 2026.
The form is a check of
the core skills required for both Australian qualifications and work. After
downloading it from the VETASSESS portal, make sure you complete it in full and
then upload it together with your evidence.
This rule is expected
to support the training organization sector in its compliance requirements.
Therefore, an LLND form that is not filled in or is missing altogether can
result in a VETASSESS skills assessment that is delayed or negatively impacted.
VETASSESS also updated
the video guides for January 2026 to coincide with the requirement for
occupations that need video evidence. Always refer to and use the latest
versions when demonstrating your skills.
Fee Adjustments and Priority Processing Updates
There has been an
increase in fees since the end of 2025. According to a notice sent to VETASSESS
by 485 visa applicants, from October 2025, the costs of professional and
general assessments increased with inflation.
For example, just some
485 visa assessments were slightly raised. Priority Processing for fast
tracking over the 2025, 2026 holiday period has been temporarily suspended. It
ended in early December 2025 and will be back in January 2026.
If you still want to
get your results quickly, then have a look at the availability to be sure. If
the standard times for processing stay short, VETASSESS can offer more paid
fast-track options during 2026.
Some Occupations Had Changes That Impacted Them Specifically
For example, VETASSESS
no longer requires a certified qualification for divers. In short, a current
ADAS Diver Card, along with two years of relevant experience in the past five
years, can be a sufficient qualification.
Other positions, such
as university lecturers and human resource advisers, were discussed in the
webinars for providing more accurate guidance.
When it comes to
renewals, it is always a good practice to check the up, to, date criteria. You
might be required to demonstrate new employment to meet the updated standards.
Prepare fully to
handle the new rules. Make your application "decision-ready" with all
documents from the start.
A few of the important documents
are:
- passport and photo id
- certified qualifications and transcripts
- English translations if applicable
- Comprehensive references from employers
with duties, dates and hours
- Evidence of payment, such as slips or
statements
How Do These Modifications Affect Applicants for
Migration?
Faster times and
clearer rules help with visa planning. Shorter document windows and stricter
IDs reduce fraud but require better preparation. The LLND requirement provides
core skills for trades. Urgent free processing aids those with invitations.
Overall, changes make the VETASSESS assessment more predictable.
Conclusion
You need to always
refer to the official VETASSESS website for the most current information. The
updated VETASSESS skill assessment criteria are more efficient and demanding. You need to be ready
for the changes in December 2025 and the LLND regs in January 2026.
Then submit complete
and supporting evidence to increase your chances for a positive outcome. You
can start your VETASSESS skills assessment with these changes in mind and move
closer to your Australian goals.
FAQs
Q. Is early 2026 priority
processing available?
Yes, but the service
was suspended over the holidays. It was stopped on 6 December 2025 and resumed
on 5 January?2026. For a fast turnaroundn in about 10 business days (extra fee
applies).
Q. Which new law is
effective 1 January 2026?
All Pathway 1
applicants (for specific trade pathways) are now required to complete a
Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills (LLND) form. Download it from
the portal, complete the form and upload it together with your evidence.
Updated video guides for video needing occupations also went live on this date.
Q. Is there free expedited
processing?
Yes, if your previous
VETASSESS assessment has expired and you have a short notice period (e.g. 60
days) on your visa invitation, you can apply for urgent assistance without
paying the priority fee.
Q. How long do I
have to submit additional documents now?
You are allowed 28
calendar days to submit any requested information or documents. VETASSESS doss
two reminders if required. No reply can mean a "not suitable" result.
Q. What are the new
identity document regulations?
Applicants should
provide at least three different identity documents. One is a government-issued
photo id. For a change of name, one needs an official document connecting the
old name and the new name.
By MCH
07 Jan 2026 
