Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is an agency operating under the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. TRA is the designated assessing authority for a broad range of skilled trade and technical occupations, making it an essential starting point for tradespeople who wish to migrate to Australia or work with an Australian employer.
You need a TRA assessment if you:
TRA assessments are mandatory for these visa pathways. You cannot proceed with a PR application for a trade occupation without a favourable outcome.
Always verify your occupation against the official TRA occupation list before applying, as the list is updated periodically by the Department of Home Affairs.
For tradespeople applying for a points-tested independent skilled migration visa who are currently overseas. Eligibility generally requires a relevant trade qualification plus at least three years of full-time paid employment, including 12 months in the three years before applying.
For tradespeople living overseas who are applying for a skilled migration visa. It includes a technical assessment and is mandatory for applicants from certain countries and occupations, particularly licensed trades such as electricians, plumbers, and refrigeration mechanics. The assessment may involve a technical interview and/or practical assessment through a TRA-approved RTO. VETASSESS operates as one of the TRA-approved RTOs conducting OSAP assessments globally.
The first step for international students who completed an Australian trade qualification from a CRICOS-registered training organisation and wish to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485).
A valid PSA is also the prerequisite for entering the Job Ready Program.
Designed for eligible international graduates who completed an Australian trade or associate professional qualification and want to remain in Australia with a pathway toward permanent residency. It involves 12 months of supervised employment and a final skills assessment. A successful PSA is required first.
For tradespeople who have already received a successful TRA outcome and want to apply for a points-tested visa. MPA provides a paper-based review of qualifications and employment history to advise on points-test outcomes.
For applicants applying for a Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa. The nominated occupation must appear on the TRA assessable occupations list for this program, and the applicant must hold a passport from a nominated country. Work experience requirements depend on whether a relevant Australian qualification is held.
| Program | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) | 18 weeks |
| Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) | 15 weeks |
| Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA) | 12 weeks |
| Job Ready Program (JRP) | 15 months |
| Migration Points Advice (MPA) | 18 weeks |
| Temporary Skills Shortage Assessment | 9 weeks |
Processing times may extend if additional documents or practical assessments are required.
Select your TRA assessment program and application type to estimate the relevant fees. All values are in Australian Dollars (AUD).
Processing times and fees may vary if additional documents, technical interviews, or practical assessments are required. Confirm the latest TRA fee schedule before payment.
