ACWA - FAQ

Updated on 19 Apr 2021

Preparing an application

WHICH OCCUPATION SHOULD I NOMINATE?

It is your responsibility to choose the occupation for which you believe you are qualified and experienced. You can conduct a self-assessment using the assessment criteria or contact a migration agent for assistance.

CAN YOU TELL ME IF MY QUALIFICATION IS ACCEPTABLE?

No, we do not provide pre-assessment advice. You can conduct a self-assessment using the assessment criteria or contact a migration agent for assistance.

CAN I COMBINE ENGLISH TEST RESULTS?

You can submit multiple IELTS tests only, but they must be within a period of 12 months.

HOW DO I SUBMIT PTE ACADEMIC TEST RESULTS?

You must send your PTE Academic score to ACWA through PTE secure portal and attach a copy of your test result with the application.

I HAVE A MASTER’S DEGREE, SHOULD I SUBMIT EVIDENCE OF MY UNDERGRADUATE QUALIFICATION?

Yes, you must provide all documentation for the underpinning qualifications such as a bachelor’s degree, including any non-relevant qualifications. This information is important when we assess your qualification comparability.

 

I CAN’T PROVIDE EMPLOYER REFERENCE LETTERS, WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

You are responsible for providing evidence to support your claims. All assessments are evidence-based, without sufficient evidence, we cannot accept the claim.

 

Applying

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A SKILLS ASSESSMENT?

You will need to create an account for the applicant portal and submit the online form. Please read through the application process page.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR MIGRATION POINTS TEST ADVICE?

You do not need to apply separately for points test advice. All skills assessments from July 2020 onwards include qualification comparability and work experience claims.

CAN I FAST-TRACK MY APPLICATION?

Yes, this service is available on a case by case basis and incurs a fee. You can select this option in the payment section of the online form. A completed application under the fast-tracked process can take up to 6 weeks.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT THE STATUS OF MY APPLICATION?

Each time an assessing officer updates the status of your application you will receive an automatic email. You can also log in to the applicant portal at any time and check the status under ‘My Skills Assessments’. The possible statuses are: Draft, Submitted, In Progress, Documents Requested, Not Suitable, Suitable. A lodged application will initially show as ‘Submitted’ and be updated to ‘In Progress’ once the assessing officer has begun the assessment. Please do not contact us if your application status does not show ‘In progress’, it will be processed within the timeframe.

HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY OUTCOME?

You will receive an email once your outcome is available. You can then log in to the applicant portal to download your certificate.

WHERE CAN I FIND MY APPLICATION ID NUMBER?

You can log into the applicant portal and find your application ID under 'My Skills Assessments'.

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE ASSESSMENT TEAM?

The assessment team is not available over the phone. You can email [e-mail]. PLEASE NOTE: emails requesting pre-assessment advice or status updates will not receive a reply.

 

Making changes to a pending application

CAN I CHANGE MY ANZSCO CODE?

You cannot change your nominated occupation during the assessment process. However, if you chose the wrong ANZSCO code, please email [e-mail] within 7 days of submitting your application.

 

HOW DO I CHANGE MY CONTACT DETAILS?

You should update your details by sending an email to [e-mail]. You must include your ACWA ID number in the subject line.

CAN I CHANGE OR REMOVE MY MIGRATION AGENT?

Yes, you can change or remove your migration agent at any time. To update this information complete Form 956 and email it to [e-mail]. You must include your ACWA application ID in the subject line.

CAN I PROVIDE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS?

Your application must be decision ready at the time of application. You are entitled to appeal, however, this incurs a fee and additional processing time. You may be asked to submit additional evidence as part of the assessment process.

Appealing/reviewing an outcome

CAN I APPEAL OR REVIEW MY OUTCOME?

Yes, we have a fair and equitable process for managing appeals and reviews. Visit the 'Application process' page for the policy and form.

 

Returning applicants

HOW CAN I RENEW MY ASSESSMENT?

If your assessment certificate has expired, you will need to submit a new application under the current guidelines.

I HAVE LOST MY SKILLS ASSESSMENT CERTIFICATE, CAN I GET A NEW ONE?

If you obtained your assessment from November 2020 onwards, you can log in to the applicant portal to download a copy. If you obtained your assessment before our online system, we can only issue a replacement if your certificate is still valid (ie. not expired). Please email the [e-mail] with your reference number in the subject line to arrange a replacement. A service fee applies.

CAN I GET A COPY OF MY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS?

Skills assessment applications are kept for five years only in line with our record keeping policy. If you made an application within the past five years and would like a copy of your documents please email [e-mail] with your reference number in the subject line to arrange a replacement. A service fee applies.