VETASSESS Skills Assessment Pathways in 2026: The Complete Guide
- Leading Edge
- 56 minutes ago
- 3 min read
If you are a professional or trade worker planning to migrate to Australia in 2026, VETASSESS is likely the most important name you need to know. As Australia’s largest skills assessing authority, VETASSESS covers over 360 professional occupations and 28 trade roles.
With the 2026 migration reforms now in full effect, the VETASSESS process has become more structured, with a heavy focus on "decision-ready" applications. At Leading Edge Migration, we’ve broken down the current pathways and the crucial 2026 updates you must follow.
1. The 2026 "Decision-Ready" Professional Pathway
For professional occupations (Groups A to F), VETASSESS has streamlined its processing to favour applicants who provide complete documentation upfront.
Standard Processing: Currently averaging 7 weeks.
Priority Processing: For an additional fee of $825 AUD, you can receive an outcome in just 10 business days.
2026 Identity Update: VETASSESS now requires three pieces of ID, including at least one government-issued photo document (like a passport) and official links for any name changes.
Understanding VETASSESS Groups (A–F)
Your occupation is categorised into a group that dictates your requirements:
Group A: Requires a highly relevant Bachelor’s degree + 1 year of post-grad experience.
Group B: Requires a relevant Bachelor’s degree + 1 year of post-grad experience (or a non-relevant degree + 3 years).
Groups C & D: Focused on Diploma/Certificate levels with relevant work experience.
Group E & F: Heavily experience-weighted, often for vocational or associate professional roles.
2. Major Change for Trade Applicants (Pathway 1)
Effective January 1, 2026, a significant new requirement has been introduced for Pathway 1 Trade Applicants (those without an Australian qualification).
The LLND Requirement: All Pathway 1 applicants must now submit a Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Skills (LLND) assessment as part of their documentary evidence.
New Video Guides: VETASSESS released updated occupation-specific video guides in January 2026. If your trade requires video evidence, you must use the latest versions to avoid immediate rejection.
3. VETASSESS Fees for 2026 Skills Assessment
Following the fee adjustments in late 2025, here are the current costs for the most common services (excluding GST):
Service Type | 2026 Fee (Approx. AUD) |
Full Skills Assessment (Professional) | $1,070 – $1,100 |
Priority Processing (Top-up) | $825 |
Skills Assessment Renewal | $473 |
Appeal of Outcome | $1,082 |
Points Test Advice (Optional) | $400+ |
4. Top 3 Reasons for Skills Assessment Refusals in 2026
Even with high points, VETASSESS applications are frequently rejected for the following avoidable reasons:
Task Inconsistency: Your "Statement of Service" doesn't align with at least 80% of the tasks listed in the ANZSCO description for your code.
Payment Evidence: VETASSESS now requires more than just a bank statement. You should provide at least two types of independent evidence (e.g., Tax Returns + Payslips + Superannuation records).
The "Post-Qualification" Trap: For most groups, VETASSESS only counts experience earned after you completed your degree. If you worked for five years before graduating, those years may be excluded.
How Leading Edge Migration Can Help
Navigating VETASSESS in 2026 requires a "legalistic" approach to your documentation. Our team, led by Navneet Kaur (MARN 1801703), specializes in:
ANZSCO Mapping: Ensuring your job title matches the correct assessment group.
LLND Preparation: Assisting trade applicants with the new 2026 compliance standards.
Priority Application Management: Managing the tight 10-day window for fast-track results.
Do you need to know which VETASSESS group your occupation falls into? Let us provide a professional assessment of your qualifications and experience. Contact Leading Edge Migration today.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. It's crucial to consult with a registered migration agent for personalised guidance based on your specific circumstances
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