Learn how to recover from a failed skills assessment—step-by-step tips to review, appeal, or resubmit your application and improve your migration prospects.

Rejection from a skills assessment can feel like a major setback, but it doesn’t have to end your migration journey. With the right approach, you can address the issues, strengthen your case, and successfully reapply. This guide outlines the process for reassessing after skills assessment rejection and provides actionable tips for moving forward.

Step 1: Understand the Reason for Your Unsuccessful Outcome

After a failed assessment, your first step is to carefully review the outcome letter from your assessing authority. This letter will outline the specific reasons for rejection and may include recommendations for addressing deficiencies, such as missing documentation, insufficient qualifications, or gaps in employment evidence. Understanding these details is critical before you take any further action.

  • Tip: Contact the assessing authority if the feedback is unclear. Many organizations allow you to request clarification or discuss your result before proceeding with a formal review or appeal.

Step 2: Choose Your Next Step—Review, Appeal, or Resubmit

Depending on your situation and the assessing authority’s policies, you may have several options:

Request a Reassessment

If you can provide new or additional evidence to address unmet criteria, you may apply for a reassessment. This is often allowed within a specific timeframe (e.g., within 12 months of your outcome letter) and usually requires a fee. Only new information or documents that directly resolve the original issues should be submitted.

  • Example: If you were missing a specific qualification or work experience, obtain and submit the required evidence as recommended in your initial outcome letter.

Internal Review

If you believe there was an error in the assessment process or administration, you can request an internal review. This is a formal process where a different assessor reviews your original application and the grounds for your request. Be prepared to clearly state the error and provide supporting evidence.

External Appeal

If your internal review is unsuccessful, you may be able to lodge an external appeal. This is typically handled by an independent reviewer and is only available after all internal processes have been exhausted. There are usually strict deadlines and additional fees for appeals.

Resubmit a New Application

If your assessment outcome is final and not eligible for review or appeal, you can prepare a new application. Address all deficiencies noted in your previous outcome, gather stronger evidence, and ensure your documents fully meet the guidelines.

Step 3: Strengthen Your Application for Success

  • Follow Recommendations: Carefully address each point raised in your outcome letter. Complete any additional study, gain required work experience, or gather missing documentation as specified by the assessor.
  • Use Checklists: Download and use the official checklist from your assessing authority to ensure you meet all requirements for your occupation.
  • Certify and Translate Documents: Ensure all documents are properly certified and translated if required.
  • Seek Expert Advice: If you’re unsure about the process or requirements, consult a registered migration agent or professional familiar with your assessing authority’s standards.

An Opportunity to Improve

A failed skills assessment is not the end—it’s an opportunity to improve and try again. By understanding the reasons for rejection, following the correct review or resubmission process, and strengthening your evidence, you can recover from a failed migration assessment and move closer to your migration goals.