6 Answers by Experts - April 2024

1. What is Date Deemed Skilled (DDS)? 

As part of the Skills Assessment process, we work out when you were considered (deemed) skilled in your occupation. We determine this by looking at your employment over the last 10 years and how it relates to the occupation we are assessing. The Date Deemed Skilled is the date when you have met the VETASSESS skills assessment requirements for your occupation. 

2. How long is the VETASSESS Skills Assessment outcome letter valid for?  

VETASSESS Skills assessments are valid for three years from the original date of issue. Applicants should also seek confirmation from the Department of Home Affairs regarding the requirements for their visa application. 

3. I cannot provide an updated letter of reference because my previous employer went out of business. What can I provide as an alternative?  

You must submit as many other official documents as you can to support evidence of the company’s existence and your employment claims. These may include business registration records, your contract documents, your letter of appointment, previous letters of reference and/or promotion, position descriptions, formal notice of business closure, official taxation receipts, pay slips and bank statements that have your employer’s details. 

4. Does the organisational chart need to be issued on company letterhead?  

Yes. Managerial positions are commonly evidenced by an organisation chart issued on official company letterhead and endorsed by appropriate level/authorised people within the organisation. If you are unable to provide this evidence on company letterhead, please provide the reasons and relevant organisational chart details in a statutory declaration. 

5. I am a self-employed/owner of a company. How can I prove my employment and role within the company? 

To support any self-employment claims, we require official evidence/testimonies from authorised service providers. This could be a legal practitioner or a qualified/Chartered accountant. Accountant/legal testimonies should clearly explain your primary responsibilities at the company and the details of your annual income received. You should supply evidence of your employment responsibilities with official client testimonies for work/projects/performance of tasks completed. These must be accompanied by payment evidence, which can include taxation receipts. 

6. I have been working for two different employers simultaneously. Will you accept both employment positions to meet the 20 hours per week requirement? 

Work experience of at least 20 hours per week generally means 20 hours per week for each employment position. However, where your contract of employment provides for variable distribution of hours, we may take this into consideration in determining whether you satisfy the employment requirement of at least 20 hours per week. To provide evidence of this claim, you must supply detailed official evidence of your terms of employment and payment evidence. To avoid any doubt, any period of employment that fails to meet the “minimum 20 hours per week” benchmark will not meet our skills assessment requirements.