VETASSESS New Fees from September 2026: What Skilled Visa Applicants Need to Know

VETASSESS has announced a fee increase for Professional Skills Assessments from 9 September 2026. This update is important for skilled visa applicants because a skills assessment is often one of the first major steps in an Australian migration journey. 

For many applicants, VETASSESS is the assessing authority for professional and general occupations such as Marketing Specialist, Management Consultant, Cafe or Restaurant Manager, Internal Auditor and many other non-trade occupations. A positive skills assessment can support skilled migration pathways such as subclass 189, subclass 190, subclass 491, employer sponsored options, DAMA and selected other visa strategies. 

The fee change does not mean the skills assessment rules are changing. It means applicants may need to budget more for VETASSESS applications lodged from 9 September 2026 onwards. Applications received before 9 September 2026 will be charged at the current rates, according to VETASSESS. 

Aussizz Group has helped 200,000+ applicants to their Australian Dreams, and this update is a timely reminder: skilled migration planning should not start at visa lodgement. It should start from occupation selection, document preparation and skills assessment timing. 

VETASSESS Fees Increase from 9 September 2026

VETASSESS has confirmed that application fees for Professional Skills Assessments will increase from 9 September 2026 in line with movements in inflation. The update also applies to Priority Processing, Skills Assessment Support, Chinese Qualification Verification, all non-migration skills assessments and administration fees. 

This matters because many applicants wait until the last minute to lodge their skills assessment. If documents are not ready before the fee change date, the applicant may need to pay the new fee. 

Full Skills Assessment Fees for Professional Occupations

The Full Skills Assessment is the main application type for many skilled migration applicants. It usually assesses both qualifications and employment experience to determine whether they meet the requirements for the nominated occupation. 

The Priority Processing fee is additional to the Full Skills Assessment fee. It is not a replacement for the main assessment cost. 

For example, an applicant in Australia who wants a Full Skills Assessment with Priority Processing needs to consider both the main online application fee and the additional priority fee. This can make the total cost significantly higher, so applicants should only choose priority processing when timing is genuinely important. 

Post-485 Assessment Under the Same Occupation

Some applicants complete a 485-related assessment first and later need an assessment of employment for a final Skills Assessment under the same occupation. 

This step may be relevant where an applicant’s pathway starts with subclass 485 planning and later moves into skilled migration options such as subclass 189, 190 or 491. 

Applicants should not treat the 485 stage in isolation. It is better to understand how the initial assessment, employment evidence and future skills assessment may connect. 

Renewal, Reassessment, Reissue and Appeal Fees

VETASSESS fees also apply where applicants need a renewal, reassessment, reissue or appeal. These situations often arise when an applicant’s assessment is close to expiry, the occupation strategy changes or the applicant receives an unsuitable outcome. 

The appeal fee is significant, so applicants should not lodge an appeal without understanding whether there are strong grounds. In some cases, a reassessment or new application may be more practical than an appeal. In other cases, an appeal may be suitable if the issue is clearly about the assessment outcome. 

The right option depends on the reason for the outcome and the applicant’s documents. 

DAMA Skills Assessments are Also Included 

VETASSESS also lists a DAMA skills assessment fee schedule for professional and general occupations assessed under Designated Area Migration Agreements. 

DAMA applicants should be careful because DAMA pathways are employer-led and region-specific. A skills assessment fee is only one part of the overall strategy. The occupation, employer, DAMA region, labour agreement settings and visa eligibility all need to match. 

Final Advice Before Lodging a VETASSESS Application

The VETASSESS fee increase from 9 September 2026 affects many applicants planning Australian skilled migration through professional and general occupations. The increase applies to Professional Skills Assessments, Priority Processing, Skills Assessment Support, Chinese Qualification Verification, non-migration skills assessments and administration fees. It does not apply to trade occupation assessments. 

Applicants should check whether their occupation is assessed by VETASSESS, confirm the correct assessment type, prepare documents early and understand whether they should lodge before or after the fee change date. Lodging before 9 September may help applicants pay current rates, but only if the application is complete and ready. 

A VETASSESS outcome can affect subclass 189, 190, 491, DAMA, employer sponsorship and other skilled migration strategies. The fee is only one part of the decision. The bigger goal is to lodge the right assessment with strong evidence the first time. 

Aussizz Group can help applicants review occupation selection, VETASSESS document requirements, skills assessment strategy, EOI planning and visa pathway options. 

Aussizz Group has helped 200,000+ applicants to their Australian Dreams, and the right guidance can help you avoid unnecessary costs, delays and assessment mistakes. 

FAQs

Q1. When will the VETASSESS new fees start?

The new VETASSESS fees for Professional Skills Assessments start from 9 September 2026. 

Q2. Which VETASSESS assessments are affected by the September 2026 fee increase?

The fee increase applies to Professional Skills Assessments, Priority Processing, Skills Assessment Support, Chinese Qualification Verification, all non-migration skills assessments and administration fees. 

Q3. Does the VETASSESS September 2026 fee increase apply to trade occupations?

No. VETASSESS states that the September 2026 increase does not apply to assessments for trade occupations. 

Q4. What is the new VETASSESS Full Skills Assessment fee?

The Full Skills Assessment online application fee is listed as AUD $1,205.60 for applicants within Australia, including GST, and AUD $1,096.00 for applicants not resident of Australia for tax purposes, excluding GST. 

Q5. What is the VETASSESS Priority Processing fee?

The Priority Processing fee is AUD $907.50 for applicants within Australia, including GST, and AUD $825.00 for applicants not resident of Australia for tax purposes, excluding GST. This is additional to the Full Skills Assessment fee. 

Q6. Will applications lodged before 9 September 2026 pay the old fee?

VETASSESS states that any application received before 9 September 2026 will be charged at the current rates. 

Q7. Should I rush my VETASSESS application before the fee increase?

Only lodge before the fee increase if your documents and occupation strategy are ready. A rushed or incomplete application can lead to delays, review costs or an unsuitable outcome. 

Q8. Is a VETASSESS 485 assessment the same as a Full Skills Assessment?

No. A subclass 485 assessment and a Full Skills Assessment can serve different purposes. Applicants should check which assessment type matches their visa goal. 

Q9. Can VETASSESS fees affect my PR pathway?

The fee itself does not affect PR eligibility, but the skills assessment outcome can affect skilled migration pathways such as subclass 189, 190, 491, DAMA and selected employer-sponsored options. 

Q10. Can Aussizz Group help with VETASSESS skills assessment planning?

Yes. Aussizz Group can help review your occupation, documents, VETASSESS assessment type, EOI strategy and Australian skilled migration pathway before you lodge.