If you’re planning an Australian skilled migration application, here’s news you shouldn’t skip. VETASSESS Professional Skills Assessment Fees are set to rise from September 9, 2026, and the change touches almost every applicant who relies on this body for their nominated occupation. The authority checks whether your qualifications and work experience match Australian standards across hundreds of professional occupations, and a positive outcome from it is often the first real milestone in a skilled visa journey.
According to the latest announcement, the adjustment reflects movements in inflation and follows Australian Government guidance on cost recovery. The bigger question isn’t just what the new numbers look like, though. It’s whether you should rush to submit before the deadline or take your time and get things right. Let’s walk through what’s changing, who it affects, and what to do next.
What Is VETASSESS and Why Does a Skills Assessment Matter?
This authority is one of Australia’s official skills assessing bodies. It reviews your educational qualifications and employment history, then decides whether they’re relevant to your nominated occupation and pitched at the right skill level. Applicants pursuing several Australian skilled migration pathways need this assessment before they can move forward with a visa application. Employers, agents, and individual applicants all rely on this assessing authority for professional and general occupations, from marketing specialists to management consultants. Without a suitable outcome, most skilled migration routes simply won’t open up.
What’s Changing in VETASSESS Professional Skills Assessment Fees?
From September 9, 2026, application fees for this category will go up, along with several related charges. The assessing authority has confirmed the increase applies in line with the Consumer Price Index and has been reviewed against Australian Government guidance. Here’s the part worth remembering: applications received before September 9, 2026, are still charged at current rates. Anything submitted from that date onward pays the new fee schedule. Don’t confuse the announcement date with the actual effective date. The update was published back in August, but the fees themselves only change once September 9 arrives.
How Much Will the New Fees Cost?
The increase isn’t limited to the standard application. It also covers Priority Processing, Skills Assessment Support, Chinese Qualification Verification, non-migration assessments, and various administration fees. Based on the official fee schedule published in August 2026 (figures shown exclude GST for non-resident applicants; Australian tax residents pay GST on top):
| Service | Current Fee | New Fee (from 9 Sept 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Skills Assessment | AUD $1,096 | AUD $1,146 |
| Priority Processing | AUD $825 | AUD $863 |
| Post-485 Assessment | AUD $852 | AUD $891 |
| Reassessment (within 12 months) | AUD $745 | AUD $779 |
| Renewal (within 3 years) | AUD $473 | AUD $495 |
Always confirm the exact GST-inclusive figure on the official website before you pay, since rates can be updated closer to the deadline.
Does the Fee Increase Apply to Trade Occupations?
No, it doesn’t. The authority has specifically stated that this increase does not apply to trade occupation assessments. If you’re applying under a trade pathway, your fees stay on their existing schedule. That said, always double-check which assessing authority handles your occupation before you pay anything, since not every occupation goes through this one.
Should You Apply Before September 9, 2026?
If your documents are complete and you’re eligible, lodging before the deadline means you’ll pay under the current, lower rates. But don’t rush a half-finished application just to dodge the fee increase 2026 brings. An incomplete or inaccurate submission risks delays, requests for more evidence, or an unfavourable outcome, all of which cost more time and money than the fee difference ever would. If you’ll need Priority Processing, factor that cost in too and confirm the latest priority processing fee before you pay.
What Documents Do You Need?
Applicants typically need identity documents, qualification certificates, academic transcripts, detailed employment references, and certified English translations for anything not already in English. Your qualifications get compared against the Australian Qualifications Framework, while your employment history is checked for relevance and skill level. Occupation-specific evidence may also apply, so it pays to review your occupation’s requirements early rather than scrambling at the last minute.
Can You Get a Refund?
Submitting early doesn’t guarantee cheaper fees down the track for every related service. If you withdraw an application before assessment begins, a full refund may be considered, minus an administration fee. Refund and withdrawal terms can shift, so check the current policy before you submit anything.
How The Victoria Immigrations Can Help
Rising costs make it more important than ever to get your application right the first time. At The Victoria Immigrations, our team helps you confirm your nominated occupation, understand the assessment requirements for your profession, and prepare accurate supporting documents before you pay a cent. We also guide clients through broader Australian skilled migration planning, so you’re not just reacting to the skills assessment cost but building a strategy around it. If you’re unsure about your occupation, your documents, or your timing ahead of the September 9 deadline, talk to us before you submit.
Final Takeaway
VETASSESS Professional Skills Assessment Fees increase from September 9, 2026, in line with inflation and Australian Government guidance. Applications submitted before that date keep the current pricing, while Priority Processing and several related services also see higher costs. Trade occupations are excluded from this round of changes.Whatever your timeline, verify your occupation, prepare complete documentation, and check the latest official fee schedule before you pay.