Duties do not match ANZSCO
Reference letters described duties that did not match the claimed occupation code. Most common issue.
Internal Review · Fresh Application · Alternative Codes
Your skills assessment was refused. Options exist.
Our skilled team Gurjeev Bhalla and Sourabh Aggarwal handles assessment review and reapplication across 189, 190, and 491. Most assessing authorities have internal review processes. Fresh applications with stronger evidence are often viable. Alternative ANZSCO codes sometimes fit better. Here are the practical pathways forward.
Common refusal grounds
Four recurring issues.
Most negative skills assessments cluster around these four issues.
Qualification not comparable
Qualification assessed as below AQF level required for the occupation. Common for trade and overseas degree applicants.
Insufficient experience
Required employment period not established, or experience not at skilled level.
Evidence authenticity
Documents not verified or not accepted as genuine. Sometimes fixable; sometimes serious.
Fixing the assessment
Three pathways.
The right response depends on the refusal reason.
Internal reviewMost authorities allow internal review. File fresh evidence addressing the specific refusal grounds. Sometimes reversed.
Fresh application with stronger evidenceNew reference letters with duties-mapped ANZSCO language. Updated qualification assessment. Stronger employment history.
Alternative ANZSCO codeSometimes the same person qualifies under a different code. Analyst Programmer vs Software Engineer. Chef vs Cook. Detailed duties analysis finds the right fit.
Different assessing authoritySome occupations can be assessed by alternative authorities. TRA vs VETASSESS for certain trades. Check before moving.
Preparing a stronger application
Three evidence priorities.
Fresh applications succeed when specific evidence gaps are closed.
Reference letters rewritten
New reference letters from same or former employers. Duties mapped specifically to ANZSCO description. Hours, dates, supervisor details.
Payroll and tax evidence
Payslips, group certificates, tax records. Independent verification of employment.
Avoid repeating the same application
If the original application failed, resubmitting the same evidence rarely works. Each new application needs meaningful new content.
Most skills assessment refusals are reversible.
With rewritten references, clearer duties mapping, and supporting evidence, many initial refusals become positive assessments. The key is understanding why the original application failed and directly addressing it, not just reapplying with minor edits.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For refused skills assessment strategy, book with Gurjeev Bhalla.
How long does internal review take?
Varies by authority. Typically 4-8 weeks. Some authorities offer priority review.
Can I appeal outside the authority?
External appeal rights limited for most skills assessments. Authority internal review is typically the main avenue.
Can I use my visa if the assessment comes back positive later?
If visa still valid or fresh application viable, yes. Prior refusal does not disqualify future applications if ultimately positive.
Does a refusal appear on future migration applications?
The skills assessment itself is not disclosed to the Department in the same way as visa refusals. But practical impact on points and timing is real.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.