Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)

The Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) is an assessment pathway for visa applicants under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa program who are applying for a nominated occupation and hold a passport from a nominated country. OSAP skills assessments determine if applicants have the skills and experience necessary to work in Australia at the trade level for their occupation so that they can contribute immediately to the Australian workforce. The program currently covers the following occupations: • Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (342111) • Automotive Electrician (321111) • Baker (351111) • Bricklayer (331111) • Cabinetmaker (394111) • Carpenter (331212) • Carpenter and Joiner (331211) • Chef (351311) • Cook (351411) • Diesel Motor Mechanic (321212) • Driller (712211)) • Electrical Linesworker (342211) • Electrician (General) (341111) • Electrician (Special Class) (341112) • Electronic Equipment Trades Worker (342313) • Fitter (General) (323211) • Fitter and Turner (323212) • Fitter-Welder (323213) • Hairdresser (391111) • Joiner (331213) • Metal Fabricator (322311) • Metal Machinist (First Class) (323214) • Metal Fitters and Machinists (nec) (323299) • Motor Mechanic (General) (321211) • Motorcycle Mechanic (321213) • Panel Beater (324111) • Pastry cook (351112) • Plumber (General) (334111) • Pressure Welder (322312) • Sheet Metal Trades Worker (322211) • Small Engine Mechanic (321214) • Technical Cable Jointer (342212) • Toolmaker (323412) • Vehicle Painter (324311) • Welder (First Class) (322313) The program covers applicants from Brazil, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Fiji, India, Iran, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vietnam and Zimbabwe. It must be noted that not all occupations are available for all countries. Applicants under the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) are required to submit a ‘paper’ application and, subject to a favourable outcome from this step, they then undergo a technical interview or practical assessment in their country of origin depending on their occupation. As noted above, the program allows individuals who have no formal qualifications to apply as well. Those applying in non-licensed trades qualify for an Australian Certificate III if the outcome of their application is successful. This then allows them to claim qualification points in their migration application. Please contact us if you think that you might qualify and you require advice.