EA Migration Skills Assessment Fees
Engineers Australia (EA) serves as the designated authority for assessing engineering qualifications for migration purposes to Australia. Understanding the fee structure is essential for engineers planning their migration journey, as these costs represent a significant investment in your professional future.
Purpose of the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA)
The Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) evaluates whether your engineering qualifications and competencies meet Australian standards. This assessment is mandatory for engineers applying for skilled migration visas to Australia, including the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491). The assessment confirms that your qualifications and experience align with Australian engineering standards, providing immigration authorities with evidence of your professional capabilities.
Importance of Understanding the Fee Structure
A clear understanding of Engineers Australia’s fee structure is crucial for effective migration planning. These fees represent a significant investment in your migration journey and vary based on the assessment pathway applicable to your qualifications. By familiarizing yourself with these costs upfront, you can:
- Accurately budget for your migration process
- Avoid unexpected expenses during application
- Select the most cost-effective assessment pathway for your circumstances
- Plan for potential additional services you might require
Engineers Australia Fees for Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) Assessment
The Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) pathway is designed for engineers with qualifications not covered by the Washington Accord, Sydney Accord, or Dublin Accord. This comprehensive assessment evaluates your engineering knowledge and skills through career episodes, a summary statement, and a continuing professional development (CPD) record.
| Assessment Type | Standard Fee (AUD) | Fast Track Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| CDR Assessment | $1,028.00 | $1,028.00 + $307.00 |
| Additional occupational category | $261.00 per category | – |
The CDR assessment fee covers the evaluation of one occupational category. If you’re seeking assessment in multiple engineering categories, an additional fee applies for each category beyond the first. This comprehensive assessment typically requires 12-16 weeks for standard processing, while the fast track option reduces this to approximately 20 business days.
Engineers Australia Fees for Australian Accredited Engineering Qualification Assessment
Engineers who have completed their qualifications from an Australian institution accredited by Engineers Australia benefit from a streamlined assessment process with lower fees. This pathway acknowledges that Australian engineering programs already meet the standards required by Engineers Australia.
| Assessment Type | Standard Fee (AUD) | Fast Track Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualification Assessment | $385.00 | $385.00 + $307.00 |
| Additional occupational category | $121.00 per category | – |
This assessment pathway typically requires 6-8 weeks for standard processing, significantly less than the CDR pathway due to the pre-recognized nature of the qualifications.
Engineers Australia Fees for International Accords Qualification Assessment
Engineers with qualifications from institutions covered by international agreements such as the Washington Accord, Sydney Accord, or Dublin Accord benefit from simplified assessment processes and reduced fees. These international accords facilitate mutual recognition of engineering qualifications between signatory countries.
| Assessment Type | Standard Fee (AUD) | Fast Track Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Washington/Sydney/Dublin Accord Assessment | $641.00 | $641.00 + $307.00 |
| Additional occupational category | $121.00 per category | – |
Processing time for this pathway typically ranges from 8-10 weeks under standard processing, reflecting the simplified verification process for accord-recognized qualifications.
Additional Assessment Services Fees
Engineers Australia offers several supplementary assessment services that may enhance your visa application. These additional services incur separate fees but can significantly strengthen your migration case.
Relevant Skilled Employment Assessment
This assessment confirms that your professional engineering experience meets Australian standards, potentially earning you additional points in the Department of Home Affairs’ points-based visa system.
| Service | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Initial assessment (up to 3 years) | $380.00 |
| Each additional year (beyond 3 years) | $193.00 per year |
Overseas Ph.D. Assessment
For engineers with doctoral qualifications from non-Australian institutions, this assessment validates that your Ph.D. meets Australian standards.
| Service | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Overseas Ph.D. Assessment | $302.00 |
Combined Assessment Services
Engineers Australia offers package discounts when combining multiple assessment services, providing cost savings for comprehensive applications.
| Combined Services | Fee (AUD) | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| CDR + Relevant Skilled Employment (3 years) | $1,333.00 | $75.00 |
| Australian Qualification + Relevant Skilled Employment (3 years) | $689.00 | $76.00 |
| Accord Qualification + Relevant Skilled Employment (3 years) | $956.00 | $65.00 |
Administrative Fees
Various administrative procedures may be required during or after your assessment process. These services incur additional fees as outlined below.
EA Assessment Review Fee
If you believe your assessment outcome requires reconsideration based on the original documentation submitted, you may request a review.
| Service | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Assessment Review | $179.00 |
EA Assessment Result Appeal Fee
For cases requiring formal appeal of assessment decisions, particularly when additional documentation is provided to support your case.
| Service | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Assessment Appeal | $395.00 |
Administration Fee
An administration fee applies for various changes to your application or documentation requirements.
| Service | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Administration Service | $176.00 |
Fast Track Skills Assessment Fee
For applicants requiring expedited processing of their assessment application.
| Service | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Fast Track Service | $307.00 |
Fast Track Migration Skills Assessment
Engineers Australia offers a premium fast track service for applicants requiring expedited processing of their skills assessment. This service is particularly valuable for engineers with approaching visa deadlines or time-sensitive employment opportunities.
Overview of the Fast Track Process
The fast track service significantly reduces the standard processing time for all assessment pathways, prioritizing your application in the assessment queue. This expedited service applies to the primary assessment process only and does not affect the thoroughness or standards of the evaluation.
Eligibility Criteria
The fast track service is available for all assessment pathways, including:
- Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) assessments
- Australian accredited qualification assessments
- International accord qualification assessments
However, complex cases with multiple employer verifications or requiring additional documentation may experience longer processing times even with fast track service.
Processing Time and Benefits
| Assessment Pathway | Standard Processing | Fast Track Processing |
|---|---|---|
| CDR Assessment | 12-16 weeks | 20 business days |
| Australian Qualification | 6-8 weeks | 10 business days |
| International Accord | 8-10 weeks | 15 business days |
The fast track service provides significant time savings, allowing you to proceed with visa applications or employment opportunities more quickly. The additional $307.00 fee represents a valuable investment for time-sensitive cases.
Payment Methods and Refund Policy
Understanding the payment options and refund policies ensures a smooth financial transaction during your assessment application.
Accepted Payment Options
Engineers Australia accepts several secure payment methods to accommodate applicants from various countries:
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- PayPal
- Bank transfer (for certain regions)
- Electronic funds transfer (Australia only)
All payments must be made in Australian Dollars (AUD), and international applicants should account for potential currency conversion fees imposed by their financial institutions.
Refund Eligibility and Process
Engineers Australia’s refund policy is designed to be fair while maintaining administrative efficiency:
| Situation | Refund Amount |
|---|---|
| Application withdrawn before assessment begins | 75% of fee |
| Application withdrawn after assessment begins | No refund |
| Fast track service (if timeline not met) | Fast track fee only |
| Unsuccessful assessment outcome | No refund |
To request a refund, applicants must submit a formal refund request through their Engineers Australia portal, providing their application number and reason for withdrawal. Refunds typically process within 15-20 business days to the original payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are the fees subject to change?
Yes, Engineers Australia reviews and adjusts assessment fees annually, typically implementing changes on July 1st to align with the Australian financial year. We recommend verifying the current fee structure on the official Engineers Australia website before submitting your application. The fees listed in this guide are current as of May 2025.
Is GST applicable to all fees?
No, Goods and Services Tax (GST) is not applicable to migration skills assessments for overseas applicants. However, Australian residents may be subject to GST on certain services. The fees listed in this guide include GST where applicable.
Can I combine multiple assessments?
Yes, Engineers Australia offers package deals for combined services such as CDR assessment plus Relevant Skilled Employment assessment. These packages provide modest savings compared to purchasing services individually. When planning your application, consider which combined services might benefit your migration pathway.
Contact Us for Assistance
Navigating the Engineers Australia assessment process can be complex, but our team of experienced migration engineers is here to help you succeed.
Reach Out for Migration Skills Assessment
Our consultants specialize in Engineers Australia assessment applications and can provide personalized guidance on:
- Selecting the appropriate assessment pathway
- Understanding fee structures and potential additional costs
- Preparing compliant documentation
- Maximizing your chances of successful assessment
Schedule a Consultation Today
Take the first step toward your Australian engineering career by scheduling a consultation with our expert team. We offer:
- Free initial assessment of your qualification pathway
- Transparent fee structure with no hidden costs
- Comprehensive CDR preparation services
- Post-assessment support for visa applications
Contact us today at info@cdrreport.com to discuss how we can assist with your Engineers Australia assessment journey.