ACS offers two main pathways depending on your background:

1️⃣ PY Pathway (Post Australian Study) – Easiest Route for Local Graduates 🇦🇺🎓

If you completed an ICT degree in Australia, the Professional Year (PY) pathway is the smoothest route for ACS skill assessment. This pathway also rewards you with 5 extra PR points. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌟 What Is the Professional Year?

A 44–52 week professional program including:

• 32 weeks classroom training 🧑‍🏫

• 12-week internship in the ICT industry 👨‍💻

• Professional communication lessons

• Employability skills development
  

🎯 PY Eligibility Requirements

You must:
✔️ Hold an Australian ICT qualification
✔️ Have completed 2 academic years (92 weeks minimum)
✔️ Have graduated within the last 2 years
✔️ Hold a 485 visa (or bridging visa with 485 pending)
✔️ Meet English test requirements
 ➡️ IELTS 6.0 each band
 ➡️ PTE 50 each band
 ➡️ TOEFL iBT 64+
 ➡️ CAE 169+

🧾 Documents Needed for PY Skill Assessment

📘 Academic Documents

• Australian degree certificate

• Transcripts

• Completion letter
  

📄 PY Documents

• PY completion certificate

• Internship letter

• Outcome report
  

🪪 ID Documents

• Passport

• CV

👉 No need for overseas employment documents
👉 No need for salary slips or tax proof
👉 No need for employer references
(This is why PY route is so easy and popular 😄)

💳 ACS Fees for PY (Post Australian Study) Pathway

Assessment TypeFee (Current)New FeePost Australian Study (PY)$1,100$1,136

💡 GST (10%) applies inside Australia.

Additional:

• Appeal Level 1 → $500 → $516
  

⏳ Processing Time

• Typically 4–8 weeks

• Faster than GSM because documents are local and standardised
  

🎁 Why PY Pathway is the BEST for PR

✨ 5 extra PR points
✨ Simple documentation
✨ Guaranteed internship
✨ Australian experience
✨ High acceptance rate
✨ Fast assessment

⚠️ Common Mistakes (Avoid These!)

❌ Missing PY completion certificate
❌ Incorrect dates in internship letter
❌ Uploading non-certified academic documents
❌ Copy-paste answers in skills questionnaire

2️⃣ GSM Pathway (General Skilled Migration) – For Overseas Graduates & Workers 🌏

This is the most common pathway for applicants with overseas ICT degrees or work experience.

📁 Documents Required for GSM (FULL LIST)

📘 A. Academic Documents

• Degree certificate

• Transcripts

• Completion letter

• Course syllabus (ONLY if ACS requests)
  

💼 B. Employment Documents

Your employment must be verified through:

• Employer reference letter (detailed)

• Offer/joining letter

• Promotion letters

• Experience letter

Reference letters must include:
✔️ Job title
✔️ Duties (matching ANZSCO)
✔️ Start & end date
✔️ Full-time/part-time status
✔️ Salary info (optional)
✔️ Company details (logo, address, email)

💰 C. Proof of Paid Employment

ACS requires at least 2 types of payment evidence:

• Payslips

• Bank statements showing salary

• PF/EPF/Super contributions

• Tax returns

This proves the employment was real and paid.

🪪 D. Identity

• Passport

• Resume/CV
  

📝 E. Optional Documents

• Statutory declaration (if letter unavailable)

• NAATI translations for non-English docs

• Colour PDF scans
  

💳 ACS Fees for GSM Pathway

Assessment TypeCurrent FeeNew FeeGeneral Skills (GSM)$1,450$1,498Recognition of Prior Learning$605$625Temporary Graduate$605$625Appeal Level 1$500$516

💡 Note: RPL is only for those without an ICT qualification (must submit 2 RPL projects).

📝 Step 2: Complete Your ACS Application

In the online portal:

1. Create account

2. Fill personal details

3. Add academic qualifications

4. Enter employment history

5. Upload all documents

6. Pay the fees

7. Submit
   

🧠 Step 3: ACS Skills Questionnaire

ACS asks about 20 skill-based questions related to your job.
Then you must select 3 core skills for detailed assessment.

💡 Tips:

• Be technical

• Do not copy job descriptions

• Explain tasks clearly

• Relate answers to actual projects
  

⏳ Step 4: Wait for ACS Assessment

ACS will:

• Verify your qualifications

• Check employment duties

• Analyse salary proof

• Match your ANZSCO code

Processing time:
📌 GSM → 8–10 weeks
📌 PY → 4–8 weeks

📄 Step 5: Receive Your Assessment Outcome

You may get:

✔️ Positive Outcome 🎉

→ Use it to lodge EOI (SkillSelect) and apply for PR (189/190/491)

🔄 More Information Required

→ ACS asks for missing or unclear documents

❌ Negative Outcome

→ Option to appeal or submit again

⚠️ Major Mistakes That Cause ACS Rejection

❌ Fake experience letters
❌ Salary proof doesn’t match employment dates
❌ Duties copy-pasted from internet
❌ Conflicting job dates
❌ Low-resolution or uncertified documents
❌ Missing promotions or job roles

🎉 Final Thoughts – You’re Ready for ACS!

The ACS skill assessment is your first and most important step toward Australian PR in ICT. Whether you’re applying via the PY pathway or GSM pathway, following the right steps and preparing proper documents will ensure a smooth and successful assessment.

✨ PY Pathway = Fast, Easy, Extra 5 Points
✨ GSM Pathway = Best for experienced overseas candidates

You’re now fully prepared to start your ACS journey and move closer to your Australian dream! 🇦🇺💼✨