Pathway to Aus
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the difference between JRP and a standard skills assessment?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A standard TRA skills assessment is for applicants who studied their trade outside Australia and have overseas qualifications and work experience. The Job Ready Program is specifically designed for international students who completed their trade qualifications in Australia but may have had limited Australian work experience. JRP uses employment monitoring and workplace assessment to verify practical competency."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I do JRE while on a student visa?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, you can begin your JRE (employment phase) while on a student visa, provided your visa allows you to work the required hours. Most Student Visa (Subclass 500) holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, with unrestricted work rights during scheduled course breaks. The 1,575 hours required for JRE must be completed lawfully within your visa conditions."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What happens if I fail the JRWA?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"If you do not pass the JRWA, TRA will provide feedback on the areas where you did not demonstrate sufficient competency. You have the option to reapply for a second JRWA, which requires you to address the identified gaps — typically through additional training or employment experience. There are fees associated with a repeat assessment."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can family members be included in my skilled visa application after JRP?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, once you receive a positive JRFA from TRA and your visa is approved, your immediate family members (spouse/de facto partner and dependent children) can be included as secondary applicants in your skilled visa application (Subclass 189, 190, or 491)."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Does regional employment affect my JRP timeline?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, positively. If you complete your JRE in a regional or remote area of Australia (as defined by TRA), you may qualify for a reduced JRE requirement of 1,050 hours (approximately 8 months instead of 12) in some trade occupations. Regional employment may also provide additional points for your skilled visa application."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the MLTSSL and why does it matter for JRP?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) is a list of occupations that Australia has identified as being in medium to long-term demand. Only occupations on this list are eligible for the JRP pathway and can lead to Subclass 189 (permanent), Subclass 190 (state nominated), and Subclass 491 (regional) visas."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How long does the entire JRP take from start to finish?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The total JRP timeline is typically 18 to 36 months. The PSA stage takes 4–8 weeks; JRE requires a minimum of 12 months (or 8 months in regional areas); JRWA scheduling and completion takes 4–8 weeks after JRE; and JRFA processing takes 4–6 weeks. Total TRA fees are approximately $3,550."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Do I need a job offer before applying for PSA?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. You do not need a job offer to lodge your PSA application. The PSA simply assesses your qualification and preliminary work experience. However, you will need to secure employment with a TRA-approved employer before you can progress to the JRE stage."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I change employers during JRE?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, you can change employers during JRE, provided each employer is TRA-approved and you notify TRA of the change. Your progress hours from the previous employer will still count towards your total 1,575-hour requirement, as long as they were properly documented and reported."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What skilled visas can I apply for after completing JRP?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"After receiving your positive JRFA, you can apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) if nominated by a state/territory, or Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491). The visa type you qualify for depends on your SkillSelect points score, available places, and whether you meet state nomination requirements."}}]}
JRP Complete Guide

What is the Job Ready Program?

The Job Ready Program (JRP) is Australia's official skills assessment pathway for international trade graduates who completed their qualifications at an Australian CRICOS-registered RTO.

Managed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), the Job Ready Program bridges the gap between your Australian trade qualification and the formal skills recognition needed to apply for a skilled migration visa. Unlike applicants with overseas trade qualifications who go through a standard skills assessment, JRP graduates completed their studies in Australia — but still need to demonstrate they can perform their trade to Australian industry standards in a real workplace environment.

The program involves four sequential stages — each building on the previous one — that together verify your practical trade competency, provide monitored work experience, conduct a formal workplace assessment, and culminate in a final qualification that can be used to apply for permanent residency through Australia's skilled migration program.

The 4 Stages of the Job Ready Program

01

Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA)

4–8 weeks

TRA evaluates your overseas qualification and work experience against Australian trade standards. Cost: $130.

Full Guide
02

Job Ready Employment (JRE)

12+ months

Complete 12 months (1,575 hours) of supervised trade employment with a TRA-approved employer. Cost: $500.

Full Guide
03

Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA)

4–8 weeks scheduling

A TRA assessor visits your workplace to verify your practical trade skills against Australian competency standards. Cost: $2,845.

Full Guide
04

Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA)

4–6 weeks processing

Upon successfully passing the JRWA, TRA issues your positive Final Assessment — the gateway to your skilled visa application. Cost: $75.

JRP Eligibility Checklist

Check all boxes that apply to your situation:

  • Completed an Australian trade qualification (Certificate III or above) from a CRICOS-registered RTO
  • Your trade occupation is listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • You hold a valid Australian visa that permits full-time work (e.g., Student 500, Graduate 485)
  • You are willing to complete at least 12 months of full-time trade employment in Australia
  • You have not previously held a positive skills assessment from TRA through the standard pathway
  • You meet the English language requirements relevant to your trade occupation

Not sure if you qualify? Our MARA-registered agents will assess your eligibility for free.

Check My Eligibility — Free

Detailed Stage Guides

Stage 01

PSA Guide

Documents, requirements, timeline and common mistakes for Stage 1.

Read Guide Stage 02

JRE Guide

Finding TRA-approved employers, hours, regional options and progress reports.

Read Guide Stage 03

JRWA Guide

What assessors look for, how to prepare, and what to do if you fail.

Read Guide

Already Have an Employer Willing to Sponsor You?

If you don't have an Australian trade qualification, or you already have an employer willing to sponsor you, the Skills in Demand (482) visa may be a faster route to working in Australia, with a pathway to permanent residence via the Subclass 186 visa.

Explore the 482 Visa Pathway

JRP Frequently Asked Questions

Free Consultation

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Book a free 30-minute consultation with a MARA-registered migration agent. Get a personalised roadmap for your visa pathway.

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