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AASW Skills Assessment

Assess your social work qualifications with AASW.

Visa Type

Assessment Pathways

Migration Eligibility Assessment
International Qualification Recognition (IQR)
New Zealand Mutual Recognition
Main purpose

For skilled migration applicants requiring recognition as a Social Worker.

To determine whether an overseas qualification meets Australian social work standards.

Recognises NZ social work qualifications for Australian use under mutual recognition.

Who it’s for

Applicants lodging 189/190/491 or employer-sponsored skilled visas.

Overseas-qualified social workers not applying for migration yet.

Applicants with NZ social work qualifications wanting recognition in Australia.

Qualification requirement

Must meet AASW-accredited Australian social work degree equivalency (theory + field education).

Must submit overseas qualification & field education for full equivalency assessment.

Must hold an eligible NZ social work qualification for mutual recognition.

Field education requirement

This requirement applies to IQR applicants who completed their studies outside Australia. It is not applicable to international students who have studied in Australia.

Two placements totalling at least 1,000 hours in social work settings.
This requirement applies to IQR applicants and does not apply to international students who studied in Australia.

NZ qualifications generally accepted based on established reciprocity.

Assessment method

Desktop assessment of qualification + placements + competencies against AASW standards.

Qualification and practicum equivalency review.

Recognition of NZ qualification without full reassessment.

Outcome type

AASW Migration Skills Assessment outcome letter.

Qualification Recognition Statement (not for migration).

AASW Mutual Recognition outcome.

ANZSCO relevance

Social Worker (272511).

Not linked to migration ANZSCO — qualification only.

Linked to Social Worker occupation when applying for migration.

Common applicant groups

Skilled migrants, overseas practitioners, PR applicants.

Early-career professionals validating overseas degrees.

NZ social workers moving to Australia.

Can I apply for an AASW Skills Assessment?

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How to apply

The Knowbal Visa Application Process

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my overseas social work qualification doesn’t clearly show 1,000 hours of field education?

AASW requires clear evidence of practicum hours. If your documentation is incomplete, we can help you gather supervisor statements, course outlines, or university letters to meet AASW standards and avoid delays.

Can I apply for AASW Migration Assessment before my final transcript is issued?

You can prepare early, but AASW will not finalise the migration assessment without official completion evidence. We help manage timing so your skilled visa plan isn’t impacted.

What if my placement was in a non-social work setting — will AASW accept it?

Possibly, but only if the role was supervised by a qualified social worker and aligned with AASW learning outcomes. We help determine whether your placement meets the AASW criteria before lodging.

How strict is AASW about English-language requirements for migration assessments?

AASW follows strict proficiency standards often IELTS Academic Test . We guide you on whether your test meets the current criteria for the skills assessment and visa requirements.

What if my overseas degree is recognised under the International Qualification Recognition but not approved for migration?

IQR does not automatically mean migration eligibility. You may need bridging study or additional evidence. We help assess your options before committing to a migration application.

Will missing or unverifiable placement documentation delay my outcome?

Yes — AASW may pause or refuse assessments if placement verification fails. We help prepare compliant evidence, supervisor letters, and statutory declarations to reduce this risk.

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