Skills Assessment Authority
AACA
Architects Accreditation Council of Australia
The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) assesses the Architect occupation for Australian skilled migration, through a two-stage process of document review and a competency interview. Visa Plan Lawyers prepares and lodges AACA applications.
Assessment Fees
$4,900 AUD (combined assessment)
Overseas Qualifications Assessment, Stages 1 and 2 combined; Stage 2 only $3,000; second Competency Assessment Interview $1,200; skilled migration renewal $440. Card surcharge 1.49 per cent in Australia, 2.9 per cent international.
Fees as published by AACA, checked September 2026
Processing Time
Generally finalised within 7 weeks of lodgement, up to 12 weeks where documentation is incomplete.
Official Website
www.aaca.org.auOccupations assessed by AACA
Architect occupation only (ANZSCO Architect).
Key Occupations
Architect
Always verify the designated assessing authority for your specific ANZSCO occupation code on the Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation list before applying.
Assessment requirements
Two-stage assessment model
The AACA runs a two-stage assessment rather than a documentary-only review. Stage 1 is a document and qualification review, and Stage 2 is a Competency Assessment Interview.
Evidence required
Applicants submit academic qualifications and supporting documentation for the Stage 1 review. Stage 2 then tests competency directly through a structured interview.
Process since March 2022
Since March 2022 a Skilled Migration Assessment is issued only after both Stage 1 and Stage 2 are complete. A favourable Stage 1 result alone does not produce a migration outcome.
Validity of the outcome
A successful Skilled Migration Assessment is valid for three years from the date of issue. Renewal is requested by email, takes about 10 working days and extends validity by a further three years.
How AACA assesses
Which AACA program an applicant needs depends on where the architecture qualification was awarded. The Skilled Migration Assessments page directs holders of an accredited qualification from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong or Singapore to a Verification application, holders of UK ARB prescribed Part 1 and Part 2 qualifications to the UK/AUS Mutual Recognition Agreement, and all other overseas graduates to the Overseas Qualifications Assessment or the Experienced Practitioner Assessment. AACA assesses only coursework qualifications that would allow a graduate to proceed to registration as an architect in the awarding country, per the Overseas Qualifications Assessment page.
The Competency Assessment Interview is prepared through a portfolio of 3 to 4 architectural projects and written summary statements addressing the 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects, as set out on the OQA Stage 2 page. AACA recommends including one student project as a basis for discussion, accepts no more than four projects, and requires applications to be complete at lodgement, with no documents accepted later, according to the OQA FAQs.
Where the qualification was not taught in English, AACA requires a standard English proficiency test or a letter from an Australian architectural employer certifying adequate English, per the OQA page. Priority processing for a charge was withdrawn on 18 March 2024, though AACA may expedite documented extenuating cases at no cost. A card surcharge of 1.49% for Australian cards and 2.9% for international cards applies to all payments. Renewal of a Skilled Migration Assessment is lodged through the OQA Application Portal and issued by email within approximately 10 working days.
Visa Plan Lawyers and AACA assessments
Architects trained outside Australia often hold a registration in their home jurisdiction that AACA treats differently from an accredited degree. Visa Plan Lawyers checks which AACA pathway matches the applicant's qualification before the fee is paid and maps the outcome to the visa that follows.
Reviewed by Visa Plan Lawyers · Last updated: September 2026 · Assessment fee and processing time information is approximate and subject to change. Always verify current fees and processing times directly with AACA at https://www.aaca.org.au before applying. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Visa Plan for advice specific to your circumstances.