Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 08112019

The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors
(ABN 97 008 485 809)
SKILLED MIGRATION
ASSESSMENT POLICY
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. About Skilled Migration ................................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Fraud ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
4. Assessment Process ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
5. Pathway 1 – Australian Accredited Qualification ................................................................................................... 8
6. Pathway 2 – Non-accredited Australian Qualification with Minimum Two Years of Employment .... 8
7. Pathway 3 – Overseas Qualified Applicants with Minimum Two Years of Employment ........................ 9
8. Pathway 4 – Current financial Corporate member of AIQS or Recognised Association with
Minimum One Year of Employment .........................................................................................................................10
9. English Language Skills ..................................................................................................................................................11
10. Appeal Process ..................................................................................................................................................................12
11. Definitions ...........................................................................................................................................................................12
AIQS Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 2019 - Page 2 of 13

1. Introduction
This policy sets out the requirements of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) for
assessment of Skilled Migration Applications.
The AIQS is a professional standards body. Through its leadership, standards and Code of Conduct, it
ensures that practicing members are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of professional
excellence. The Institute is a national organisation with Chapters and Branches in all States and Territories.
It also has a strong overseas membership and is the peak Australian body to the International Cost
Engineering Council and the Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors.
2. About Skilled Migration
If you wish to apply to migrate to Australia as a Quantity Surveyor under the General Skilled Migration
Program, you will need to have your skills assessed by the AIQS prior to submitting your Expression of
Interest (EOI). The AIQS will assess your skills and/or qualifications as either “suitable” or “not suitable”
for your nominated occupation against the AIQS requirements it has established.
The AIQS is nominated by the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection as the relevant assessing
authority for the occupation of Quantity Surveying ANZSCO 233213 only. Based on the definition by the
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2122-11), a Quantity Surveyor:
“Estimates and monitors construction costs from the feasibility stage, through tender preparation, to the
construction period and beyond. The entry requirement for this occupation is a Bachelor’s Degree or higher
qualification. In some instances relevant experience is required in addition to the formal qualification.”
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/66f306f503e529a5ca25697e0017661f/0937F705ECB191E4CA
25697E00184E6D?opendocument
For the purposes of this Policy, the AIQS can assess all skilled migration assessment applications for
Quantity Surveyors. Quantity Surveying means the science or profession concerned with:
• building and engineering economics
• financial, resource and contractual management
• dispute resolution
• quantification of material and labour inputs
• For all types of building, construction and industrial projects
Quantity Surveyor(s) includes but is not limited to the designations:

• Building or Construction: Economist, Cost Consultant, Cost Manager or Arbitrator
• Cost or Budget: Analyst, Consultant, Controller, Engineer, Manager or Planner
• Estimator
• Project Manager or Planner
Qualifications will be assessed by the AIQS, utilising Country Education Profiles (CEP) Online, a tool
maintained by the Australian Government, Australian Educational International, as well as Commonwealth
Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

As an assessing authority, the AIQS is unable to provide migration advice. It is the responsibility of the
applicant to ensure they understand the requirements of the Department Home Affairs for the visa they
wish to apply for https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au
3. Fraud
The AIQS strictly adheres to Australian immigration laws and will immediately report suspected fraud to
the Department of Home Affairs. Please note that it is an offence under Australian immigration law to
provide false documents or make misleading statements in a visa application.
4. Assessment Process
4.1 Assessment Processing Time
The processing time is calculated from the date the application is received, provided all required
documents have been submitted. Whilst the AIQS will endeavor to undertake all assessments within
two months of receiving the application, some more complex applications may take over two months
to complete. Applications will be acknowledged via email within five working days of receipt.
If you do have any concerns during this time, please send all enquiries via email to
[email protected]. If there are any deficiencies in your application, your assessing officer
will notify you via email. If all relevant documents are not then received within 8 weeks of initial
application, the application will be suspended. Once your application has been completed and
assessed by the Assessors, you will receive a letter by email advising you of the outcome.
Please only send the requested documents as per the checklist found on the application form. If
supporting documents are missing or irrelevant documents are attached, the application will be
deemed void.
4.2 Assessment Procedure
It is important to note that assessments under Pathways 2, 3, or 4 consists of two consecutive parts.
The primary component is an assessment of your qualifications (minimum Bachelor’s degree
equivalent to AQF Level 7 or higher). Subsequent to this, an assessment of your work experience
will be carried out. Should your qualifications not be deemed ‘suitable’ then the final outcome of
your entire assessment will not be considered ‘suitable’.
4.3 Assessment Processing Fees
New Assessment Fee: All applications for skilled migration assessment must include payment of the
relevant administration fee (deposit) and assessment fee. Before assessment commences,
applications can be withdrawn at any stage. The administration fee will be charged in all cases. Once
the application has been submitted to the assessor/s, a refund of the assessment fee will not be
issued.

Appeal Fee: The AIQS provides an appeal mechanism for consideration of any applicants who object
to the finding of an overall “not suitable” result of their skilled migration assessment. Appeals must
be submitted in writing within 3 calendar months of the date of the initial assessment outcome letter.
Applicants making an appeal must pay the appeal fee. Any additional costs incurred by the applicant
as a result of the appeal process are the responsibility of the applicant.
Re-assessment Fee: If you have previously been assessed as “suitable” by the AIQS and wish to
have further assessments made within 2 years of your initial assessment, you will need to complete
a new application form, and pay the re-assessment fee. However, should you wish to be re-assessed
after 2 years of your initial assessment, it will be treated as a new application and a full assessment
fee will be charged.
Please note that any applications received from individuals who have previously been deemed “not-
suitable” will be required to re-submit their application form and pay the full assessment fee.
The current fees are found on our website here:

http://www.aiqs.com.au/imis/AIQS_Website/Migration/Assessment_Fees/AIQS_Website/Public/Skill
ed_Migration_Assessment/Assessment_Fees.aspx?hkey=245b6e55-a275-4cbc-bc3a-2e95b45c6291
Note: All fees must be paid in AUD only.
4.4 Application Requirements
Applications for Assessment

The AIQS, as an approved assessment authority, will assess your qualification and/or your skilled
employment, deeming applications as either suitable or not suitable. The Institute will only provide
assessments via the following Pathways (your submission should include information as set out
below):
Pathway 1 – Australian Accredited Qualification

• Completed application form
• Payment of assessment fee in Australian Dollars
• Certified colour copy of minimum Bachelor’s Degree equivalent to AQF Level 7 or higher
• Certified colour copy of transcripts relating to Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Certified colour copy of current passport
• Certified colour copy of a clear passport photo taken within the last 4 weeks
Pathway 2 – Non-Accredited Australian Qualification with Minimum Two Years of Employment

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae
• Colour copies of employment references for each position held (on corporate letterhead) from
a supervisor (quantity surveyor) to include an outline of your role and the main duties
performed, specified dates of your role with the organisation and referrer’s qualifications and
contact details

• Colour copies of each supervisor’s qualifications
Pathway 3 –Overseas Qualified Applicants with Minimum Two Years of Employment

performed, specified dates of your role with the organisation and referrer’s qualifications and
contact details
• Certified colour copy of an English Language Test Report at minimum “competent” proficiency
level (exclusions may apply)
Pathway 4 – Current financial Corporate member of AIQS or Recognised Association with

Minimum one Year of Employment
• A colour copy of the AIQS or Recognised Association membership certificate with a current
letter on letterhead stating that you are are financial corporate member with no outstanding
complaints against you
• Proof of CPD compliance as indicated by AIQS
performed, specified dates of your role with the organisation and referee’s qualifications and
contact details
• Certified colour copy of an English Language Test Report at minimum “competent” proficiency
level (exclusions may apply)
4.5 Certified Copies
Certified copy is a copy of an original document which is certified as a true copy by an authorised
person. Authorised persons include: Justices of the Peace (JPs), legal practitioners and Police
Officers. For a full list of professionals who can certify and endorse documents please refer to
Department of Home Affairs website listed below:

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/Trav/Citi/Appl/What-documents-do-you-need/Designated-list-of-
occupations-and-professions
If your application/qualifications are not in English, you must provide certified colour copies of both
the original language document and an English translation carried out by an authorised translator.
Please ensure that your certified documents are dated no older than 12 months from the date of
submission.
4.6 Academic Transcripts
An academic transcript is a document issued to you, in your name, by your educational institution
outlining the subjects studied in your qualification course, years studied and often your results in
each subject. Assessment of qualifications includes an assessment of your course content so please
provide transcripts for each year of the course.
In regard to Transcripts or Statements of Marks, the documents provided need to meet the following
criteria:
• Be on University letterhead
• Clearly state subjects studied
• Clearly state semester each subject was studied
• Clearly state the course in which the subjects were studied
• Clearly state the assessment grade of each subject
4.7 Reference Letters
Reference letters must meet the following requirements:
• Must be written by a Quantity Surveyor who has directly supervised your work
• Must be on company letterhead (if the Supervisor writing your reference has moved to
another organisation, they may use the letterhead of the company they now work for and
state the name of the company where they worked with you)
• Must be dated (include the date the letter was signed)
• Must outline your role and the main duties performed in this role
• Must include specified commencement and end dates of your role with the organisation
• Must include contact details of the referrer
• Must include the qualifications and post nominals of the person signing the reference letter
(ie: BSc QS if has a Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying and MRICS if a chartered
member of RICS etc.)
• Must include a copy of all referrer’s qualifications
• Where multiple reference letters are provided, each letter should be uniquely written by your
supervisor and must not contain in whole or part, copied sections or paragraphs from other
reference letters.
An appropriate supervisor (not a professional or HR Manager) must meet one of the following criteria:
• A direct supervisor that is practicing and qualified as a Quantity Surveyor who has studied and
graduated from a minimum of 3 years full time in quantity surveying or an allied discipline;

• A direct supervisor who is a practising Quantity Surveyor recognised as a financial Corporate
member of the AIQS or is a member equivalent to a financial Corporate member of a body
formally recognised by the Institute;
• A direct supervisor who is a practising Quantity Surveyor that gained their construction related
qualification/degree (minimum of 3 year full-time) in Australia.
4.8 Evidence of Employment
Evidence of Employment should illustrate the required level of professional competence covering the
broad range of expertise provided by the modern quantity surveyor and extend beyond some of the
more traditional quantity surveying services. You are expected to demonstrate skills and abilities across
at least two of the three core competencies and one support or specialist competency as detailed in the
Competency Standards for Quantity Surveyors Construction Economists and Cost Engineers document
from the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors.
5. Pathway 1 – Australian Accredited Qualification
Australian applicants must hold an accredited Bachelor’s or Post-Graduate Degree from one of the
Australian tertiary institutions as set out in the AIQS Tertiary Course Guide (see
http://www.aiqs.com.au/AIQS_Website/Careers%20and%20Education/Accredited_Courses/AIQS_Websit
e/Public/Careers/Accredited_Courses.aspx?hkey=e98e5691-d111-4105-933b-73c798c4a281).
Only graduates who hold Australian qualifications which are accredited by the AIQS are eligible for
assessment under Pathway 1. The accredited Bachelor’s degree must have been obtained in Australia in
order to apply through Pathway 1.
Please note that applicants with accredited qualifications who wish to also have their employment
assessed must follow Pathway 2 and provide evidence of a minimum of two years of employment. We
do not perform separate assessments of work experience.
6. Pathway 2 – Non-accredited Australian Qualification with Minimum Two

Years of Employment
6.1 Australian Qualification

Australian applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or Post-Graduate Degree in quantity surveying or
allied profession, obtained in Australia; in a course recognised by the CRICOS
http://cricos.deewr.gov.au/Course/CourseSearch.aspx).
6.2 Skilled Employment

Applicants must demonstrate at least two (2) years full time experience in quantity surveying since
receiving their Quantity Surveying/Construction Management and Economics Bachelor’s degree
(minimum equivalent to AQF Level 7) and must be able to provide evidence of this. Evidence of
skilled employment must be demonstrated via a written reference, on corporate letterhead from the
applicants’ supervisor. It must outline the role/main duties undertaken whilst under their supervision,
and the dates of this work must be clearly specified. The supervisor must include their qualifications

and post-nominals beneath their signature. Contact details for the supervisor must be provided, in
the event that the assessment officer requires further clarification. Experience gained more than ten
years prior to the date of application will not be assessed.
Any employment prior to receiving your Bachelor’s Degree is not to be included as part of the
assessment.
7. Pathway 3 – Overseas Qualified Applicants with Minimum Two Years of

Employment
7.1 Overseas Qualification

Overseas applicants must hold an approved qualification in the discipline of Quantity
Surveying/Construction Management & Economics, or a post-graduate qualification in Quantity
Surveying/Construction Management & Economics, regardless of the undergraduate qualification
held. An
approved qualification is one that denotes comparability to a Bachelor’s Degree obtained in Australia
(equivalent to Australian Qualifications Framework “AQF” Level 7). Whether a degree is recognised
as comparable to a Bachelor’s Degree in Australia is assessed in conjunction with the Australia
Government Country Education Profile.

Overseas applicants must demonstrate a minimum two years full-time experience in quantity
surveying since achieving their approved qualification (minimum equivalent to AQF Level 7).
Evidence of skilled employment must be demonstrated via a written reference, on corporate
letterhead from the applicant’s supervisor. It must outline the role/main duties undertaken whilst
under their supervision and the dates of this employment must be clearly specified. The supervisor
must include their qualifications and post-nominals beneath their signature. Contact details for the
supervisor must be provided, in the event that the assessment officer requires further clarification.
Experience gained more than ten years prior to the date of application will not be assessed.
Any employment prior to receiving your Bachelor’s Degree is not to be included as part of the
assessment.
An appropriate supervisor (not a professional or HR Manager) must meet one of the following
criteria:

8. Pathway 4 – Current financial Corporate member of AIQS or Recognised

Association with Minimum One Year of Employment
8.1 AIQS Corporate members

Current AIQS (or Recognised Association) Corporate members having held membership and
worked in quantity surveying for a minimum of 12 months and are CPD compliant may apply
through this pathway.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have at least twelve months’ full-time experience in
quantity surveying since achieving their AIQS (or Recognised Association) Corporate membership
and provide evidence of this. A maximum of ten years post obtaining AIQS (or Recognised
Association) Corporate membership may be accepted. Evidence of skilled employment must be
demonstrated via a written reference, on corporate letterhead from the applicants’ supervisor. It
must outline the role/main duties undertaken whilst under their supervision, and the dates of this
work must be clearly specified. The supervisor must include their qualifications and post-nominals
beneath their signature. Contact details for the supervisor must be provided, in the event that the
assessment officer requires further clarification. Experience gained more than ten years prior to the
date of application will not be assessed.
Any employment prior to receiving your Corporate membership is not to be included as part of the
assessment.
•

9. English Language Skills
All overseas applicants must undertake an English Language Test at the applicant’s own expense.
We accept all English Language Tests that are approved by the Department of Home Affairs. The
current list can be found here:
https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/Lega/Lega/Form/Immi-FAQs/aelt
To meet the English Language proficiency requirement of the AIQS, you must show a band score of
at least 6 against the IELTS band scale on each of the four components – speaking, reading, listening
and writing.
The following table found on the Department of Home Affairs illustrates alternative test scores
benchmarked as against the IELTS band scale.
Alternative test scores benchmarked as against the IELTS band scale
English Test component IELTS TOEFL PTE Cambridge OET

Language iBT Academic English:
proficiency Advanced
level (CAE)*
Functional Average/total/overall across 4.5 32 30 147 n/a
test components only
Vocational Listening 5.0 4 36 154 B
Reading 5.0 4 36 154 B
Writing 5.0 14 36 154 B
Speaking 5.0 14 36 154 B
Competent Listening 6.0 12 50 169 B
Reading 6.0 13 50 169 B
Writing 6.0 21 50 169 B
Speaking 6.0 18 50 169 B
Proficient Listening 7.0 24 65 185 B
(for points Reading 7.0 24 65 185 B
tested Skilled Writing 7.0 27 65 185 B
visas) Speaking 7.0 23 65 185 B
Superior Listening 8.0 28 79 200 A
(for points Reading 8.0 29 79 200 A
tested Skilled Writing 8.0 30 79 200 A
visas) Speaking 8.0 26 79 200 A
The test must have been undertaken no more than two years prior to submitting the application to the
AIQS for a skilled migration assessment.
The following applicants are considered to be exempt from providing an English Language Test report:
• The holder of a valid passport, and are a citizen of one of the following countries:
o Australia

o Canada
o New Zealand
o the Republic of Ireland
o the United Kingdom
o the United States of America
• Applicants who have completed an Australian Bachelor’s Degree; and
• Applicants who have completed a Quantity Surveying / Construction Management and
Economics post-graduate qualification at an Australian university.
Please note the exemptions to providing evidence of English Language skills can be determined on a
case by case basis and the AIQS reserves to right to insist on an English Language Test Report if it is
deemed necessary by the assessment officer.
10. Appeal Process
The AIQS provides an appeal process for consideration of any applicants who object to the overall not
suitable findings of their skilled migration assessment.
Appeals must be submitted in writing within three (3) calendar months of the date of the initial
assessment outcome letter. Applicants making an appeal must complete the Appeal Request Form with
the details of the appeal. Payment of the Appeal Fee must be included at the time of submitting the
Appeal Request Form. This fee is non-refundable.
The appeal will be reviewed by an Appeal Panel consisting of two Skilled Migration Assessors who have
been appointed by the Institute, but will not include the Assessor who made the initial decision which is
being appealed. Assessors are all senior members of the AIQS who have a wealth of experience
working in the Quantity Surveying profession in Australia.
If an applicant lodges several consecutive applications through different pathways, only the latest dated
outcome letter will be deemed valid. Therefore, appeals may only be considered on the most recently
dated outcome letter.
Applicants may submit differing information from the initial application, however, all Pathway
requirements must be satisfied accordingly. Where an employment period was deemed unsuitable and
an alternative reference letter is supplied, justification must be provided to fully support the new
referrer (this may include org charts, qualifications, etc).
Once an appeal has been made, the results of this is considered final. No further appeals can be
lodged on the same application.
11. Definitions
Allied Discipline shall mean Architecture, Building and Engineering Economics, Cost Engineering,
Construction Management or similar discipline.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian
education and training. It incorporates the qualifications from each education and training sector into a
single comprehensive national qualifications framework. Please refer to www.aqf.edu.au for further
information.
Qualification/Degree means having undertaken theoretical study and been awarded a degree by an
accepted educational body having undertaken the equivalent of a three-year full-time course, as listed in
the AQF.
Tertiary Course Guide means the tertiary course guide published annually by the institute setting out
details of university courses accredited or recognised by the Institute.
Recognised Institutes of Quantity Surveying and Allied Professions shall mean those bodies recognised as
such formally by the AIQS and includes:
• The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (+ Registration) (ASAQS)

• The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS)
• The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (QS Division) (HKIS)
• The Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Sri Lanka (IQSSL)
• Institution of Surveyors, Malaysia (QS Division) (ISM)
• The New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS)
• The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Construction faculty – QS designation) (RICS)
• The Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV)
Equivalent Corporate member grades
The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors AAIQS/MAIQS; FAIQS

The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (+Registration) PMAQS; MAQS with
PrQS
The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors PQS; CEC; PQS(F)
The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (QS Division) MHKIS; FHKIS
The Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Sri Lanka Associate; Fellow
Royal Institution of Surveyors, Malaysia (QS Division) MRISM; FRISM
The New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors MNZIQS; FNZIQS
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (Construction Faculty – QS MRICS; FRICS
Designation)
The Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers Member; Fellow
Successfully migrating to Australia as a Quantity Surveyor does not guarantee Membership of the AIQS,
registration with the relevant State or Territory (where applicable), or employment in Australia as a
Quantity Surveyor.

Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 08112019

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 08112019

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 08112019

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors

(ABN 97 008 485 809)

AIQS Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 2019 - Page 2 of 13

2. About Skilled Migration

Quantity Surveyor(s) includes but is not limited to the designations:

AIQS Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 2019 - Page 3 of 13

4.1 Assessment Processing Time

4.2 Assessment Procedure

4.3 Assessment Processing Fees

AIQS Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 2019 - Page 4 of 13

The current fees are found on our website here:

Note: All fees must be paid in AUD only.

4.4 Application Requirements

Applications for Assessment

Pathway 1 – Australian Accredited Qualification

Pathway 2 – Non-Accredited Australian Qualification with Minimum Two Years of Employment

AIQS Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 2019 - Page 5 of 13

Pathway 3 –Overseas Qualified Applicants with Minimum Two Years of Employment

Pathway 4 – Current financial Corporate member of AIQS or Recognised Association with

4.5 Certified Copies

AIQS Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 2019 - Page 6 of 13

4.6 Academic Transcripts

4.7 Reference Letters

Reference letters must meet the following requirements:

AIQS Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 2019 - Page 7 of 13

4.8 Evidence of Employment

5. Pathway 1 – Australian Accredited Qualification

6. Pathway 2 – Non-accredited Australian Qualification with Minimum Two

6.1 Australian Qualification

6.2 Skilled Employment

AIQS Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 2019 - Page 8 of 13

7. Pathway 3 – Overseas Qualified Applicants with Minimum Two Years of

7.1 Overseas Qualification

7.2 Skilled Employment

AIQS Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 2019 - Page 9 of 13

8. Pathway 4 – Current financial Corporate member of AIQS or Recognised

8.1 AIQS Corporate members

8.2 Skilled Employment

AIQS Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 2019 - Page 10 of 13

Alternative test scores benchmarked as against the IELTS band scale

English Test component IELTS TOEFL PTE Cambridge OET

AIQS Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 2019 - Page 11 of 13

10. Appeal Process

AIQS Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 2019 - Page 12 of 13

• The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (+ Registration) (ASAQS)

Equivalent Corporate member grades

The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors AAIQS/MAIQS; FAIQS

AIQS Skilled Migration Assessment Policy 2019 - Page 13 of 13

You might also like