If you’re an international graduate looking to migrate to Australia as a skilled worker, the Job Ready Program (JRP) is your essential pathway. Designed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), this structured program helps you gain relevant work experience and demonstrate your ability to meet Australian industry standards in your nominated occupation.

What Is the Job Ready Program?

The Job Ready Program is an employment-based skills assessment process for international students who have completed a trade qualification in Australia. It enables you to gain real-world experience under a qualified employer and prove your capabilities before applying for a skilled migration visa.

TRA manages the program and includes several stages:

• Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA)
• Job Ready Employment (JRE)
• Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA)
• Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA)

Let’s begin with the most common questions applicants have about the Job Ready Employment phase.

Job Ready Employment (JRE) FAQs

1. Who is eligible for fast-tracked assessments?

From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, Trades Recognition Australia will increase assessments for applicants in specific construction occupations within Australia’s housing and construction sectors.

2. Is there an extra fee for prioritized construction assessments?

No. If your occupation is on the list of construction trades, TRA will fast-track your application at no additional cost.

3. Can I pay an additional fee to expedite my application?

No. Non-construction trade occupations will be processed in order of application receipt.

4. What changed in the Job Ready Program from 1 July 2023?

Key updates include:

• A 3-year limit to complete the Job Ready Program
• Clarified employment requirements: 12 months full-time (38 hrs/week) or equivalent part-time
• Enhanced guidelines for agents and document accuracy
• Tougher penalties for fraudulent submissions
• Adjusted eligibility for Job Ready Employment

Always review the most current Job Ready Program Applicant Guidelines before submitting your application.

5. I forgot my TRA Online Portal password. What now?

Click “Forgotten your password?” on the portal and answer your security questions. If locked out, email TRAEnquiries@dewr.gov.au with your full name and TRA reference number. Multi-factor authentication is now mandatory.

6. Can I begin Job Ready Employment before receiving my PSA result?

No. Your Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA) must be completed first. It remains valid for 3 years. If it expires, you’ll need to reapply.

7. Can I use a migration agent for my JRP?

Yes, but for JRE and JRWA, TRA will communicate directly with you. Ensure your email is correctly registered and submit an Agent Nomination Form if changing representatives.

8. What visa do I need for the JRP?

TRA does not give visa advice. You must hold a valid visa that permits work in Australia and allows enough time to complete the program.

9. What are the employment requirements?

You must complete 12 months of full-time (or part-time equivalent) paid work in your nominated occupation with a TRA-approved employer, starting from your JRE Start Date.

10. Can I submit my application by email?

No. All applications must be submitted via the TRA Online Portal with supporting documents uploaded.

11. How do I submit documents like SPRs and EVRs?

Upload your Employment Verification Reports (EVRs), Skills Progress Reports (SPRs), and pay evidence through the TRA Online Portal. Make sure personal details not related to JRP are removed.

12. Do I need to submit a JRE Employer Registration Form?

No. That step has been replaced. Your employer and supervisor will now sign your EVR (Employment Verification Report) instead.

13. When will TRA contact me?

TRA will contact you after reviewing your documents. Because of the high volume of applications, processing times may be delayed.

14. Can I work for any employer?

Only TRA-approved employers are eligible. They must agree to JRP conditions and complete the EVR.

15. Can I claim prior work?

Yes. Up to 3 months of unbroken paid work immediately before applying for the JRE can be counted, but not if used for PSA.

16. Can subcontractors or self-employed individuals apply?

In some cases, yes, if supervised by a qualified tradesperson under one contractor and your work meets eligibility guidelines.

17. Can I change employers?

Yes, up to five employers can be registered. At least 6 months of full-time work must be with one employer.

18. Do I pay again when adding a new employer?

No. The JRE fee is paid once per application, regardless of employer changes.

19. Can overseas employment be counted as work experience?

No. All work must be performed within Australia.

20. Can TRA assist me in finding a job?

No. It’s your responsibility to secure appropriate employment.

21. When will my hours be updated?

Hours are updated twice, once when you’re eligible for JRWA (863 hours) and again when you are eligible for JRFA (1725 hours). These values represent milestones, not exact hours of work.

22. I claimed prior employment, but my JRE start date didn’t change. Why?

It will only be updated if TRA accepts your evidence and deems the application decision-ready.

23. What wage should I receive?

You must be paid the industry award wage for your occupation. Visit Fair Work for more information.

24. What if my employer doesn’t give payslips?

Payslips are a legal requirement. If your employer doesn’t provide them, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman. Your JRE evidence must be verifiable.

25. Can I finish JRP in less than 12 months?

No. The program requires a full 12 months from your JRE Start Date. Leaves (paid or unpaid) do not count toward the required work hours.

26. What is a Skills Progress Report (SPR)?

An SPR is a self-assessment of your skills, signed by your supervisor. It’s required when:

• You have worked over 6 months with an employer
• You are ending employment
• TRA requests it

27. I’ve left an employer. Do I still need to submit an SPR?

Yes. If your JRWA is not completed, you must submit an SPR for every employer you have worked with.

28. I’m going on leave. Should I inform TRA?

Yes. Email jrpenquiries@dewr.gov.au with your leave dates and TRA reference.

29. What are my employer’s responsibilities?

Your employer must:

• Assign relevant duties
• Nominate a qualified supervisor
• Complete and sign your EVR and SPR
• Allow assessors access to the JRWA

30. Can I use old versions of EVR or SPR?

No. Only the latest versions from TRA’s website are accepted.

Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA) FAQs

31. What is the JRWA?

The Job Ready Workplace Assessment evaluates your skills at work via an in-person visit by an RTO assessor. It ensures you are competent in your nominated occupation based on your SPR and work history.

32. When can I apply?

Only when TRA invites you to wait for their email before applying.

33. Can I do a JRWA after changing employers?

Yes, but only if:

• The new employer is TRA-approved
• You have worked there for at least one month
• Employment details are updated in the TRA Online Portal

34. Can I do JRWA if my employer has closed?

No. You must be employed and working at an approved, current workplace.

35. My JRWA is on hold. What do I do?

Email TRA to confirm you and your supervisor are ready. Include your TRA reference number and updated details.

36. Is there a fee?

Yes. The current JRWA fee is $2,845 (for applicants after 24 December 2022).

Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA) FAQs

37. When can I apply?

You must:

• Pass your JRWA
• Complete 12 months of full-time work from your JRE Start Date

Wait for TRA to email you before applying.

38. What happens after I pass?

You’ll receive a Job Ready Program outcome letter. This can be used to apply for a skilled visa, but it’s not a qualification or official trade certification.

39. How is full-time or part-time work calculated?

TRA considers:

• 38 hours/week over 12 months = full-time
• Less than 38 hours/week = part-time (will extend your JRP duration)

Keep TRA informed if your average weekly hours change.

40. Why is 6 months with one employer required?

Staying longer with one employer helps build:

• Technical trade skills
• Soft skills like communication and teamwork

It also enables a more accurate assessment of your workplace performance.

Need Help with Your Job Ready Program Application?

The Job Ready Program is your bridge to skilled migration success in Australia, but it is also detailed, technical, and time-sensitive. From Job job-ready employment to your final assessment, every step requires careful planning.

Let us help you succeed.

Book an appointment with us today and get expert support for every phase of your Job Ready journey from eligibility to your final skilled visa.