After completing your Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA), the next step in the Job Ready Program (JRP) is Job Ready Employment (JRE). This stage allows international graduates to gain hands-on work experience in Australia and demonstrate their skills in their nominated occupation. Completing JRE is essential if your goal is to achieve a positive skills assessment that can be used for permanent residency visas such as subclass 189, 190, or 491.
Why JRE matters for migration
The JRE step connects your Australian qualification with real-world employment. It is designed to ensure that you are job ready and can perform at the required standard for your trade or occupation. Here’s why it matters:
- Builds eligibility for the Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA), the next step in the program
- Strengthens your migration prospects by providing the required 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) employment in Australia
- Supports your PR pathway, as the final JRP outcome letter can be used in skilled visa applications
Without completing JRE, you cannot move forward to the assessments needed for permanent residency.
Who can apply
To apply for JRE, you must:
- Have a successful PSA outcome for your nominated occupation
- Hold a valid passport and visa with work rights that allow you to complete the JRP
- Be employed in your nominated occupation with an employer approved by TRA
- Ensure your employment provides sufficient opportunities to develop and demonstrate your skills
Employment requirements
JRE requires you to complete at least 12 months of paid, full-time work (38 hours per week) or the part-time equivalent in your nominated occupation. To qualify, your employment must:
- Be with an eligible employer who meets Australian workplace standards
- Provide you with a variety of tasks relevant to your trade
- Be supported by proper pay evidence such as payslips, superannuation records, or tax statements
You can work with more than one employer during the program, but at least six months must be with the same employer.
Documents you need
Your JRE application must include:
- An Employment Verification Report (EVR) completed by your employer or supervisor
- At least three weeks of acceptable pay evidence
- A copy of your current passport (if different from your PSA application)
- Any supporting documents to address name changes or inconsistencies
Fees and timelines
- JRE application fee: AUD $490
- The JRE step takes a minimum of six months full-time employment before you can move to the next stage of the program.
Outcomes
Once approved, your JRE start date will be recorded, and your work experience from this date will count towards the 12-month requirement. During this stage, you’ll also be required to submit a Skills Progress Report (SPR) to show how your skills are developing.
How Aurelia Legal can help
At Aurelia Legal, we guide international graduates through every stage of the Job Ready Program. From preparing decision-ready applications to advising on acceptable employment evidence, we ensure that your file is complete and compliant. Our team also connects your JRE outcome with the bigger migration strategy, helping you position for permanent residency visas such as subclass 189, 190, or 491.
If you are preparing for JRE or need assistance at any stage of the Job Ready Program, contact us today:
Aurelia Legal
📞 (03) 9125 8820
📧 info@aurelialegal.com.au
🌐 www.aurelialegal.com.au
Disclaimer
This blog provides general information only and should not be taken as legal advice. Visa costs, waiting times, and eligibility rules change often. Seek tailored advice before applying.