What is Civil Aviation Safety Authority?
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is Australia's primary regulator of civil aviation safety, established under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. CASA issues pilot licences, Type Ratings, and aviation qualifications that form the recognised credentials for aviation occupations in the skilled migration system.
In the skilled migration context, CASA conducts occupational assessments for pilots seeking to migrate to Australia. The authority evaluates existing pilot licences, flight experience, aircraft type ratings, and qualifications against Australian aviation standards and immigration requirements. This assessment confirms that applicants meet the occupational competency standards expected for employment in Australia.
CASA assessments are mandatory for anyone claiming skilled migration points for pilot occupations. The assessment verifies that an applicant's overseas qualifications and experience are equivalent to Australian standards and that they hold valid certifications appropriate to their nominated occupation.
CASA assessments cover aeroplane pilots and helicopter pilots, the two primary pilot categories recognised under the Australian New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). Each assessment is tailored to the applicant's specific experience and the nominated occupation.
Which visas require a CASA skills assessment?
A CASA assessment is required for all skilled migration visa pathways that include pilot occupations. Most pilot applicants use the primary skilled visa categories.
CASA's skills assessment confirms occupational competency for pilot positions in Australia. A positive CASA assessment is a prerequisite for claiming skilled migration points and is required in visa applications regardless of the specific visa subclass chosen. The assessment validity period is typically five years from the date of issue.
How CASA assessment works
The CASA assessment process involves evaluation of pilot qualifications, licences, and flight experience. Applications are processed individually based on the complexity of the assessment and supporting documentation provided.
- Confirm your pilot licence status and type ratings with CASA
- Gather certified copies of all pilot licences, ratings, and medical certificates
- Compile flight experience records including total flight hours and aircraft types
- Prepare statutory declarations detailing your aviation career and responsibilities
- Submit the complete application package to CASA with the appropriate assessment fee
- CASA reviews your qualifications against Australian standards and immigration requirements
- Receive your assessment outcome letter confirming your occupational competency
Assessment pathways
CASA offers two primary assessment pathways depending on your current aviation credentials and experience. The pathway used depends on whether you hold a valid pilot licence and the extent of your aviation experience.
Applicants who hold a valid pilot licence from a recognised aviation authority (US FAA, European EASA, or equivalent) may apply for licence verification. CASA reviews the overseas licence, Type Ratings, and medical status to determine equivalency with Australian standards. This pathway is faster and lower-cost than full qualification assessment.
Applicants without a current overseas pilot licence or seeking recognition of experience gained outside formal licensing pathways apply for full qualification assessment. CASA evaluates training records, flight hours, aircraft experience, and responsibility history. This pathway typically requires more comprehensive documentation and a longer assessment period.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Copy of your pilot licence (must be certified or notarised)
- All Type Rating endorsements and limitations
- Current valid Medical Certificate (Class 1 or equivalent)
- Official flight logbook extracts or certified copies covering all relevant experience
- Training records from flight schools or organisations where you gained qualifications
- Statutory declaration detailing your aviation career, responsibilities, and aircraft types flown
- Employment reference letters from airline or flying operations on company letterhead
- Certified copies of qualifications: diploma, degree, or training certificates
- English language test results if English is not your first language (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
- Police clearance certificate
- Birth certificate (certified copy)
- Passport or identification (certified copy)
All documents must be certified copies, certified by an Australian notary public, or certified by the issuing body. If any documents are in a language other than English, certified English translations are required.
CASA assessment fees
| Application type | Fee (AUD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Licence Verification Assessment | AUD 800–1,200 |
| Full Qualification Assessment | AUD 1,500–2,500 |
| Reassessment or Review | AUD 600–1,000 |
| Overseas Qualifications Evaluation (supplementary) | AUD 400–800 |
| Urgent Assessment (if available) | Additional AUD 500 |
Assessment outcomes
CASA issues one of three outcomes:
A positive CASA assessment confirms that your pilot qualifications and experience meet Australian occupational standards. The assessment letter will specify the occupation(s) you are assessed as competent in (e.g., Aeroplane Pilot, Helicopter Pilot) and is valid for five years. This outcome is required to claim skilled migration points and to proceed with visa applications.
If your assessment is not positive, CASA will provide feedback explaining the specific areas of concern. You may request a review of the decision if you believe additional evidence supports your competency. Some applicants pursue further training or qualifications and reapply after addressing identified gaps.
If you disagree with the assessment outcome, you may request CASA to conduct a formal review, typically within 30 days of receiving the outcome letter. A review fee applies and requires submission of additional evidence or explanation addressing the areas of concern.
Occupations assessed by CASA
CASA is the nominated assessing authority for the following ANZSCO occupations. Click any occupation to see full visa pathway details.
| ANZSCO | Occupation | List |
|---|---|---|
| 411211 | Aeroplane Pilot | MLTSSL |
| 411212 | Helicopter Pilot | MLTSSL |