Navigating Skills Assessment for Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Managing Director (MD) – A Practical Guide for Senior Executives
Why a skills assessment matters:
Before a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Managing Director (MD) can lodge most skilled-migration or employer-sponsored visa applications, they must secure a positive skills assessment from the Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML) – the official assessing authority for ANZSCO 111111. IML’s decision confirms that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards and that you genuinely perform the duties of a senior executive. The assessment draws on two published frameworks:
the ANZSCO task descriptors; and
the Country Education Profiles (CEP) for academic comparability.
What IML looks for:
Academic background and management experience
With a highly relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: at least three years in senior management plus two years in a CEO/MD role.
Without a relevant degree: at least five years in senior management plus two years as CEO/MD.
Currency of industry skills
A minimum of 12 months’ paid, full-time (or equivalent) employment in the past five years.
Alignment with ANZSCO tasks
Your routine duties must cover strategic leadership, resource authorisation, performance monitoring, stakeholder representation, and compliance.
Organisation size and complexity
Roles in entities with fewer than 50 staff rarely meet the “CEO/MD” threshold.
Leadership competencies
Three narrative statements (≤ 500 words each) using the STAR method, evidencing:
Manage self
Manage & lead others
Manage & lead the business
Step-by-step preparation checklist:
Confirm your occupation
Ensure your position genuinely sits at the top of the organisational hierarchy and reports directly to a board (or equivalent).
Gather documentary evidence
Board-ratified position description aligned to ANZSCO tasks.
Organisational chart showing vertical reporting lines and staff numbers.
Certified academic transcripts and certificates.
Contracts, payslips, tax documents, and ASIC extracts proving tenure, salary, and decision-making authority.
Draft the three STAR statements
Each statement should focus on outcomes you personally delivered—for example, steering a turnaround or launching a new division.Prepare your CV in IML format
List roles chronologically, highlighting quantifiable achievements (revenue grown, teams led, budgets managed).Lodge the online application
IML does not begin assessing until all mandatory files and payment are received.
Common pitfalls:
Claiming to be the most senior executive when you actually report to a regional GM.
Supplying position descriptions heavy on operational tasks but light on strategic leadership.
Overlooking the 12-month currency requirement (executives on sabbatical often trip up here).
Writing STAR statements that read like a CV instead of concise, results-focused narratives.
How Visamigo Lawyers can help:
Pre-assessment audit – We cross-check your evidence against every IML criterion and flag gaps before you lodge.
STAR-statement coaching – Our team helps you craft compelling, compliant leadership examples.
Document certification and legal vetting – Ensuring every attachment meets both Migration Regulations and IML specifications.
End-to-end visa strategy – A positive skills assessment is only one piece of the puzzle; we integrate it into your broader pathway, whether Subclass 186, 482, or General Skilled Migration.
Final thoughts:
IML assessments are rigorous but navigable with the right preparation. By articulating your leadership achievements and supplying robust documentary proof, you can present a compelling case for recognition as a senior executive in Australia.
Need tailored guidance? Contact Visamigo Lawyers today for an initial consultation on your IML skills assessment and visa strategy – we translate complex criteria into clear, actionable steps for busy leaders.
Got questions? We're here to guide you through every step of your visa journey. 🌟💬
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Disclaimer: Important notice for all our social media followers and website readers. Content shared here by Visamigo Lawyers and its affiliates is not to be considered as immigration or legal advice. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance. This material offers general insights (accurate at the time of posting, subject to updates) and is not exhaustive. Prior to any application, it is recommended you consult an Australian Lawyer for personalised advice. Your journey matters, so ensure you're properly informed.
