Skilled Migration – Work Experience Requirements

📋 Key Takeways

Work experience can add up to 20 points to your Skilled Migration application.

Only relevant, skilled employment in your nominated (or closely related) occupation counts.

You must prove work experience with documents like contracts, payslips, and references.

Australian work experience usually scores higher than overseas work.

Claims must match your ANZSCO code and Skills Assessment.

What Counts as Skilled Work Experience?

Employment must be paid and continuous (not volunteer or unpaid).

Work must match your nominated occupation or a closely related one.

Must be at the required skill level (post-qualification, not during study).

Both overseas and Australian work can be counted, but rules differ.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Work experience can boost your Points Test score, increasing your chance of invitation.

Claiming points incorrectly can lead to visa refusal under PIC 4020.

Some state and regional nominations require a minimum number of years of experience.

📊 Points for Skilled Work Experience

Work Experience	Points
1–2 years overseas	5
3–4 years overseas	10
5–7 years overseas	15
8+ years overseas	20
1 year in Australia	5
3 years in Australia	10
5 years in Australia	15
8+ years in Australia	20

📌 Points are capped at 20a maximum of 20 points, even if you combine Australian and overseas experience.

📅 How to Claim Work Experience Points

Ensure your job duties match your ANZSCO code.
Gather employment evidence (payslips, contracts, tax records).
Check with your Skills Assessment authority for required documents.
Submit details in your EOI and attach evidence when invited.
Be ready for case officer checks or verification calls.

⛔ Common Mistakes

Claiming pre-qualification work (usually not accepted).
Using jobs that don’t match ANZSCO duties.
Providing weak or missing evidence (no payslips/contracts).
Assuming part-time or casual work counts the same as full-time.

📄 Required Documents

Employer references (with duties, dates, hours, contact details).
Payslips and/or tax records.
Employment contracts or appointment letters.
Superannuation or HR records (if in Australia).

❓ FAQs

Does part-time work count?

👉 Yes, but only when converted to full-time equivalent (20 hrs+/week).

Can unpaid internships count?

👉 No. Only paid, skilled employment is recognised.

Do I need work experience for a Skilled visa?

👉 Not always, but it can significantly improve your points.

Can I claim overseas and Australian work together?

👉 Yes, but the total points are capped at 20.

What if my employer no longer exists?

Alternative evidence (tax records, statutory declarations) may be accepted.

Related Pages

Points Test for Skilled Migration
Expression of Interest (EOI) Guide
Skills Assessment Explainer
Competent English Requirement
Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

For visa-specific details:

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
Subclass 491 – Skilled Regional Visa
Regional Residence Explainer

Need help proving your skilled work experience?

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.