When applying for skilled migration to Australia, claiming points for employment experience is a crucial part of the process, especially for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). Here's how you can accurately claim overseas and Australian employment points, ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements.

What is a Skilled Occupation Assessment?

Skilled occupation assessment is the process of evaluating your qualifications and work experience against the requirements of your nominated occupation. This assessment determines whether your work experience (gained in Australia or overseas) is relevant and at an appropriate skill level.

What are the Employment Assessment Criteria?

Nominated Occupation: Your work experience must be related to an occupation listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupations List or a closely related occupation.
Timeframe: Experience must have been gained within the last ten years before your application.
Paid Employment: Only paid employment counts towards your points. Internships, volunteer work, and unpaid leave (except for paid leave) cannot be claimed.

How to calculate points for Employment Experience?

Points Breakdown

Overseas Employment Points: You can claim a maximum of 3 years of overseas experience for 5 points.
Australian Employment Points: You can claim 1 year of Australian experience for 5 points.
1. Maximum Points: You can combine points from both categories, but the total for skilled employment experience is capped at 20 points.

Employment Suitability Condition

Paid Employment Only: Ensure that the work claimed was paid. Unpaid work, internships, or any employment that violated visa conditions (like exceeding working hours on a student visa) cannot be counted.
Skill Level: Employment must be classified as ‘skilled’. This means it should involve roles that meet at least the entry-level requirements for your nominated occupation.

Timeframe for Claiming Experience

Ten-Year Window: You can claim experience only from the last ten (10) years before your application.

Skilled Employment Recognition: Points for employment can only be claimed from the date you are deemed skilled, as determined by your skills assessment authority.

What are the Skilled Employment Assessment Bodies?

Different occupations have specific assessing authorities in Australia. Here are some of the major ones:

Claiming points for overseas and Australian employment experience is vital for aspiring migrants to Australia. Ensure your employment experience meets the necessary criteria, is accurately documented, and aligns with the requirements of your nominated occupation.

Skilled Independent (SC189) Grant

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

Consulting with an immigration expert before submitting your application can help you navigate the complexities of claiming employment points and applying for the most relevant occupation, and avoid visa application refusals. Our Accredited Specialist Immigration Lawyer(s) and our team of immigration lawyers and migration agents at Agape Henry Crux specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.

We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.

How to Calculate Overseas and Australian Work Experience Points For Skilled PR Visa?