What does count as work experience in a skilled visa Australia?

Many times you read on the internet how many years is required to qualify for a specific Australian visa under the skilled economic migration program.

Does all work count?

Short answer: No — not all work experience counts for an Australian skilled visa. Only relevant, skilled, post‑qualification, and well‑evidenced employment in your nominated (or closely related) ANZSCO occupation is recognised.

Below is a clear, structured explanation integrating your draft with authoritative, up‑to‑date information from the Department of Home Affairs and migration industry sources.

What Counts as Work Experience for a Skilled Visa (Australia)

1. It must match your nominated ANZSCO occupation

Your work experience must align with the duties listed under your chosen ANZSCO occupation. If your daily tasks do not substantially match the ANZSCO description, the Department will not count that experience.

Example: A cook who occasionally performs chef duties does not become a chef. ANZSCO alignment is strict — and misalignment is one of the most common reasons visas are refused.

2. It must be “skilled” work — meaning post‑qualification

For most skilled visas and skills assessments, only work performed after you obtained the required qualification, mandatory training, or registration counts.

Pre‑qualification work is usually not recognised, unless ANZSCO or the assessing authority explicitly allows experience in lieu of a qualification (rare).

3. It must be paid employment

Only paid work counts. Unpaid work, volunteer work, internships, or casual “helping out” do not count.

You must have worked at least 20 hours per week for the period to be counted.

4. It must be recent

For points-tested visas (189, 190, 491), only work completed in the 10 years before your invitation is counted. Older experience is disregarded entirely.

5. It must be in your nominated occupation or a “closely related” one

A closely related occupation must be:

• in the same ANZSCO Unit Group, or
• recognised by the assessing authority as part of a career progression pathway.

If the occupation sits outside the ANZSCO unit group, it will not count — even if the job was full‑time and well‑paid.

6. You must be able to prove it

The Department does not accept claims without evidence. You must provide strong documentation such as:

• payslips
• tax records
• employment contracts
• detailed employer references
• HR or payroll records
• superannuation records (if in Australia)

If your employer no longer exists, alternative evidence (tax records, statutory declarations) may be accepted — but must be credible.

7. Visa requirements vs ANZSCO vs Skills Assessment — they differ

This is where many applicants get confused.

Example of inconsistency:

• Subclass 482 requires 1 year of relevant work experience.
• ANZSCO may require 2–5 years depending on the occupation.
• Skills assessing authorities may require 3 years or more.

You must satisfy all authorities — not just one.

8. If you cannot provide full evidence

Gaps in documentation happen. A competent migration consultant can:

• explain missing evidence
• prepare statutory declarations
• contextualise inconsistencies
• mitigate risks of refusal

This is important because decision makers are trained to be sceptical of undocumented claims.

9. Never provide false or misleading information

Under PIC 4020, providing false or misleading information can lead to:

• visa refusal
• a 3‑year ban
• permanent damage to your migration record

Honesty is always safer than attempting to “fill the gaps.”

Disclaimer

The above does not constitute migration advice. The law, though correct at the time of publication, may change. This information is intended as general guidance and may not meet your specific situation. Always seek the advice of a professional migration consultant.