Australia continues to be a top destination for skilled migrants seeking permanent residency, and the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) remains a cornerstone of this pathway. As of July 2025, understanding the intricate 186 visa requirements is crucial for anyone aiming to live and work indefinitely in this vibrant nation. This in-depth guide will break down every aspect of the 186 visa, from eligibility criteria and application processes to essential documentation and recent updates, ensuring you have the most up-to-date and actionable advice.

What is the 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme)?

The 186 visa is a permanent residency visa designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. It addresses skill shortages in the Australian labour market, allowing businesses to sponsor qualified overseas workers for permanent positions. This visa is a highly sought-after pathway due to its permanent nature, offering visa holders the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely, and even sponsor eligible family members.

There are three main streams under the 186 visa:

• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: This is for skilled workers who already hold a Subclass 457 or Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa and have worked for their nominating employer for a specified period. Recent changes as of early 2025 allow for work experience gained with any approved sponsor to count towards eligibility, making the pathway more flexible.
• Direct Entry (DE) Stream: This stream is for individuals who are nominated by an Australian employer but haven't held a Subclass 457 or 482 visa, or who do not meet the TRT stream requirements. It generally requires a positive skills assessment and extensive work experience.
• Labour Agreement Stream: This stream is for skilled workers nominated by an employer operating under a formal Labour Agreement with the Australian government. These agreements are typically put in place to address specific labour shortages in particular industries or regions.

Key 186 Visa Requirements for 2025: A Detailed Breakdown

Navigating the 186 visa requirements can be complex, as they involve criteria for both the applicant and the nominating employer. Let's delve into the essential requirements you need to meet:

1. Employer Nomination: The Foundation of Your Application

The 186 visa is an employer-sponsored visa, meaning you must have an eligible Australian employer nominate you for a position. The employer's nomination must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs before your visa application can be granted.

Employer Requirements:

• Lawfully Operating Business: The nominating employer must be an actively and lawfully operating business in Australia. They must have a genuine need for the nominated position.
• Genuine Position: The nominated position must be a genuine, full-time, and ongoing position available for at least two years from the date of visa grant. It cannot be a "sham" position created solely for visa purposes.
• Market Salary Rate: The employer must pay you at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the nominated occupation. As of July 1, 2025, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has increased to AUD 76,515. The salary offered must meet this threshold or the AMSR, whichever is higher. For Specialist Skills stream nominations (relevant to some 482 visa holders transitioning), the threshold is AUD 141,210.
  • Example: If the AMSR for a "Software Engineer" in Sydney is AUD 100,000, and the TSMIT is AUD 76,515, the employer must pay at least AUD 100,000.
• Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy: The employer is required to pay a contribution to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy at the time of nomination. This fee varies based on the size of the business (small businesses pay AUD 3,000, while larger businesses pay AUD 5,000 per nomination).
• Labour Market Testing (LMT): For the Direct Entry Stream, employers generally need to demonstrate that they have attempted to recruit Australian citizens or permanent residents for the position through Labour Market Testing. This typically involves advertising the role for at least 28 days on approved job platforms.
  • Actionable Advice: Employers should maintain detailed records of all recruitment efforts, including advertisements, interview notes, and reasons why Australian candidates were not suitable. This evidence is crucial for a successful nomination.

2. Age Requirement: Generally Under 45

For most applicants, the 186 visa age limit is generally under 45 years old at the time of lodging the visa application. This applies to both the Temporary Residence Transition and Direct Entry streams.

However, there are several age exemptions that may apply:

• Legacy 457 Visa Holders (TRT Stream): If you held or applied for a Subclass 457 visa on or before 18 April 2017 and have maintained a valid visa since, you may be exempt from the age limit when applying through the TRT stream.
• High-Income Earners: If you have consistently earned a high income (currently above AUD 175,000 per year for three consecutive years), you might be exempt from the age limit.
• Academic and Research Workers: Certain academics at Australian universities or scientific researchers at recognised research institutions may be exempt.
• Medical Practitioners in Regional Areas: Doctors who have worked in regional Australia for a specified period (typically three years) before applying may also be exempt.
• Labour Agreement Stream: Age concessions may apply under specific Labour Agreements or Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs).
  • Example: A 50-year-old highly experienced medical researcher might still be eligible for the 186 visa if they are nominated by an Australian university under an academic exemption.
  • Resource: For detailed information on age exemptions, refer to the Department of Home Affairs official website or consult with a Registered Migration Agent.

3. Occupation on the Relevant Skilled Occupation List

Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for the 186 visa. For the Direct Entry stream, this is typically the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). For the TRT stream, your occupation generally needs to be the same as your previous 457 or 482 visa, and the occupation must be on the relevant skilled list at the time of nomination.

• Key Occupations: The MLTSSL includes a wide range of professions, from ICT professionals and engineers to various healthcare roles and trades.
  • Examples: As of early 2025, occupations like "Construction Project Manager," "Civil Engineer," "Registered Nurse (Aged Care)," and "Accountant (General)" are commonly found on the MLTSSL.
  • Actionable Advice: Always check the most current version of the MLTSSL on the Department of Home Affairs website, as these lists can be updated. Your nominated occupation's ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code must align with your qualifications and experience.
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4. Skills Assessment: Demonstrating Your Expertise

For the Direct Entry Stream, most applicants are required to obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority in Australia for their nominated occupation. This assessment confirms that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.

• TRT Stream Exemption: Generally, a new skills assessment is not required for the TRT stream if you already had one for your 457 or 482 visa in the same occupation.
• Validity: Skills assessments typically have a validity period (often three years). Ensure your assessment is valid at the time of your 186 visa application.
  • Example: If you are a "Software Engineer," you might need a skills assessment from the Australian Computer Society (ACS). If you are a "Registered Nurse," the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) would be the assessing authority.
  • Helpful Resource: The Department of Home Affairs website lists the relevant assessing authorities for each occupation.

5. English Language Proficiency: Communicating Effectively

Demonstrating competent English is a mandatory 186 visa English requirement for primary applicants across all streams, unless an exemption applies.

• Required Scores (as of early 2025):
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic): A minimum score of 50 in each of the four components.
  • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test): A minimum score of 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing, and 18 for speaking.
  • OET (Occupational English Test): A "B" grade in each of the four components (for specific health professions).
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced Test: A minimum score of 169 in each of the four components.
• Validity: English test results are typically valid for three years from the date of the test.
• Exemptions:
  • Passport Holders: Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland are exempt from proving English proficiency.
  • Labour Agreement: Some Labour Agreements may specify a lower English language requirement.
• Dependent Family Members: Adult dependent family members (aged 18 or over) included in your application generally need to demonstrate "Functional English" (e.g., IELTS overall 4.5). If they do not meet this, a Second Visa Application Charge (SVAC) is payable (currently AUD 4,890).
  • Actionable Advice: Plan to take your English test well in advance of your application to ensure you meet the requirements and have time to re-take if necessary.

6. Skilled Employment Experience: Proving Your Track Record

The required length of skilled employment experience varies by stream and occupation:

• Direct Entry Stream: Generally, you must have at least three years of full-time post-qualification work experience in your nominated occupation. This experience does not have to be continuous or immediately before your application. Part-time experience can be counted on a pro-rata basis (e.g., two years part-time at 50% counts as one year of full-time experience). Casual employment is generally not counted.
  • Example: If your nominated occupation is "Civil Engineer" and you have worked full-time for two years and then part-time (20 hours/week, 50% of full-time) for two years, your total experience would be equivalent to 3 years full-time (2 + 1 = 3).
• Temporary Residence Transition Stream: You must have worked for your nominating employer (or eligible associated entities) for at least two years (excluding unpaid leave) within the three-year period immediately before the visa application. As of changes effective in early 2025, this experience can now be accumulated with any approved sponsor, offering greater flexibility.
  • Example: A Subclass 482 visa holder who worked for Employer A for 18 months and then Employer B (another approved sponsor) for 6 months within the last three years would meet the two-year work experience requirement for the TRT stream.
  • Actionable Advice: Keep meticulous records of your employment, including payslips, employment contracts, and reference letters detailing your duties and employment period.

7. Health and Character Requirements: Upholding Australian Values

All applicants, including dependent family members, must meet Australia's stringent health and character requirements.

• Health Requirements: You will need to undergo a medical examination with a Bupa Medical Visa Services clinic (or an approved panel physician if applying from outside Australia). This typically includes a general physical examination, chest X-ray, and blood tests. Any significant health conditions may require further assessment to determine if they pose a public health risk or would result in significant costs to Australia's healthcare system.
• Character Requirements: You must provide police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years since turning 16. You must also satisfy the "character test" under Australian migration law, which assesses your criminal history and other relevant conduct. The Department of Home Affairs may also request Form 80 (Personal particulars for character assessment) or Form 1563 (Statement of Character).
  • Example: If you lived in India for 5 years, then the UK for 2 years, and Australia for 3 years, you would need police clearances from all three countries.
  • Actionable Advice: Begin the process of obtaining police certificates early, as processing times can vary significantly between countries. Be completely transparent about any past criminal conduct, as non-disclosure can lead to visa refusal.

8. Visa Application Charges (VACs)

As of July 1, 2025, there have been some minor increases to visa application charges. The base application fee for the main applicant for the 186 visa is now generally AUD 4,910. Additional charges apply for each family member included in the application.

• Second Installment: As mentioned under English language requirements, a second instalment fee (currently AUD 4,890) is payable for any family member aged 18 or older who applies with you and has less than Functional English.
• Other Costs: Remember to factor in costs for skills assessments, English language tests, medical examinations, police certificates, and professional translation services if required.
  • Resource: Use the Department of Home Affairs' Visa Pricing Estimator tool for the most accurate and up-to-date cost calculation.

The 186 Visa Application Process: A Step-by-Step Overview

The 186 visa application generally involves a two-stage process:

1. Nomination Application: Your Australian employer lodges a nomination application with the Department of Home Affairs, nominating you for a specific position.
2. Visa Application: Once the nomination is lodged or approved, you can then lodge your 186 visa application. It's crucial to ensure your application is "decision-ready" with all necessary supporting documents.

General Steps:

1. Check Eligibility: Thoroughly assess your and your employer's eligibility against all the requirements discussed above.
2. Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including identity documents, qualifications, employment references, English test results, skills assessment (if applicable), health examination reports, and police certificates.
3. Employer Nomination: Your employer prepares and lodges the nomination application online via ImmiAccount.
4. Visa Application Lodgement: Once the nomination is lodged or approved, you (or your migration agent) lodge your visa application online via ImmiAccount.
5. Health and Character Checks: Undertake the required health examinations and submit police clearance certificates.
6. Departmental Assessment: The Department of Home Affairs assesses both the nomination and visa applications. They may request additional information.
7. Visa Grant: If all requirements are met, your 186 visa is granted, allowing you to live and work permanently in Australia.

Processing Times for 186 Visa in 2025

186 visa processing times can vary significantly based on the stream, the completeness of your application, and external factors like demand and departmental workload. As of early 2025, general indications are:

• Direct Entry Stream: 50% of applications are processed within 8 months, 90% within 18 months.
• Temporary Residence Transition Stream: 50% of applications are processed within 13 months, 90% within 18 months.
• Labour Agreement Stream: 50% of applications are processed within 6 months, 90% within 9 months.

Factors that can influence processing times:

• Completeness of Application: Applications with all necessary supporting documents and accurate information are processed faster.
• Responding to Requests: Promptly responding to any requests for further information from the Department.
• External Agencies: Time taken for health checks, police clearances, and skills assessments from external bodies.
• Migration Program Capacity: The number of places available in the migration program for permanent visas.

Actionable Advice: Lodge a "decision-ready" application by carefully reviewing the document checklist on ImmiAccount. Proactively obtain police certificates and book health examinations.

Important Updates and Considerations for 2025

Stay informed about recent changes to Australia's immigration landscape, as these can impact your 186 visa application:

• Flexibility for 482 Visa Holders: As mentioned, the changes introduced in early 2025 allowing 482 visa holders to count work experience from any approved sponsor towards their TRT stream eligibility is a significant positive development, offering more mobility and a clearer pathway to permanent residency.
• Increased Income Thresholds: The rise in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) from July 1, 2025, impacts employer nominations, ensuring fair wages for skilled migrants.
• Visa Application Charge Adjustments: Be aware of the slight increases in VACs effective from July 1, 2025.
• Ongoing Review of Occupation Lists: While the MLTSSL is relatively stable, the Department of Home Affairs regularly reviews and updates skilled occupation lists. Always refer to the latest published lists.
• Focus on Genuine Needs: The Department continues to scrutinize employer nominations to ensure the genuine need for overseas workers and adherence to Australian workplace laws.

Conclusion: Your Pathway to Permanent Residency

The 186 Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme) offers a robust pathway to permanent residency in Australia for skilled individuals sponsored by an Australian employer. By meticulously understanding and meeting the 186 visa requirements for 2025, you can significantly enhance your chances of a successful application.

Remember to:

• Secure a genuine job offer and nomination from an eligible Australian employer.
• Ensure your nominated occupation is on the relevant skilled list.
• Meet the age, English language proficiency, skilled employment, and skills assessment criteria.
• Satisfy all health and character requirements.
• Submit a complete and accurate application with all supporting documentation.

While the process can be detailed, the reward of permanent residency in Australia is immense. For personalized advice and assistance, consider consulting with a Registered Migration Agent (RMA). RMAs are regulated professionals who can provide expert guidance, ensure compliance with the latest regulations, and help streamline your application process.

Frequently Asked Questions: Navigating the 186 Visa Pathway in 2025

Understanding the nuances of the Australian 186 visa can be daunting. We've compiled a list of common questions with comprehensive, up-to-date answers to help you confidently pursue your permanent residency dream.

What is the new rule for a 186 visa?

The most significant and positive change for the 186 visa in early 2025, particularly impacting the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, is the flexibility regarding work experience with approved sponsors. Previously, to be eligible for the TRT stream, 457 or 482 visa holders needed to have worked for a single, specific sponsoring employer for a required period (often three years).

The new rule allows 482 visa holders to accumulate the necessary two years of work experience with any approved sponsor within the three-year period immediately before their 186 visa application. This means you can change employers while on a 482 visa without resetting your progress towards permanent residency, provided your new employer is also an approved sponsor and your work continues to be in your nominated occupation. This significantly enhances skilled worker mobility and provides a clearer, more adaptable pathway to permanent residency for a broader range of temporary visa holders.

Additionally, as of July 1, 2025, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which applies to nominations for the 186 visa (as well as the 482 visa), has increased to AUD 76,515. Employers must ensure the offered salary meets or exceeds this threshold, as well as the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the nominated occupation.

How do I qualify for a 482 to 186 visa?

To qualify for the 186 visa from a 482 (Skills in Demand) visa, you typically apply through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream. Here's how you qualify:

• Hold a 482 Visa: You must currently hold a Subclass 482 visa (or have held one and be on a bridging visa granted within one year of its expiry). This includes all streams of the 482 visa: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Labour Agreement streams.
• Work Experience: You must have worked full-time for at least two years (excluding periods of unpaid leave) in your nominated occupation within the three years immediately before your 186 visa application. Crucially, this two years can now be accumulated with any approved sponsor, not just your current one.
• Employer Nomination: Your Australian employer must nominate you for a genuine, full-time, and ongoing position in your nominated occupation. The employer must be an actively and lawfully operating business in Australia.
• Occupation Consistency: Your nominated occupation for the 186 visa should generally be the same (or within the same 4-digit ANZSCO unit group) as the occupation for which your 482 visa was granted.
• English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent, unless exempt).
• Age: You generally must be under 45 years of age at the time of application, though exemptions apply for certain professions (e.g., academics, medical practitioners in regional areas, high-income earners) and specific legacy 457 visa holders.
• Health and Character: You and all included family members must meet Australia's health and character requirements.
• Market Salary Rate: Your employer must pay you at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for your occupation, which must also meet or exceed the current TSMIT of AUD 76,515 (as of July 1, 2025).

How long do you have to stay with an employer on a 186 visa?

While the nominating employer must offer you a genuine, full-time position for at least two years from the date your 186 visa is granted, there is no enforceable legal requirement or visa condition that mandates you to remain with that specific employer for the entire two years, or any specific period after the visa is granted.

The 186 visa is a permanent visa, granting you indefinite residency rights in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs assesses the employer's genuine need for the position and your intention to work in that role at the time of application. However, circumstances can change. If you leave your employer after your visa is granted, the Department generally does not revoke the visa unless there is evidence of fraud or misrepresentation in the original application.

That being said, it is generally expected that you will work for your nominating employer for a reasonable period, often understood to be around the two years they committed to. A very short period of employment after visa grant, without a compelling reason, could potentially raise questions about the genuineness of the original nomination or your intentions, though this is rare.

How much experience do I need for a 186 visa?

The work experience requirement for the 186 visa depends on the stream you are applying under:

• Direct Entry (DE) Stream: Most applicants for the Direct Entry stream must demonstrate at least three years of full-time skilled employment experience in their nominated occupation. This experience must be post-qualification and can be gained in Australia or overseas.
• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: As of the latest updates in early 2025, applicants must have worked for at least two years (excluding unpaid leave) in their nominated occupation within the three-year period immediately before lodging their 186 visa application. This experience can be accumulated with any approved sponsor.
• Labour Agreement Stream: The specific work experience requirements are outlined in the individual Labour Agreement. They can vary but are often more flexible, reflecting the unique needs agreed upon between the employer and the Australian Government.

What is the minimum salary for a 186 visa?

As of July 1, 2025, the minimum salary threshold for the 186 visa is the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), which has increased to AUD 76,515 per year.

Your employer must offer a salary that is at least this amount AND meets the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for your nominated occupation. The AMSR is what an Australian citizen or permanent resident would typically earn for performing equivalent work in the same location. The higher of the two figures (CSIT or AMSR) must be met.

Example: If the AMSR for your role in a specific city is AUD 80,000, and the CSIT is AUD 76,515, your employer must offer at least AUD 80,000. If the AMSR is AUD 70,000, your employer must still offer at least AUD 76,515 to meet the CSIT.

There are exemptions from the AMSR requirement for very high-income earners (currently above AUD 250,000 per year).

How to prove 3 years work experience?

Proving your work experience for an Australian visa requires comprehensive documentation. For a skilled visa like the 186, especially for the Direct Entry stream requiring three years, meticulous evidence is key. You'll typically need:

1. Employment Reference Letters: These are crucial. Each letter from previous employers should be on company letterhead and include:
   • Your full name.
   • Company's full name, address, and contact details.
   • Name, title, and signature of the person writing the reference.
   • Your employment dates (DD/MM/YYYY to DD/MM/YYYY).
   • Your specific job title(s) and whether employment was full-time or part-time (and hours per week).
   • A detailed list of your duties and responsibilities, demonstrating how they align with your nominated ANZSCO occupation.
   • Salary or wage information.
2. Payslips: Provide payslips covering a significant portion of your employment, ideally showing the start and end of each employment period claimed.
3. Bank Statements: Statements showing regular salary deposits corresponding to your payslips and employment periods.
4. Employment Contracts: Copies of your employment agreements or letters of offer.
5. Tax Documents: Official tax returns or statements (e.g., ATO Income Statements in Australia, or equivalent overseas tax documents).
6. Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume: A detailed CV outlining your full employment history and educational qualifications.
7. Organisational Charts (if applicable): To demonstrate your position within the company structure, especially for managerial roles.
8. Self-Employment Evidence (if applicable): If you were self-employed, you'll need business registration documents, client contracts, invoices, bank statements showing business transactions, and tax returns as a self-employed individual. A Statutory Declaration might also be required.

Important: For overseas experience, ensure all documents not in English are accompanied by certified English translations. The Department may also perform verification checks with your former employers.

Who is eligible for 186 direct entry?

The 186 Direct Entry stream is for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer and do not qualify for the Temporary Residence Transition stream. This typically means you haven't held a 457 or 482 visa with your nominating employer for the required period, or you're applying directly from overseas.

To be eligible for the 186 Direct Entry stream, you must:

• Employer Nomination: Have a genuine offer of a full-time, ongoing position (for at least two years) from an eligible Australian employer. The employer must meet all nomination requirements (genuine need, market salary, SAF levy, etc.).
• Occupation on MLTSSL: Your nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
• Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for your nominated occupation. This confirms your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards.
• Skilled Employment Experience: Have at least three years of full-time, post-qualification work experience in your nominated occupation.
• English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent, unless exempt).
• Age: Be under 45 years of age at the time of application, unless an exemption applies.
• Health and Character: Meet Australia's health and character requirements.
• Licensing/Registration: If your occupation requires it, you must hold or be eligible to obtain the necessary Australian occupational licensing, registration, or professional membership.

What documents are proof of work experience?

As detailed above, the core documents to prove work experience for Australian visas include:

• Employment Reference Letters: The most critical document, detailing your role, duties, dates, and full-time/part-time status.
• Payslips: To corroborate employment dates and salary.
• Bank Statements: Showing salary deposits.
• Employment Contracts/Letters of Offer: Formal agreements of employment.
• Tax Documents: Official statements of income and tax paid.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive overview of your professional history.
• Organizational Charts: For roles requiring demonstration of team size or reporting lines.
• Self-Employment Evidence: Business registration, client invoices, contracts, and tax returns (for self-employed individuals).
• Statutory Declarations: In specific cases where standard documents are unobtainable (e.g., a former employer no longer exists), but these are usually a last resort and require strong supplementary evidence.

Ensure all documents clearly state full-time or part-time status and average hours worked if part-time.

How to count years of work experience?

Counting years of work experience for Australian visas involves:

• Full-time Equivalent: Experience is typically counted on a full-time equivalent basis. This means if you worked part-time, your experience will be pro-rated. For example, working 20 hours a week (roughly 0.5 FTE) for two years would count as one year of full-time experience.
• Post-Qualification: Generally, only experience gained after you completed your relevant qualification is counted as "skilled employment" for visa purposes. The assessing authority for your occupation will determine the date from which your skilled experience can be counted.
• Relevance: The experience must be directly relevant to your nominated occupation and at a skilled level.
• Deductions (for skills assessments): Be aware that some skills assessing authorities may "deduct" a certain period of your work experience to deem you "skilled" in your occupation, even if it was post-qualification. This deduction varies by occupation and assessing authority. However, for visa points and requirements, the Department of Home Affairs generally considers experience from the date your skills are deemed comparable to Australian standards by the assessing authority. It's crucial to understand your specific assessing authority's policies.
• Unpaid Leave: Periods of unpaid leave generally do not count towards the required work experience.

How many hours is 1 year of work experience?

For Australian visa purposes, one year of full-time work experience is generally considered to be 20 hours or more per week. While the traditional Australian full-time work week is 38 hours, the Department of Home Affairs and assessing authorities typically count a minimum of 20 hours per week as constituting "full-time" for the purpose of accumulating work experience for skilled migration visas.

Therefore, if you worked less than 20 hours per week, your experience would be counted on a pro-rata basis. For example, if you worked 10 hours per week for one year, it would count as approximately 0.5 years of full-time experience.

Does online work experience count?

Yes, online or remote work experience can count towards your skilled employment requirements for an Australian visa, provided it meets the same stringent criteria as traditional in-office employment.

Key considerations for online work experience:

• Genuine Employment: It must be genuine, paid employment, not informal or casual work.
• Evidence: You must be able to provide the same comprehensive evidence as for any other employment: formal employment contracts, detailed reference letters on company letterhead (even if the company is overseas and you worked remotely), consistent payslips, bank statements showing salary deposits, and tax documents.
• Job Duties: Your duties and responsibilities must clearly align with your nominated occupation's ANZSCO description and be performed at a skilled level.
• Full-time Equivalent: The work hours must meet the 20+ hours per week definition for full-time equivalency, or be clearly documented for pro-rata calculation.
• Company Legitimacy: The employing company, whether Australian or overseas, must be a legitimate, lawfully operating entity.

The key is not where you performed the work, but how you performed it (at a skilled level, with genuine employment, and with verifiable evidence) and its direct relevance to your nominated occupation.

What is relevant experience?

"Relevant experience" for Australian skilled visas refers to work experience that is directly related to your nominated occupation and is performed at a skill level commensurate with that occupation.

Here's what constitutes relevant experience:

• ANZSCO Alignment: Your duties and responsibilities must closely match the description of your nominated occupation in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). This is the official classification system used by the Australian government to classify occupations for immigration purposes.
• Skill Level: The work must be performed at the skill level typically required for that occupation. For most skilled visas, this means work requiring a university degree, trade qualification, or extensive experience in a highly skilled role. Administrative or low-skilled tasks, even if performed within a professional setting, may not be considered relevant skilled experience.
• Post-Qualification: As mentioned, it generally needs to be experience gained after you completed the formal qualifications required for your occupation.
• Paid Employment: The experience must be from genuine, paid employment. Unpaid internships (unless a formal part of a course leading to qualification), volunteer work, or informal roles are generally not counted.
• Industry Context: The experience should be gained in a professional, commercial, or institutional setting that supports the skilled nature of the work.

Essentially, relevant experience demonstrates that you have the practical skills and knowledge to perform the duties of your nominated occupation effectively in the Australian labour market.

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