Applicants for the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Direct Entry stream must provide evidence of three years of full‑time, post‑qualification work experience. This often raises the question: does experience gained before you finish your qualification still count?
What the Regulations Say
Under clause 186.234, you must have worked in your nominated occupation for at least three years after completing the qualification used for your skills assessment. Work undertaken before you received your certificate generally does not count.
Why Pre‑Qualification Experience Doesn’t Count
Experience gained during or before your studies may be valuable, but it is not typically recognised for the 186 Direct Entry stream. The Department wants to see that you have built professional skills at the required level after becoming fully qualified. Only post‑qualification employment at the right skill level can meet this requirement.
Proving Your Experience
When gathering evidence, focus on employment after your qualification completion date. Provide documents such as payslips, employer references, contracts and position descriptions that show your duties matched the ANZSCO criteria for your occupation. Different assessing authorities have their own standards, so check with your skills assessment body for any specific expectations.
Practical Tips
- Confirm the exact date you completed your qualification (e.g. the date on your certificate or transcript).
- Exclude any work experience before this date when calculating your three years.
- If you gained experience while studying, ensure it occurred after you met all course requirements.
- Consult regulation 186.234 and the procedures for your assessing authority before lodging.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Individual circumstances vary.
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Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This article is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.
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