Ensuring you meet the three‑year work experience requirement under the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Direct Entry stream can be confusing. The key is understanding what the Department accepts as post‑qualification experience.
The Basic Requirement
For the Direct Entry stream, you must have three years of full‑time work experience in your nominated occupation after you complete the qualification used for your skills assessment. This experience must be at the required skill level.
Work During Studies
Experience gained while studying may count toward the three years, but only if it was performed after you finished the qualification you are relying on for skills assessment. Work completed before the qualification is awarded generally does not count.
The Timing Issue
The critical date is when your qualification was completed. Any work experience before that completion date will not count toward the three‑year requirement, even if it was in the same occupation.
Assessing Authority Requirements
Different skills assessing authorities have slightly different rules. Some may require that a specified percentage of your duties align with the nominated occupation at the required skill level. Always check with the relevant assessing authority to confirm what they will recognise.
Practical Tips
- Review Regulation 186.234 to understand the legal requirement.
- Confirm with your assessing authority what they deem “highly relevant” work experience.
- Prepare evidence such as employment contracts, payslips and duty statements showing that your post‑qualification work matches your occupation.
Disclaimer: This information is general only. Requirements vary by occupation and assessing authority. For personalised advice on your eligibility for 186 Direct Entry, consult a registered migration agent.
If you are unsure whether your experience qualifies, VisaTasker can help assess your eligibility.
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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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