Top Tips on how to claim Overseas and Australian employment points
This blog was originally published in December 2018 and has been updated time-to-time for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Last Updated: 20-Nov-23
What is Skilled Occupation Assessment and how are you awarded employment points?
Skills assessment involves assessing your qualifications and employment against the suitability of your nominated occupation. Employment assessment involves determining whether your work experience (obtained either in Australia or overseas) is at an appropriate skill level and relevant to your nominated occupation.
Applicants are awarded points for employment experience in a skilled occupation, either in Australia. Experience must be in a nominated occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupations List or an occupation that is closely related to earn points for skilled employment and must have been gained within the last ten years.
Employment Suitability Condition
Your employment must have been paid employment. Internships and volunteer work cannot be used to claim points. This means that paid leave will also be counted. Extended leave without pay such as parental leave may not cannot be counted.
Time claimed can be from both experience in Australia and from overseas, however are counted separately. You can claim 3 years from overseas experience and 1 year in Australia to give you 10 points (5+5), but you cannot combine 2 years overseas and 1 year Australia to get you 3 years. Experience can only be claimed from the 10 years preceding your application
If you have experience in Australia, any work done that was in breach of your visa conditions at the time would not be counted. If you held a student visa and worked beyond the 40 hours a fortnight restriction, your experience will not be considered.
Skilled employment
Employment must be ‘skilled employment ‘and must be after you are deemed ‘skilled’. ‘Skilled employment’ needs to involve roles and responsibilities at least entry level requirements for the nominated occupation. An applicant is ‘deemed skilled’ at the point he/she is performing at an expected standard. The department refers to the assessing bodies opinion on when a person is ‘deemed skilled’ and ‘skilled employment’ can only be claimed from the date you are deemed skilled.
Points for skilled employment
In Australia, there are different authoritative bodies for different occupation, here are list of some major occupation’s authoritative entities:
This council assesses Architects.
This authority assesses computer professionals like Programmers, System Designers, System Mangers etc. Refer to the SOL for more occupations.
This authority assesses Dentists and Dental Specialists.
This authority assesses Managers and Administrators. Refer to the MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL for a complete list.
The institute assesses the qualifications of overseas trained medical scientists
This authority assesses all Trades. Refer to the MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL for further details.
Along with the CPAA and ICAA, this authority assesses Accountants.
This authority is the largest Skills Assessment Authority in Australia. It assesses all remaining Trades and General Occupations. Refer to the MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL for further details.
Points are awarded separately for skilled employment experience gained within Australia and elsewhere. Points from both tables can be combined, but the maximum total points award for skilled employment is 20 points.
To Conclude, having employment experience can certainly help the aspirants who want to migrate to Australia, be it overseas work experience or from the local Australian employment, however, the points score from employment would differ according to the time period of employment.
It is highly recommended to take the expert advice on this matter before claiming the employment points so as to not to risk your DHA visa application refusal.
How many hours to work in a year to claim for work experience point for Australian PR application
Hi Jaz
A full-time position is considered to be at least 38 hours per week and MUST have third party “payment evidences that are acceptable to DHA” else your points claim can be assessed to be incorrect leading to your visa application refusal.
All the best!
Hi, your answer makes me so confused!!
It is not true according to the immigration website which they were clearly mentioning “Employed means engaged in an occupation for remuneration for at least 20 hours a week.”
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-table
See the section Skilled employment experience
Hi there
No need to get confused – that was a generic question and hence the answer.
DHA accepts 20 hours per week (or more) paid experience to be claimed as paid employment.
However, whether your occupation will require 20 hours per week or 38 hours per week experience to be able to apply for a Skills Assessment, depends on your occupation and the skills assessment authority.
Hope this clarifies.
Dear expert,
I have 6 months of work experience point test advice from vetassess and I am in the same job and recently completed one year
.Do I have to get point test advice from vetassess again or I have to submitted job letter and pay slip to DHA?
Thank you.
Hi Siddha
If your employment is in Australia and you have completed 1+ year (after deemed skilled date provided in the points test advice) in the same role, that was assessed by VETASSESS, then you can claim the 5 points for 1 year Australian experience.
I got my positive skill employment, and EA recognised me for two years of experience in Australia and 2.8 years overseas.
I’m able to claim the 5 points for oversea experience?
Hi Yuliana – For overseas work experience, you can claim 5 points for 3 years of experience and if it is any lower then that, you don’t get any points.
You need to ensure that all points claim are accurate to ensure that your application is processed smoothly.
If you need our help, we invite you for an initial discussion via our Free-Screening-Call.
https://meetings.hubspot.com/aakarsh/ih-free-screening-call
This may give you the clarifications you are looking for and the next steps in your migration journey
I applied for ACS while i was at offshore and got results last month. My work experience from June,2017 is getting counted i.e. total of 6 years. Now i have moved to Australia on 482 work visa. I am confused if I should apply for ACS review to get onsite experience added or it is fine to apply for EOI with offshore experience?
Hi Stanley
Generally, it is better if all experience that you are claiming has been assessed and included in your skills assessment but this is not mandatory, but recommended as a safety measure, especially if you do not have a professional assisting you.
We can help you clear your confusion and provide ongoing assistance until you receive your permanent visa.
If you need our help, we invite you for an initial discussion via our Free-Screening-Call.
https://meetings.hubspot.com/aakarsh/ih-free-screening-call
This may give you the clarifications you are looking for and the next steps in your migration journey
Can someone claim points for 2 years bachelor degree completed offshore?
Like 10 or 15 points.
Hi Tanveer
Before claiming any points for your education, there are essential aspects to be checked such as whether the degree is AQF equivalent.
I recommend you take professional advice before proceeding.
Please book a one-on-one consultation with our MARA-registered migration adviser, Ashwin Tyagi.
https://www.immigrationhotspot.com.au/book-a-consultation/
Regards
Aakarsh
Hi Ashwin,
I am wondering, while claiming work experience points (ANZSCO 232111), What is the latest (working week) I can claim?
Like, can i keep claiming weeks of work till I get invited or i cant anymore because I have sent an EOI?
Regards,
Hi Shreyas
If you enter your current job and check “yes” to ‘is this your current job’ question in the EOI, then the EOI will automatically include the time period until the date you receive the invitation. Be careful if you finish working then you must update the finish date in the EOI to be safe.
Hi sir,Can internship provided by the Australian university after completion of masters can be counted as Professional experience to claim 5PR points?
Hi Sindhu
Which ANZSCO occuaption/Skills Assessment Authority?
Generally speaking in an unpaid internship – no.
If its a paid internship then please provide details.
Hi Ashwin
Can you claim points for 20 hours per week work experience in the same occupation as that on skills list but while on Student Visa. For context, I am a masters student in sydney but have been working 20 hours per week (as per student visa restriction) in my occupation for over 1 year now . Does this still count as 5 points for Australian work experience? Please advise
Hi Pia
Which occupation and skills assessment authority?
If it is VETASSESS, then yes you can be eligible to apply for Skills Assessment depending on meeting other criteria.
However, VETASSESS will deduct minimum 1 year experience post qualification to provide you with a “deemed skilled date” and give you a positive outcome.
So be extremely careful before you decide to claim your work experience.
Hi,
If after finishing studies in Australia, I do a paid full time internship for 6 months and then graduate developer role in the same company, then does it count as a 1 year experience for claiming 5 points?
Thanks
Hi Ayushi
Internship will not be assessed at the required skill level for the nominated occupation and you must be extremely careful in claiming employment points.
Hi Ashwin,
I have applied for my skill assessment in January for ITC Business Analyst based on my professional year. I am still waiting for an outcome for the same. I also added my employment information in the skill assessment but I did not have 1 year of experience in January. I will complete 1 year of experience on 21st march this year. I am still working in the same job. Whenever I get my skill assessment, it will show my experience for 9 months and 27 days. If I lodge my EOI after 21st march this year, Can I claim 5 points for 1 year experience or do I have to apply for my skill assessment again?
Hi Rishabh
Thank you for explaining your situation clearly.
As long as ACS assesses your current employment positively, it is safe to claim points as long as you are still in the same role and performing the same duties.
All the best. Feel free to connect with our friendly staff, in case you require professional assistance with your Australian migration.
Regards
Aakarsh
I claimed 5 points for Australian work experience in my EOI for 189 visa. I have got assessment as an “Engineering Technologist” from EA via CDR pathway and EA mentioned all of my degrees (Bachelor, Master, and PhD) as relevant to the occupation and PhD as highest qualification for claiming 20 points. Now my question is that I didn’t apply for relevant Australian skilled employment, and I worked full-time (35h/week) after submission of my PhD thesis while holding student visa. Will that be considered for couting work experience points before invitation as you we are not considered enrolled after submitting PhD thesis in Australia? Can you please comment on that?
Hi Ars
Trust you are well and thank you for your query
As your query is specific, I would request you to please book a paid consult using the link below:
https://www.immigrationhotspot.com.au/book-a-consultation/
Looking forward meeting with you.
Thankyou!
I have got a city and giulds in bricklaying, and i have got 5 years experience doing the job as well, but I haven’t got a nvq 2 which is the equivalent to a cert 111 I think , is it possible to claim those years as work experience, I could possibly get written prove of the duties I was doing , also I’m a self employed sub contractors here as are nearly every other bricklayer, how would I prove my hours worked because they dont show on my pay slips also the days worked doesn’t show either , but I could get 5 years of pay slips though , thanks
Hi James
Based on the information provided, there are not enough facts there to be able to advise you and all aspects need to be carefully assessed as per the eligibility criteria before any advice can be given.
It would be advisable to seek professional advice by an experienced MARA Registered Agent in this situation.
Hi,
I am Maaz, an international student doing my Masters in Architecture here in Sydney.
Before this, I had pursued a bachelors degree in architecture back in my home country. During the course of my bachelor’s degree, I also had to complete a 1 year internship as a part of the curriculum.
Following this, during my final year I additionally worked as a part time Design consultant for an interior design firm in the final year of my studies.
Finally, after graduating I have gained 2.5 years of full-time work experience.
Having said that, I was wondering if I would be eligible to claim points for overseas skilled employment as an Architect? If I choose to submit an EOI ?
Really confused on this one.. Would love to hear your thoughts on the same.
Thanks in advance
Hi Maaz
Generally speaking for overseas Acrhitects a Bachelor + Master Degree (depending on the country) are required to obtain a positive skills assessment.
Only once you can obtain a positive skills assessment in the occupation, can you claim points for your employment from the “deemed skilled date”.
Hi Ashwin.
Can we claim points while we were studying, and doing part time job in our field of study. Occupation – quantity surveyor please help
Hi Nidhi
Generally, this is risky, however, depending on your overall profile, it needs to be carefully decided if you can claim these points.
Overclaiming employment points is one of the main reasons for visa refusals so we recommend you take professional advice before progressing.
Feel free to get in touch with our team if you require tailored advice.
Free Online Visa Assessment: https://bit.ly/immihotspot
Look forward to assisting you.
Hi! I have applied for assessment from Engineers Australia but I’ve only included my offshore employment. I am currently onshore and been working full time for a year now… Do I need to have that assessed as well? Or just apply in EOI and provide proofs? I have all my payslips, super, tax return from last year…
I’m anxious now since this will take another month or so + additional payment again with EA :((
Thank you for your question. Claiming employment points is a case specific aspect and we highly recommend you seek professional guidance before making any claims on your EOI.
We invite you for an initial discussion via our Free-Screening-Call.
https://meetings.hubspot.com/aakarsh/ih-free-screening-call
This may give you the clarifications you are looking for and the next steps in your migration journey.
Look forward to assisting you.
Hi Ashwin,
I wanted to ask if claiming workplace experience with workplace 1 having 15hrs/week and workplace 2 having 30hrs/week is commutative or I can only claim experience on workplace 2? Appreciate your insight!
Hi Siri,
Department of Home Affairs seek employment evidence for minimum 20+ hours per week in the relevant ANZSCO occupation and as long as you are able to meet with this requirement it should be fine. However, employment claim is a critical aspect which many DIY applicants get wrong so it would be advisable for you to seek a professional opinion.I would request you to please book a paid consult using the link below:
https://www.immigrationhotspot.com.au/book-a-consultation/
Looking forward meeting with you.
Thankyou!
I am currently employed as a part-time civil engineer in Sydney, Australia, working 22.8 hours per week during my university sessions and 38 hours per week during the semester breaks. I am applying for the Migration Skills Assessment for the Relevant Skilled Employment Assessment, for one year of experience onshore. I would like to confirm if my current working hours and relevant experience will be considered eligible for the one-year experience outcome required for this assessment, or if it is necessary to work full-time (38 hours per week) full year to achieve the one-year experience criterion.
Hi Shradhz
If you are able to satisfy Engineers Australia with all the relevant payment evidence requirements to satisfy their criteria you might be fine. The Department of Home Affairs considers relevant employment of over 20 hours per week as sufficient in any nominated ANZSCO occupation.
To receive the latest updates, please register using the link below for our upcoming webinar on October 10, focused on Australian migration pathways for engineering professionals.
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ipxBbXNIS1mLYOBa_JA5tQ#/registration
Thankyou!
Hi Ashwin,
I’m having Electrical Engineering Bachelor’s degree and have work experience of 3 years related to ICT. Will I be able to claim 5 points in this situation or not?
Also after completing my master’s from Australia with majors in ICT and work 1 year in the same field, in that case will I be eligible to get 5 points?
It would be a great help if you can answer my above questions.
Thanks in advance.
Kind Regards,
Vinit
Hi Vinit
1. a. With your EE Bachelor from overseas, you will need to write CDR to proceed through this pathway.
No you cannot claim your ICT experience under this occ.
b. Should you choose to proceed under the ICT occupation with your EE Bachelor, then ACS will require you to proceed under RPL pathway will need between 4-6 years experience depening whether its in last 10 years or anytime in your work history.
2. After your Master in Australia, if you have completed Professional Year + 1 year ICT experience, then you may be able to claim experience post your PY completion.
If you have not completed PY, then the 1 year experience will be deducted by ACS to provide you a positive skills assessment.
Hi,
My question is regarding work experience.
I have worked 20 hours/week for 6 months in the industry which same as of my study. After 6 months I finished my study and i got a full-time graduate role with the same company. Does the Industry work experienced gained during study counts as work experience to claim points in PR?
Thanks,
Hi Adi
Generally speaking for skills assessment purposes, post-qualification experience is considered.
So maybe not.
Which occupation is it?
Hi,
I´m facing a huge dilemma and would appreciate your opinion:
I´m a Tax LAWYER in Brazil since 2009 and I have 5 years experience as a Sr. Tax Analyst over there for big accounting firms (EY and General Electric).
I came to Australia and concluded my Masters in Accounting in 2017 and I already have 2 years working in Australia as a Tax Accountant.
CPA can’t assess my overseas experience because I was a Tax Lawyer, but at the same time I did the exactly same tasks I’m doing now.
Is it possible to claim the 10 points from Overseas with ALL documents (Contract, Testimunial Letter, Payslips) but no Aussie Body Skill Assessment?
10 Points is a lot and would help me greatly today where I have 80.
Tks in advance
Hi Rodrigo
Sorry for the delayed reply.
In general, I would advise against claiming any points for Accounting occupation without the assessment by a relevant skills assessment authority.
However, if you still have not been invited, feel free to contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Hi, my wife has been working fulltime for 2 companies for 3 years in Australia. Her position in the first company is junior account officer and 2nd one is an accountant but the duties and responsibilities mentioned in the Job description are not quite the same as the requirement of ANZSCO for accountant (but definitely meet the entry-level requirement). So my question is if we wanna claim a point for working experience for visa 189 or 190, it is possible? who will assess her working experience? DHA or CPA? Thank you.
Hi Ken
Strongly recommend not to claim those points until a relevant skills assessment authority CPA/ CAANZ/ ICA have assessed the experience positively.
Sorry for the delayed reply.
I work as an analyst programmer, however I got my assessment in network engineer field, am I eligible to claim 5 points work experience?
Hi Eva
It depends if the “duties” in your current role are 75% or more closely related to the nominated occupation of network field engineer.
Only then you would be able to, else it can be highly risky.
Ideal to have the employment assessed as well.
Do I need to accumulate a total of 4 years of experience to claim 5 points for 3 years work experience (taking into consideration that the first 12 months cannot be claimed?).? Does VETASSESS Work this way? I have 2.8 positively assessed years of experience according to vetassesess. Im just afraid the first 12 months do not count and i have to keep working another year before I get 5 points
Hi Ali
Yes – Post VETASSESS skills assessment, you will receive an Outcome Letter which will provide a deemed skilled date (Points Test Advice).
VETASSESS will deduct minimum 1 year post qualification experience, or more depending on your case.
You will need to have 3 years overseas experience from this date to claim 5 points for overseas employment
Hi, I have 2.5 relevant overseas experience. Is there any chance immigration would look at that as close enough to 3 years so I can get 5 points for it?
Hi Kris
No.
First you will have to obtain your Skills Assessment and depending on the authority, some employment period can be deducted to provide you with the period of employment that you can claim.
Is there any minimum salary criteria (per Annum) to claim Australian experience as Professional Engineer?
Hi Aslu
Engineers Australia look at the standard market rates for the specific occupation in the industry whilst assessing this.
Hi Ashwin,
Thank you so much for the info. It’s been very helpful.
I do have a question in regards of Skills Assessment. I have more than 5 years international experience in Dubai in the last 10 years, but unfortunately I don’t have a university diploma. Can I still apply for the skills assessment
Thank you once again
Hi Maria
Your eligibility would depend on the occupation and the relevant skills assessment authority’s criteria.
Hi Ashwin
I have been assessed positive in my skilled assessment in January 2020, however I am working as a registered nurse since November 2019 parmanent part time basis and 70 hours. I have now completed 6 months and my work load reduced to 40 hours fornight now. Can I still claim 1 year experienced point working part time 20 hours per week in nursing.
Waiting for your reply
Thank you
Hi there,
Recently heard that one can claim job experience point before deemed skilled- is that true? Like 1 year deducted by vetassess to be considered deemed can be counted for point claim
HI Jamtsho
As a standard rule, the employment period deducted by VETASSESS can never be calculated towards the employment points claim.
Hope this helps.
Hi,
Can you claim experience in Australia, working as an embedded contractor?
I am employed by an X company who are paying me full time but I am working as an embedded contractor in Y company, my manager at Y company will provide a letter mentioning my Job Responsibilities. And my X company will provide a letter saying, I am working full time but as an embedded contractor with Y company.
I have all my payslips, Super fund, bank statement and tax summaries. Will this be acceptable experience?
Thanks
AD
Hi AD
I do not understand how does the term “embedded contractor” dealt with in the employment terms.
I will need to review the documents first to be able to advise further.
In general it could work in some instances, especially ICT occupations if all the evidential requirements are met as given by the skills assessment authority.
Thanks.
Hi, I just have a doubt if I really need a TRA MPA to apply to 190 or 491 NSW.
I already have my positive skills assessment which TRA said “TRA considers that the applicant was first able to commence work in skilled employment in the nominated occupation from 31 May 2010.
So I worked for the same company and same occupation from 31 May 2010 until 30 November 2015. I’ve got the positive skills assessment on 13 March 2018 and I’m claiming 5+ years of experience.
Do I also need an TRA Migration Points Advice to submit if I get the invitation for NSW?
My occupation is Electrician General 341111.
Hi Thiago
In your EOI, you can claim employment points from 31 May 2010 onwards until 30 Nov 2015 and further depending whether you worked in the same occupation or not.
So you should be able to claim teh 5+ years of overseas experience.
Not compulsory to obtain the TRA MPA in this situation.
Thank you for Sharing Valuable information
Pleasure
Hi Ashwin,
I am working as a Garduate Engineer for last more than 1 year in Australia. I have already assessed my chemical engineering degree from EA back in 2019. I have completed my 1 year experience on 30 June 2020 and submitted an application to EA for experience assessment. In the meantime i am waiting for the outcome from EA, can i update my points in EOI prior the outcome from EA? As there is not a requirement from immi department to assess the australian experience form third party such EA.
Hi Sadaqat
Since you have waited this long, I would suggest to wait for EA to confirm the relevant employment and give you outcome letter before you update the points. Else your decision really.
Do I need to get my Australian work experience assessed by the relevant authority to claim the points for 189 visa application?
Hi Kareena
Absolutely you do and you should to be safe in claiming the points.
Which occupation and which skills assessment authority?
Is it mandatory to do employment skill assessment from Engineers Australia for professional engineer or can we directly do it to DHA? Some say it is not mandatory, some say it is.
Hi,
I have 3 years of experience in hydropower and I am an electrical engineer from Nepal, with positive skills assessment. I claimed my experience with EA but they concluded that I didnt have secondary documents to verify, as my pay was on non-tax paying slab and I had no tax clearence papers. Is there any way I can ask for points from my work experience through Department of Home Affairs?
Thanks,
Moti Thapa
Hi Moti
There are multiple options within the Secondary documents.
It would depend whether you have any other secondary evidential documents available or not.
In general, if not and if Engineers Australia have not assessed your experience positively in the occupation, then it would be advisable not to claim the overseas employment points for this job in your DHA Visa Application.
However, if you would like specific advice, then please get in touch with us.
Hi. I have studied automotive in Melbourne. I have worked 3 years in Melbourne. Before studying. I have worked mechanical related tractors. Which I have near 5 years experience. I got skill assessment job ready program in Melbourne. Can I claim points both employment. Without assessment of overseas.
Hi Navtej
You will need to be careful as you can only claim points for experience after your TRA “deemed skilled date” at the skill level in your nominated occupation.
Hi I also have a question,
As a student I worked as an assistant nurse (aged care/20 hrs a week) for 1.5 years
then worked as an RN after (aged care) 1 yr on March 2020 *but Im afraid i do not meet the 1 yr because I work in operating theatres *starting July 2019) now and my nominated one is Aged care. I only work in aged care as casual now. most of my shifts are in operating theatre
wll my assistant nurse exp be counted? thank you! or should i change my nomination to OT nurse instead of aged care?
Hi Jan
If your nominated occupation is Registered Nurse, then you will only be able to claim experience points post your RN qualification completion and your ANMAC skills assessment in RN occupation.
So your experience prior to the completion of your RN qualification (Degree) cannot be claimed as an RN for employment points.
Good question – With the issue of Aged care or OT, it would really have to be your decision as you are best aware of the circumstances.
However, given the COVID19 circumstances, DHA may be flexible with their approach with some health applicants down the line, however, unable to confirm that at this stage.
For further tailored advice, please feel free to get in touch with us to discuss your case.
In regards to overseas experience, I am currently residing and working in Australia. At the same time, I am working for an overseas company back at my home (paid employment). WIll I be able to claim points for this overseas experience? I will be completing my 3 years with the company next month. Kindly advice.
Hi Tanveer
It would depend on the occupation and the specifics of the role you are referring to.
In general, you will only be able to claim the overseas experience if the experience – duties/ hours per week/ salary etc. meet all the eligibility criteria of the skills assessment authority.
Hello Ashwin,
I completed my bachelors in civil engineering (2009) overseas and had an 8-year work relevant work experience before commencing and completing my masters in Australia (2019). I applied for my MSA with Engineers Australia with the Australia Qualification Framework and recognizing my prior work experience. The outcome letter came out as positive but stated that the experience cannot be recognized because it was prior to my Australian degree. What can i do to claim the 8 points work experience?
Hi Abi
You will need to reapply for Engineers Australia Skills Assessment and this time you will need to do a CDR Application instead, using your overseas Bachelor Degree as the base degree.
Only then your overseas qualification would be assessed and your experience may be assessed positively if it meets the EA criteria.
Feel free to seek advice from a MARA Registered Agent to maximise your prospects.
Hi Ashwin, How are you? I have done my BSC nursing and would like to know how I could claim 5 points to contribute towards my husband primary applicant. How I could get my assessment done and what is the criteria for it. Appreciate your response. Thanks
Hi Prachi
As the Secondary Applicant, you can contribute up to 10 points to your Spouse’s (Primary) points test score if you obtain:
1. Partner English: Competent English Score – 5 points
2. Partner Skills: Positive Skills Assessment (in an occupation which is eligible to apply for the same visa subclass as your Spouse is) – 5 points
*Disclaimer: This is general advice only, and to be able to claim any of the Partner Skills points, I strongly recommend that you seek advice by a MARA Registered Agent as to whether you are eligible to apply or not and whether your points claim is accurate as per the Australian migration law or not.
Hi,
Can i able to claim Australian skilled experience points while paying tax on ABN instead of TFN ?
Is there any criteria for such conditions in order to claim 5 points ?
Hi Bilal
Depending on the skills assessment body, Australian employment must be minimum 20+ hours per week or 35+ hours per week (as required by the skills assessment authority), paid on TFN including Superannuation contributions.
For DHA points claim, a minimum of 20 hours per week is sufficient in a Part-time role. DHA can ask for applicants to submit Super statements of Australian employment.
Hi,
Before starting my PhD Electrical in Australia, i was a lecturer in Electrical Engineering Department in public sector university for 3 years on full time basis, and before That i was a research assistant at engineering university. My this experience can be counted to claim my work experience points while applying for Australian PR. Can you please guide me. Thanks
Hi Muhammad
It will depend on your occupation and your “deemed skilled date”.
I will need to review your case before I can provide tailored advice.
However, in general, if you meet all the eligibility criteria of the skills assessment authority, and get the experience assessed positively then you should be fine to claim points at DHA Visa Application stage.
Hi Ashwin,
I have heard some recent changes with DHA’s way of assessing work experience points for some occupations (see below). Is this true?
If so, say I got 3yrs work experience post grad (as of now) and VETASSESS only considered 2yrs as relevant work experience. Now, my employer would like nominate me under ENS Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream which requires 3 yrs of relevant work experience. Would I be eligible for this visa?
Thanks in advance.
“When assessing periods of skilled employment for the purpose of awarding points, the following must be taken into account:
the opinion of the relevant skills assessing authority on the period of skilled employment including the date on which they deemed the applicant skilled; and
the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) including any pre-requisite qualifications/work experience relevant to the claimed skilled employment; and
any other relevant information (such as employment records and references).
If the skills assessing authority’s opinion would result in the applicant being awarded less points than the applicant claimed in their EOI, then decision makers should consider the information in ANZSCO and apply the more beneficial outcome in determining when the applicant was working at a skilled level.”
Hi Lotte
This is a new policy recently introduced along with the New Regional Visa Regulations on 16.11.2019.
However, this is relevant to General Skilled Migration for points claim purposes at DHA Visa Application stage.
Are you seeking to apply for a Skilled Visa: SC189, SC190 or SC491?
Besides, there may still be some risk associated by claiming the years deducted by VETASSESS to assess you eligible under the occupation at the skill level.
There may be circumstances, where you may wish to consider claiming this period, however, I would not recommend to claim this deducted period until you seek advice of an experienced MARA Agent.
All the best.
Hi,
I would like to ask a question. I had 6 years of experience as a mechanical engineer in India, and now I have completed my masters degree in Australia, and I applied for skill assessment. The assessment came positive, but EA deducted my 1.2 years of experience. Now my question is can I still claim 6 years of experience, as I have all the supporting documents and bank statements with me.
Hi Daman
You can only claim the employment points from the date EA have assessed the employment positively in your occupation.
You cannot claim the full 6 years of employment under this occupation in this situation.
Hi Ashwin,
I would really appreciate it if you could shed some light on my situation.
I am on Postgraduate work visa 485 which expires on Nov 2021. I have done my master’s in architecture from Unisa, Adelaide.
1. I have been working as a graduate architect for 6 months now. The employer has offered to sponsor me. I have 2 years of work ex from India. it would be 3 years in total in another 6 months. Will I be eligible for the ENS 186?
2. By Jan 2021, I ‘ll be having a year of experience and I would be applying for 189/190. I was wondering how to claim the one-year work ex? Do I need to get it assessed? AACA says I ll have to submit a portfolio and attend interviews but a couple of people say otherwise. By the end of one year, I would have 90 points.
Stuck in this huge confusion. Which way would work better? please advice.
Hi Krithika
There are a number of things to consider in your case.
Firstly, did you complete a Bachelor + a Master in Architechture overseas or not?
If not, then unlikely that your experience prior to the completion of your Australian Master Degree would be at the required skill level as you will only be able to obtain a positive skills assessment from AACA using your overseas + Australian qualification.
This also means that for GSM – SC189, SC19, SC491 visas you will not be able to claim any points for overseas work exp., however, “may be” able to claim points for your Australian experience “only if” your role as a Graduate Architect is at the required skill level of the nominated ANZSCO occupation.
I would recommend you to get your case assessed properly by an experienced MARA Registered Agent “prior” to submitting your EOI, else the repercussions could be huge as you know.
Hi,
I want to claim 5point for work experience in nursing , I worked as an Enrolled nurse for a year part time position from 04/2018 to 04/2019 while I am holding student visa (SC 572 nursing degree). The problem is I could not get the employer reference letter but I still do keep the employment contract and payslip and bank statement I to prove it . Is there any chance to claim 5p in this case?
Hi Xuan
Which occupation: RN nec? Did you get the employment assessed as part of your skills assessment?
Hi Ashwin,
Kindly seek your advice on my situation, I am applying for 189 Skilled Independent Visa, regarding the points claim for my overseas working experience, how do they assess the work experience, do they accept experience before obtaining qualifications? I have overseas experience of more than 8 years, but that it is prior qualification. I have applied for my skill assessment at Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) and I have received a positive assessment, that is purely based on qualification only. Do the DHA accept my previous experience before I obtain my qualification? as I want to claim points on overseas experience. Appreciates, your kind advice on this
Hi Kana
You may be able to claim points for some or none of your prior to qualification work experience and this depends on a number of factors and needs to be carefully assessed by a MARA Registered Agent. I strongly recommend that you seek advice by a MARA Registered Agent to be certain about the claim of points and to save your application from being refused for overclaim of points.
Hi,
I am preparing documents for the VETASSESS assessment. I was a research associate for a yearly project, I received a very nominal salary from my supervisor (12 months) through cross cheque for 6 month period each. What documents should I attach as a proof for paid employment. I received a bank statement from my supervisor reflecting above 2 cheques with 1 on my name as a cash withdrawal. I don’t have any other document (payslip, tax return, etc) Please guide. Thank you
Hi Khan
Based on your comments, I am concenred and would advice that your 12 months experience may not be positively assesses by VETASSESS.
Besides, depending on your qualifications and overall number of years of experience, you will need to be certain that you will meet the eligibility criteria to be able to lodge the skills assessment application. Please save yourself the money, time and effort, and seek proper advice from a MARA Registered Migration Agent before you proceed further.
Nope. Just bachelors in India. Masters from the University of South Australia, Adelaide.
Would I have to get my work ex of a year for 5 points also through AACA ? If i dont want to be registered yet, then what is the way to get the 5 points for work ex?
Hi,
I am have been working on my abn as a marketing analyst for an Australian business. Every year, I would do marketing for the company while I went back to my home country. I was paid while in my home country; work related to Australian business promoting its products in my home country. I took 2 holiday every year for 2 weeks each. Can the period overseas count for Australian employment ?
Hi Jay
Working as a contractor is not the same as being employed on part-time or full-time basis.
Technically, if you have been working (and can prove with evidence) that you have worked 20+ hours per week for the number of years required based on VETASSESS criteria applicable to you based on your situation; then you may be eligible to apply for skills assessment.
However, for points claim, I would suggest you seek advice from a MARA Registered Agent to be certain and not risk a visa application refusal.
Hi Ashwin,
I am working as a registered nurse here in Sydney in peri-operative area. I am wondering what are my chances to be sponsored for PR in Victoria and if I am eligible to submit an EOI? I heard from other people that I cannot submit an EOI unless I have 6mos of working experience in Victoria or at least a letter from an employer saying that I will work for them for a minimum of 6 mos, how true is that?
Also, when claiming 5 points for 1 year AU experience, am I eligible to claim 5 points if I am working as casual for a year? Being said that I am casual, I do not have fixed number of working hours but my cumulative working hours in a year is equivalent to working of 20/hrs per week in one year. Please advise! Thank you!
Hi Lin
1. Please carefully review whether your ANZSCO is listed under VIC Graduates list or not?
If yes, then you may be eligible to apply for SC190 Nom as long as you have registration and Proficient English.
2. To be able to claim employment points in a DHA Visa Application, you must have be paid for minimum 20+ hours per week for 52 weeks to make a year.
If not, then suggest not to claim these points and prior to lodging your EOI, seek professional advice by a MARA Registered Agent.
Hi Ashwin,
I had a Vetassessment done a while ago as a Construction Project Manager. I thought that I might have 5+ years of relevant experience in the UK but definitely 3+ however, it seems Vetassess are very stringent and after deducting 1 year gave me 1.3 years relevant experience.
I was advised that what Vetassess decide is not necessarily the be all and end all, and that if I think I have the relevant experience I should claim it in my EOI, I tried to speak to immigration about this but they were very vague and didn’t really give me an awnser either way, to be honest I don’t think they were really sure what I was trying to ask.
Should I try and claim relevant work experience not recognised by Vetassess?
I if do, could it ruin my chance of application?
Could I lodge a second EOI with the extra expirence on it without disrupting or ruining the chances of my first one getting through?
*It’s probably worth mentioning that I was briefly sponsored in Aus as a project manager and my agent at the time claimed 5 years relevant experience wich imagration accepted. This however was not through Vetassess.
Kind Regards
Nick
Hi Nick
Although, there has been a Policy amendment only in Nov 2019 regarding this issue (however, no amendment in the Migration Act or Regulations which hold precedence).
However, the facts in your case need to be carefully assessed before any advice can be given.
It would be advisable to seek professional advice by an experienced MARA Registered Agent.
Hi Ashwin!
I’m glad to have found this page and learnt so much from your sharing.
I’m also applying for the skilled migration as a secondary school teacher and have come across the term “SES” (A Skilled Employment Statement (SES) is an optional summary of your relevant skilled employment which you can use as part of the Points Test for skilled migration.)
Is it necessary for me to apply for this SES so as to claim the points for relevant work experience? And if I worked at two different institutes, shall I submit two letters from the two institutes so as to prove my employment record of the previous ten years for the application of SES?
Thanks a lot for your help!!
Hi Jacqueline
I am glad 🙂 – Please like our facebook or LinkedIn pages to stay connected.
Yes it would be best if you could obtain the two SES’s and submit for the skills assessment so that you will be able to confidently claim skilled employment points appropriately.
All the best!
Hi Ashwin,
Hope you’re well and staying safe.
In my EOI for 491 visa as a finance manager, I have claimed 3 years of overseas work experience as part of this occupation because these roles assisted me in becoming a finance manager e.g management accountant and accountant.
Apparently I require position descriptions for these overseas roles which I am struggling to obtain because the employers no longer hold this information on their systems. I was not supplied this during my time there. I have only seen the job descriptions on the advert when I applied for them. Are you able to provide a solution around this? Thanks!
Hi Lisa
I would strongly suggest to be very careful in planning to claim overseas employment points for each position.
Especially if you have not had the employment assessed by skills authority & that the positions were not at the skill level of the nomianted occupation, then it could be extremely risky.
It would be advisable to seek professional advice by an experienced MARA Registered Agent.
Hi Ashwin,
I have the same case as Lin, but I am in IT, and when I have applied for skilled assessment from ACS they have marked it as positive. In my case does it safe to claim points since I have supported document from the assessing body?
I worked casual and 20 hours as well, and I do not have fixed working hour. Hence the confusion,
Hi Lauren
You can only claim employment points in your EOI/visa application ‘if you worked minimum 20 hours per week and can prove that with evidences- Contract, Reference Letter, Payslips, Bank Statements or Tax Returns or Retirement Fund Statements’ as these (3 or 4) will be required by DHA for each of the jobs.
Receiving skills assessment from ACS is one thing and claiming the points in the EOI/DHA Visa Application is another.
Hi, I want to claim points for 3 years relevant skilled employment here in Australia. The assessing authority is Engineer’s Australia. Previously, I have already undertaken the migration skills assessment through EA and was positively assessed and qualified under an engineering occupation. Of my 3 years relevant experience onshore, 2 years of them was part time as I was under a student visa for another degree. EA mentions that they require full time employment which is only 20 hrs/week. During my part time work, I worked 20 hrs/week performing full time duties. Is this eligible for a positive skilled employment experience?
Hi Gayle
Can you advise whether Engineers Australia assessed your employment already or not?
If not, then since you were working whilst holding a student visa, the skill level requirement may or may not be met, depending on your overseas qualification and the skills assessment.
Further information would be required to be able to advise any further.
Hi Ashwin,
I have a BA degree in Social Work and had my degree and work experience assessed by AASW last year. Unfortunately, they said my role as a social worker assistant did not warrant skilled work experience as this was prior to me getting qualified. I have now done over years work experience in Australia in a closely related job post qualification (support coordinator). Will I need to go back to AASW to assess my work experience in Australia to gain the 5 points? Will this be a whole new assessment?
Also, I have seen my role as a social work assistant and social worker might fit the welfare officer and/ or welfare worker criteria as well as my degree in social work.
Do you think I should try get a skills assessment for welfare worker to try get my 8 years work experience as a social work assistant (as this would give me an additional 20 points) or go back to AASW to try get 5 points for my work experience in Australia.
Also, just wanted to see if you can apply for two different ANZCO on EOI and wait yo see which one gets accepted first? Or can you only do one at a time?
Sorry for all the questions, just don’t know whether it’s worth my time and money pursuing this.
Kind regards
Hi Victoria
1. Only employment experience will need to be assessed by AASW.
2 & 3. You can certainly get your skills assessed by another body, in another occuaption: Welfare Worker – ACWA.
And if successful you could pursue a skilled migration application under this occupation, potentially with 2 parallel EOI’s.
I would recommend that once invited in either, to make sure to withdraw the other EOI as else it would be unfair/and would make the process more challenging for other applicants.
Also, please note that this occuaption is listed on the Short term list and you will only be eligible to proceed to apply SC190 or SC491.
Hi,
I have 5+ years of work experience. However, the first year of the work experience was “on-job” training. I was getting paid in that period. Will Engineers Australia consider my entire work experience or the “on-job” training will be an issue? This is because my duty letter received by HR explicitly mentions the “on-job” training part. Appreciate your response.
Hi Mohamed
EA is quite stringent in their employment assessment and you will need to get the experience assessed to know the answer.
Generally speaking though, I don’t believe that your on-the-job training experience will be assessed at the required skill level by Engineers Australia.
Hi,
I already have a positive skill assessment from Engineers Australia for my bachelors degree(Washington Accord pathway) which I completed in 2017. Now I am doing an MBA in Australia.If I work 20 hours/ week in my nominated occupation while holding student visa 500, Can I claim points for Australian work experience?
Hi Hans
If you 20 hours per week experience is in your nominated occupation and at the the required skill level, then in your EOI/ DHA Visa Application you can claim points for your Australian work experience as long as you have completed at least 1 year to be eligible to claim 5 points.
Hi Ashwin. I am an international student in Australia. Completed my bachelor degree in Computer Engineering 2018 in Bangladesh and came to Australia for Masters in Information Technology. I am working here in Australia as a level 2 Software Support Engineer from Jan 2019 as permanent part time (20 hours) continuously till now and will be full time in December 2020 after my last semester. I will apply for temporary graduate visa in January 2021 after completing my masters degree here in November this year. Now my question is if I can claim point for this Work experience for this 2 years part time and if its counted as 2 year or 1 year since its part time. And After graduation if I do Professional Year as well can I claim 5 point or it will not count as I will claim for the points for Full-time work experience that time. Can I claim point for Professional Year and Skilled Work experience parallelly?
Like 2 years part-time and 1 year full time in Australia can I claim 10 points
And for Professional Year 5 points parallelly.
Will be very helpful if you clear that out.
Thanks
Hi Asif
Few issues here.
Firstly, if you apply on the basis of your overseas Bachelor Degree, ACS will require minimum 2 years (or more) work experience to be able to provide you with a positive skills assessment and a Deemed Skilled Date.
Also note that your Bachelor Degree must be relevant (major) to the nominated occupation so that only 2 years are deducted.
My question is do you have at least 2 years of work experience in the nominated occupation at the required skill level ‘after’ your Bachelor Degree?
With the 20 hours per week, this is acceptable by ACS and Department of Home Affairs as long as you can provide all evidences required.
Thirdly, with your PY points claim query, if you apply for your skills assessment on the basis of your Australian Degree, then you will need at least a PY completed or 1 year experience in your field to be eligible to apply for your skills assessment and wont be able to claim points for both.
Hi,
I have an experience of 3 years as a civil engineer in overseas. But I have already done my skill assessment with my experiences as two career episodes in CDR report. However, I chose not to claim the point during that time from my overseas experiences. But, am I allowed to claim point for my experiences? What can be the probable procedure in this regard?
Thanks
Hi Santosh
Your question is not clear?
If you are asking whether can you claim points for overseas employment even if you have ‘not had the employment assessed by Engineers Australia’ then, if you are confident that the employment was at the required skill level and in the same occuaption, then you can.
You will need to be very careful that you have all the evidential documents required to convince DHA ‘if’ you do claim the points though.
Hi Ashwin,
I found this page very useful, and I would like to thank you for providing feedback to our queries.
My question is, I have degree assessment from EA as a professional engineer in Mechanical Engineer (233512). I have 3 years of overseas work experience after finishing bachelor’s in engineering there. However, here in Australia, I have studied project management. Although, if I found employment in manufacturing company in Australia. Can claim 5 points after 1 year of experience? Also, what should be my post and minimum pay rate as per industry standard for claim those 5 points?(I tried to calculate my pay rate on fair work website but there are too many subclass to choose from which I don’t know) Can I be eligible for subclass 482 or 186 ? What is the success ratio on those visa applications. A company is interested in hiring me, and they offered me a less amount then my expectation. I don’t want to loose opportunity as it can lead me 5 points or 482/186, at the same time I don’t hoe much my minimim pay rate to claim those 5 points of experience. Your suggestions are highly appreciated.
Your Sincerely,
Berry
Hi Berry
1. Search for average salary for a professional Engineer in Australia, you will find the answer. Check Seek, indeed, mycareer ads.
2. Did you get your overseas employment assessed by EA or not? If not, then are you confident that the experience was at the skill level of a Mechanical Engineer?
3. To be able to claim Australian employment points, the employment must be in the nominated occupation, at the skill level, being paid the market salary rate for the role. If the salary is too low, i.e. under $50k etc., then the role will NOT be assessed positively by Engineers Australia and claiming these employment points can be highly risky.
4. You may be eligible to apply for Skilled Migration Visas – SC189/SC190/SC491 or Employer Sponsored Visas – SC482/ SC186 – DE,provided your employer and you as the sponsored employee be able to meet all the eligibility criteria for the respective visa subclass.
For further advice, I strongly recommend that you seek professional advice by a MARA Registered Migration Agent.
All the best!
Hi Ahswin,
I was wondering if in this scenario I can claim 5 points for local experience –
– I have worked for 1 year and 1 month locally
– And within that period, I also completed my internship (for Professional Year) with the same company and I was paid
– My employment did not change from full time employee to intern during the internship period
Thank you!
Hi Juliet which occupation again?
If you were working 20 hours per week paid in a role for 52 weeks, apart from your internship, and can prove on paper then you would be able to claim employment points for it.
Hey Ashwin,
I have completed 11 months in my organisation and my contract is getting done unexpectedly. Is it possible for me to claim 5 points of work since it’s a bit closer to a year?
Hi Sinthiyaa
You must have 52 weeks worth of payslips or bank statements ‘before’ you can claim the 1 year Australian employment points in your EOI.
https://www.iscah.com/important-change-work-experience-points/
Is the article about the new policy correct?
Hi Phood
There has been a lot of discussion on this topic amongst MARA practitioners since Nov 2019 till date.
This is only a change in the ‘Policy’ by DHA and as such each applicant’s circumstances are different and should seek careful advice by a Registered MARA Adviser before claiming the deducted periods of employment by skills assessment authorities.
Hi Ashwin,
I am a civil engineer who has completed his masters of structural engineering from Australia in Dec 2018. I started working as a part time structural engineer with a firm 6 months prior to my graduation (I.e. Dec 2018).
I am currently employed at the same firm and work here full time. Also, I got my positive skill assessment in September 2019.
I got an invite to apply for 189 visa in July 2020 where I have claimed 1 year of local work ex as a part of it.
I was wondering whether I can actually claim those 5 points and what time frame should I be providing my documents for. Also, do I have to provide all the payslips till date or few latest ones should do the work?
Thanks
Hi Vishal
You have already claimed the 5 points since you got invited.
To claim the 1 year employment points with DHA, you should at the very least provide the first 3 and last 3 months worth of payslips or bank statements along with employment contract and reference letter.
However, if you can provide more, that would be even better.
Hi expert,
I have worked for 2 different companies simultaneously for 3 years in the same occupation (secretary), at least 20h/week for each company. Will Vetassess consider this as 6 years of experience?
Hi Fabio
Two simultaenous part-time employments would only be considered as one period of employment by VETASSESS of 3 years.
Hi i am Sowmya,
I found this page very useful info,
I have positive skill assessment from EA for my mechanical engineering, I have 3.5 years overseas work experience as steel detailer and currently working in same role in Australia. how to do employment assessment? Do I need new CDR reports??
can you please explain the process.
thank you
sowmya
Hi Sowmya
If you have already obtained a positive skills assessment on the basis of your overseas bachelor degree as a Mechanical Engineer, then there is no need to redo the skills assessment.
You can either submit to have the employment assessed or if you are 100% confident, then you can even choose to proceed further without having the employment assessed (risky approach though).
All the best.
Hi I am Hesam;
I am a mechanical engineer with a master’s degree in Iran. From the last five years until six months ago, I worked for a full-time engineering company (four and half year). Six months ago, my student visa for a Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering was issued, and I started my studies online. During this time I continued to work part-time (at least twenty hours a week) in the same company. So, now I have four and a half years of full-time work experience + six months of part-time work experience. I intend to apply for permanent residency in Australia after graduating with a PhD. I have some questions:
1-Can I claim 6 moths part-time work experience as a full-time work and get 5 years points for Visa subclass 189 or 190?
2-For getting work experience points, can I use my five-year work experience outside of Australia before getting my Ph.D. degree, or I have to have a work experience after getting my PhD?
Can you please answer to my questions?
Thank you
Hesam
Hi Hesam
1. Department needs paid experience that is 20+ hours per week or more accompanied with strong payment evidence. Cannot advice as to whether you can claim the six months without assessing all the facts.
2. If you are able to obtain a positive skills experience using your Bachelor Degree (CDR application) with Engineers Australia, then you would be eligible to claim employment ‘post qualification’ as long as the employment meets the Engineers Australia criteria.
All the best.
I have a positive skill assessment and now looking to apply for the 186 de, how much of my work experience did the vetassess process take and can i use the experience after the 3 year minimum towards my 3 years post assessment to be eligible for 186.
Hi Florence
Employer sponsored visas are complex and I would strongly recommend that you seek professional advice before taking an informed decision about your situation with your employer.
Hi Expert,
I am Tara. I would like to ask how to claim the working experience from the nursing job. I will commence my new job in the graduate program next week. I will work full-time (five days per week). How can I provide the evidence to claim 5 points for one-year working experience? Do I need to work 20h hours per week for 52 weeks to claim the points?
Thank you
All the best
Hi Tara
Depending on your ANZSCO occupation, you need to confirm that it will meet the requirements.
Generally speaking the Regulations define employment that can be claimed to be 20 hours per week or more in the nominated ANZSCO occupation with evidence for each week clearly there to support this.
Would recommend you seek professional advice before taking next steps.
Thank you.
Dear expert,
I have done 6 years of work overseas as an Electrician/Electronics Technician and I was wondering if I could claim points with that period since I will be applying as an Electrical Engineer. Will that be considered? I know its not closely related but its in the same field and I did progress in the electrical field.
Any help is much appreciated!
Hi Guilherne
If your ANZSCO Occupation is Electrical Engineer, then although it is not a must to obtain employment assessment from Engineers Australia.
Given this situation, I would recommend getting the employment assessed to be certain.
All the best.
Hello expert
My wife had positive skills assessment from acs for business analyst and she worked for 1 full year contract for junior business analyst. Can we claim 5 point for Australia work experience or we have to go through ACS again verify the work experience and then we can claim the 5 points?
Hi Vishal
‘Contract’ needs to be wetted carefully as to what it meant.
And yes I would recommend getting the employment assessed if you are planning to claim 5 points from this employment period that is.
All the best.
Hi Ashwin
I have been working as a project coordinator from more than one year and just applied for skill assessment if I get positive result from Vetss. Can I claim 5 points for one year experience?
Hi Pardeep
Generally, you can claim points from the date mentioned as ‘Date Deemed for Skills Points Advice’ on the VETASSESS outcome letter.
With that said, it is important to check the outcome carefully to ensure that you do not overclaim the points as that risks your visa application.
If you need professional advice and guidance, please book a one-on-one consultation with our MARA-registered migration adviser, Ashwin Tyagi.
https://www.immigrationhotspot.com.au/book-a-consultation/
Regards
Aakarsh
Hi Ashwin,
I have completed my bachelor degree in Electronics and Communication Eng in 2008. After completion, I worked as an Electrical Engineer for 8 years. In 2021, I completed my Master degree with Electrical and Renewable energy specialisation in Australia and currently working as an Electrical Engineer on a casual role. I have completed my EA skill assessment and it says “the competencies you have demonstrated, taken in conjunction with your qualifications from the following institutions (both bachelor and master ) meet the current requirement for the following occupation: Electrical Engineer.
My question is whether I can claim my 8 years experince? If so, should I have to have a relevant skilled employment assessment?
Thanks,
Hi Manoj
It is not possible to advise on whether you can claim overseas experience unless and until there is a clear match to the ANZSCO occupation duties and ideally the employment has been assessed by Engineers Australia.
I would recommend you seek professional advice before taking a decision.
All the best.
Thanks for your reply
Hi Ashwin,
Has the confusion with experience prior to date deemed skilled by VETASSESS been resolved? Is there any certainty that the 1 year deducted by VETASSESS can or cannot be included to calculate points?
Hi Jimmy
As a standard rule, the employment deducted by VETASSESS can never be calculated towards the employment points claim.
Hope this helps.
Hi Ashwin,
My wife got skilled assessment from ANMAC with 8 years oversea experience of Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency ). However, She just graduated in Bachelor Degree 2 years ago. She’s now getting an 189 invitation with 70 points including the experience points. Will home affairs count her on 70 points or 55 points? If they don’t count the oversea experience, my wife will only have 55 points which is below the minimum requirement. Besides, will it affect me to apply for a graduate visa if the application of 189 finally get rejected? Because I am studying in Australia and may apply for 485 if the application of 189 fails.
Best Regards,
Austin
Hi Austin
I believe you would have already sought a professional’s assistance on this issue, which may have been resolved by now.
Happy for you to submit a free online visa assessment from the link below so we can assess your eligibility and suggest the next best steps for your Australian migration journey.
https://www.immigrationhotspot.com.au/free-online-visa-assessment/
Hi there,
I am currently an Undergraduate at UTS studying Mechatronic Engineering.
I have a few questions that I hope you can reply to:
1. Do I have to gain experience as specifically “Mechatronic Engineer” in order to get points? Or other related fields such as “Product Design Engineer” or “Mechanical Engineer” is okay?
2. If I transfer my course to “Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering” (not a double degree, just how it is named), will this assist me in gaining points and eventually succeed in obtaining VISA 189 as a “Mechanical Engineer”?
2. Currently I am working under title “Junior Mechatronic Engineer” as an undergraduate. It is 24 hrs per week and is paid remuneration. Will this be counted towards my points?
Thank you very much
Hi Anh
Generally speaking, you may claim points for closely related work experience but again, this should be decided on a case-to-case basis.
If your qualifications meet the skills assessment criteria for your nominated ANZSCO occupation, it is possible to have a skills assessment in more than one occupation at a time.
I recommend booking a one-on-one consultation with our MARA registered migration adviser, Ashwin Tyagi from the link below to get a tailored PR roadmap and professional advice.
https://www.immigrationhotspot.com.au/book-a-consultation/
We look forward to assisting you.
Hi,
Can you claim experience in Australia,but only working offshore for an Australian company? All my work is to support the company’s operation in Perth as an accounts administrator but just based offshore.
Thanks
Hi Ruel
This depends on your contract & how you are getting paid. For Australian employment, it is vital that you are getting paid as per the Australian work rates and in AUD.
We can discuss more and explore the possible options for you.
Please submit a free online visa assessment from the link below.
https://www.immigrationhotspot.com.au/free-online-visa-assessment/
Hi,
I have done 2 years 11 months and 21 days of full time work experience overseas along with a 9 month paid internship in nursing I also had leave left before I left my job, can I claim 3 years work experience for extra 5 points?
Hi Patrick
Employment point claim is not as simple as having the required years of experience, it involves various other factors such as your designation, type of employment, work hours, and remuneration.
What you are trying to do may not be possible and could lead to an incorrect points claim.
I recommend you book a one-on-one consultation with our MARA registered migration adviser, Ashwin Tyagi from the link below to get tailored advice and professional guidance.
https://www.immigrationhotspot.com.au/book-a-consultation/
We look forward to assisting you.
Hi Ashwin,
It is quite interesting to see you are responding to peoples’ requests for almost over 3 years on this thread. Thank you so much for that. I have a very unique situation around claiming work experience points for which I am unable to find any answer anywhere. I have worked for 2 years 10 days in Australia and 7 years 11 months 20 days in India during last 10 years as an Accountant. The last 10 days I worked in Australia prevents me to claim 8 years of overseas experience. So can I still claim 8 years towards Overseas experience, by showing the Australian experience of last 10 days as overseas experience? I feel the department values Australian experience more than Overseas experience, so will they accept this?
Hi Sthitapragnya
Appreciate it, we take immense pleasure in our work.
What you are trying to do may not be possible and could lead to an incorrect points claim.
The EOI does not prevent you from claiming points but it is the visa application that could be at serious risk.
I would recommend you book a one-on-one consultation with our MARA registered migration adviser, Ashwin Tyagi from the link below to get tailored advice and professional guidance.
https://www.immigrationhotspot.com.au/book-a-consultation/
Look forward to assisting you.
Thank you, Akarsh. I will certainly look forward to seek your assistance.
Hi Ashwin,
I have been working as a Quantity Surveyor for the last 9 years overseas. I have both a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
The ANZSCO code for this profession is ANZSCO 233213. My skills assessment authority is the AIQS.
I plan to go for skills assessment via Pathway 4 because I have gained chartered voting membership with the AIQS; however, the AIQS will NOT consider skilled employment for any employment prior to receiving my voting membership as part of the assessment.
In my case, I have only been an AIQS member for 1 year employed. My question is can I still claim points for my remaining 8 years prior to being chartered for my EOI?
Thank you.
Hi Simon
The number one mistake that DIY applicants make is overclaiming points.
Your skills assessment application requires careful consideration so you do not end up overclaiming employment points.
We would love to but cannot provide tailored advice on this forum. Generally speaking, no points should be claimed for the years that have not been assessed by the skills assessment authority but again, it is on a case-to-case basis.
I would recommend you book a one-on-one consultation with our MARA registered migration adviser, Ashwin Tyagi from the link below.
https://www.immigrationhotspot.com.au/book-a-consultation/
Look forward to assisting you.
Hi Ashwin
My questions are as follows:
1) When submitting EOI for 190 or 189, do we need to have all the supporting documents to claim employment points e.g. employer reference letters? Or can we obtain them within the 60 days provided once we are invited to apply for the 189 or 190 visa?
2) Also for overseas lawyers, who have been admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW or Victoria, I understand that the Certificate of Admission is considered a positive skill assessment. Since the Certificate of Admission does not have an expiry date but states the date of admission, how will immigration weigh in on this in terms of points, if an invitation to apply for visa 189 or 190 comes, or 3 years after the date of admission? Will the Certificate of Admission be considered expired? Is so, what is the alternative then?
Thanks.
Hi Ashwin
My questions are as follows:
1) When submitting the EOI for visa 189/190, do I need have obtained my supporting documents to claim employment points e.g. employer reference letter/s or can this be obtained within the 60 days given to submit the documents once your receive an invitation to apply for 189/190 visa?
2) For international lawyers admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW or Victoria, I understand the Admission Certificate is considered a positive skills assessment. However, if an invitation to apply for visa 189/190 is received, 3 years after date of admission . Will the Admission of Certificate be considered expired? If, so, what is the solution? Will a current practicing certificate issued by VLSBC be considered as a positive skill assessment then? Given that practicing certificate is issued yearly.
3) Once ROI is registered for visa 190 for the State of Victoria, I understand we cannot make any changes to the ROI but we can update the EOI. However, will the updated EOI be considered when the State nominates a person for 190 or will the EOI information at the time the ROI was lodged be taken into account when the State makes a decision whether or not to nominate a person?
Thanks
Regards
Kia
Hi Ashwin
My questions are as follows:
1) When submitting the EOI for visa 189/190, do I need have obtained my supporting documents to claim employment points e.g. employer reference letter/s or can this be obtained within the 60 days given to submit the documents once your receive an invitation to apply for 189/190 visa?
2) For international lawyers admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW or Victoria, I understand the Admission Certificate is considered a positive skills assessment. However, if an invitation to apply for visa 189/190 is received, 3 years after date of admission . Will the Admission of Certificate be considered expired? If, so, what is the solution? Will a current practicing certificate issued by VLSBC be considered as a positive skill assessment then? Given that practicing certificate is issued yearly. If the Certificate of Admission and current practicing is considered a positive skill assessment, will I still require a reference letter from my former employer to claim employment points?
3) Once ROI is registered for visa 190 for the State of Victoria, I understand we cannot make any changes to the ROI but we can update the EOI. However, will the updated EOI be considered when the State nominates a person for 190 or will the EOI information at the time the ROI was lodged be taken into account when the State makes a decision whether or not to nominate a person?
Thanks
Regards
Kia
Hi Kia
We believe your queries would have been resolved by now. Briefly:
1) Some documents can be obtained within the 60 days period but a majority of documents need to be ready on or before the date of invitation.
2) This is partially correct. Depending on the State/Territory you’re admitted in, you will be required to have a skills assessment letter from the Legal Profession Board/Authority.
3) You’re allowed to and only some changes will be considered in the EOI after the ROI has been lodged but not all or any.
We would love to but cannot provide tailored advice on this forum. It is strongly recommended that you take professional advice on this, if not already taken.
I would recommend you book a one-on-one consultation with our MARA registered migration adviser, Ashwin Tyagi from the link below.
https://www.immigrationhotspot.com.au/book-a-consultation/
Look forward to assisting you.
hi Ashwin,
My boyfriend has an overseas undergraduate degree, majoring in electrical engineering and automation. He has no Australian qualifications. He came to Australia to engage in related work for 5 years. Want to do a career assessment for Electronic Equipment Trades Worker (ANZSCO: 342313). Will the working hours be deducted for 3 years? After the deduction, can I still have 15 points for 5 years of work experience when applying for immigration?
Hi Lee
The number one mistake that DIY applicants make is overclaiming points. His skills assessment application requires careful consideration so he can claim points for maximum years from his overall work experience.
We would love to but cannot provide tailored advice on this forum. Generally speaking, no points should be claimed for the years deducted by skills assessment authority but again, it is on a case-to-case basis.
I would recommend you book a one-on-one consultation with our MARA registered migration adviser, Ashwin Tyagi from the link below.
https://www.immigrationhotspot.com.au/book-a-consultation/
Look forward to assisting you.
Hi Ashwin,
I have overseas experience of about 4 yrs from 2014 to 2018 Feb. But in my ACS skill assessment, deemed date is from 2019 Nov only. So, can I claim point for it in my EOI for 189?
Hi Ramesh
Generally, claiming points before the ‘deemed date’ in skills assessment is risky.
It is unusual that the deemed date is Nov 2019 whereas your work experience was only till Feb 2018.
Your ACS outcome and SC189 EOI need to be carefully checked before progressing further to make sure there is no risk to your visa application once you’re invited.
I would recommend you book a one-on-one consultation with our MARA registered migration adviser, Ashwin Tyagi from the link below.
https://www.immigrationhotspot.com.au/book-a-consultation/
Look forward to assisting you.
I am applying to civil engineering technician, I don’t have employer payment evidences for 2015 year except of pay slips. VETASSESS only asking pay slips for employment evidences & based on that, I can get the positive assessment from VETASSESS including year 2015. Will immigration department ask more evidence other than pay slip for this year even with the positive assessment?
Hi Rohan
Overclaiming employment points is one of the main reasons for visa refusals.
Generally, more than one payment evidence is required to present a strong visa application, however, in some cases, this can be strategically dealt with.
Feel free to get in touch with our team if you require tailored advice and professional guidance.
Free Online Visa Assessment: https://bit.ly/immihotspot
Look forward to assisting you.
Hi,
I recently got a 189 invite for 95 points (accountant).
After applying, I realised that my previous employer paid me $0.02 less than the minimum wage at the time.
I claimed 5 points for 189.
But once I told my previous employer, he made a payment for the difference*the period and provided a payslip and a letter stating that they had underpaid me and that it was a rounding error.
Would this be an issue for my grant?
Hi Hiruse
I can only reply to your query in general as for tailored advice you will need to organise a consultation.
To answer, in general, if the difference was of only $0.02 and that has been rectified now, it would be ok for you to proceed to claim the points as long as the employment and all associated aspects are genuine.
Hi,
I am applying for 491 sub class and have a valid skill assessment from ACS. In that they have deducted 6 years from my total 8 years experience and I am unable to claim 5 points due to that. As per ANZCO code, it is only 5 years of work experience deducted if i do not have an educational qualification. Is there any condition that we can claim 5 points in such instance where ANZCO provide more score than the ACS.
Hi
Any experience deducted by ACS cannot be used to claim points.
However, there may have been an error with your outcome, and if you like, we can verify all aspects and suggest the next best steps for you to be able to claim points for your employment.
Please book a one-on-one consultation with our MARA-registered migration adviser, Ashwin Tyagi.
https://www.immigrationhotspot.com.au/book-a-consultation/
Regards
Aakarsh
Hi. Ashwin.
I Have 4 years of experience as a lawyer (with a law degree) and 4 years as programmer (with a two years diploma) can i ask for 8 years of work experience?
Thank you very much.
Hi Christian
This is not possible.
Simply put, experience in one occupation cannot be used to claim points in another occupation.
Claiming points must be done only after thorough research or professional advice.
We will be happy to assist you should you choose us as your migration professionals, simply connect with us via our website.
Regards
Aakarsh
Hello,
Your blog is great and very helpful!
I am a pastry chef and I have received a positive skills assessment. I did a bachelors in visual communication in India, can I claim points for a 190 application even though it is not relevant to my occupation? or should I leave this out? Does my degree need to be assessed? Thank you so much!
Hi Mary
Generally, claiming points for a degree (educational qualifications) is irrelevant to your ANZSCO occupation.
But, before claiming any points for your education, there are essential aspects to be checked such as whether the degree is AQF equivalent.
I recommend you take professional advice before proceeding.
Please book a one-on-one consultation with our MARA-registered migration adviser, Ashwin Tyagi.
https://www.immigrationhotspot.com.au/book-a-consultation/
Regards
Aakarsh
Hi, Aakarsh
I am a registered nurse and was invited for 189.
I have questions about work experience hours. I know that to claim a point, must work 20 hours per week but I am getting paid fortnightly and hours varies. Would it be ok with 40 hours fortnightly or it must be 20 hours each week?
Plus I have found one of the fortnight work was less than 40 hours. It was 37.5 hours total for fortnight. Would be ok as a shift worker or would be an issue?
If you can advise on this, that will be a great help for me.
Thank you for your help.
Each skill assesment body has unique eligibility requirements and various pathways for you to choose from. To get a positive assessment outcome, it is critical that you understand the eligibility requirements and get professional assistance.
If you need our help, we invite you for an initial discussion via our Free-Screening-Call.
https://meetings.hubspot.com/aakarsh/ih-free-screening-call
This may give you the clarifications you are looking for and the next steps in your migration journey.
Look forward to assisting you.
I have 1080 days of work experience will this count as 3 years for purpose of claiming points?
Hi Ralph
Thank you for query.
Claiming employment points is a crucial aspect requiring careful consideration.
We can answer your questions only after a detailed discussion and assessment.
To know how can we help you, I’m happy to offer a FREE Evaluation Call with our team
Book a time using the link below:
https://meetings.hubspot.com/aakarsh/free-evaluation-call
Look forward to assisting you.
Hello, hope you are doing well. I am Saeed and I am a PhD student in Australia. I have worked for 1.5 years as chemical engineer on casual basis (more than 20 hours a week) and already have a letter from my supervisor. I have relevant payslip, superannuation, and ATO taxation report. However, I do not have a contract. Am I eligible to claim it in my EoI? Thanks
Hi Saeed
Claiming points for casual employment in your EOI requires careful consideration.
Having a contract is not a mandatory requirement but as standard practice, all employees in AU receive a contract from their employer.
One of our team member has already initiated a personal conversation with you to take your query forward and assist you.
Alternatively, you can book a Free Evaluation Call from the link below:
https://meetings.hubspot.com/devanshu-khandelwal/ih-free-screening-call
Hope this helps and look forward to assisting you.
Thankyou!!
Hi Ashwin,
I wondered how the years of work experience are calculated for EOI? I have worked 157 weeks in the UK in my skilled occupation, but according to my EOI, I don’t yet have 3 years’ experience. There are small gaps of days / weeks between some jobs, does that affect it?
Many thanks for your help,
Sophie
Hi Sophie
Thank you for your questions.
Putting the correct dates in the EOI form is very important to get accurate points claim. In my opinion, period of unapaid leaves or any work that is less than 20 hours a week should not be included.
We have had instances where for one employment we created 6+ entries in the EOI as our client had unpaid leaves or periods for which claiming points would have been risky.
The SkillSelect website does not prompt if your points claim is accurate or not and you only know this once the visa is decided which may e too late. Hence, a detailed assessment is important before finalizing the points claim.
I recommend you seek professional guidance to safeguard your interest and ensure that your application progresses stress-free.
If you require our assistance, I’m happy to offer a FREE Evaluation Call with our team
Book a time using the link below:
https://link.xpressautomations.com/widget/bookings/free-evaluation-call-ih-as
Hope this helps and look forward to assisting you.
Thankyou!!
Hi there,
I only have one question, please please please answer my question, I have 8 months working experience as geologist (level 1) and 18 months working as a research assistant (level 3) in Australia in which the tasks I have done were as the same tasks as geologist position. Now, I just want to know if they can both be considered together? If not, which one can I use to apply for visa 190?
Hi Elnaz
We understand your eagerness to get the answer. This is not something that can be provided advice upon and to safeguard your interests, we recommend you shouldn’t even rely on the answers that you may receive from public forums. Inaccurate Employment Points Claim is the no. 1 reason for Skilled visa refusals. You should seek professional advice from a migration consultant you believe you can trust.
We would love to assist you here and the first step to connect with us is a FREE Evaluation Call. Book a time using the link below:
https://link.xpressautomations.com/widget/bookings/free-evaluation-call-ih-as
Hope this helps and look forward to assisting you.
Thankyou!!
Hi, I have completed my bachelor degree and then started working in my skilled occupation and it’s been over a year now. I applied for ACS assessment using this one year of work experience and got a positive outcome. Can I claim 5 points for this one year of work experience? Please note, I have not done ACS Professional Year.
Hi Sagar
Trust you are doing well.
Congratulations on getting a positive outcome!
Based on the recent change in regulations, it is possible to claim points for the employment, however, it is best to seek migration advise from a trusted professional ‘before’ you submit your EOIs. This is because incorrect points claim is the number 1 reason for GSM visa refusals.
If you would like to obtain our assistance, we offer a Free Evaluation Call to help you explain the process, timelines and cost.
Please schedule yours Free Call using the link here: https://link.xpressautomations.com/widget/booking/qAaBOjRBNq35ClGiLh2Q
If you choose to, we look forward to assisting you!
Thankyou!!
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Hi,
I have got a positive skills assessment from engineers Australia but I have not gone for employment assessments. I have 5 years of overseas employment with all the payslips and tax documents. Can I still claim points for the employment?
Hi Khan Saif,
Although with Engineers Australia some applicants choose not to get their work experience assessed, in case the Case Officer is not satisfied with the employment being at the required level of the ANZSCO level, then it can be a challenging situation.
If you are confident of your employment being in the ANZSCO occupation, I would recommend getting the employment assessed by Engineers Australia for peace of mind. If you require tailored advice for your case, please feel free to book a Free Evaluation Call with one of my colleagues by given link here –
https://link.xpressautomations.com/widget/booking/qAaBOjRBNq35ClGiLh2Q
who can assist with organizing a consultation with one of the experienced Registered Migration Agents in our team.
Thank you and all the best.
Hi
I have 3.1 years of post qualification work experience as a consultant after an MBA. Vetassess will cut 1 year of my experience (after date deemed skilled).
So how many years should I show on my EOI? 2.1 or 3.1? Because with 3 years, I get 5 points (I’m offshore). I’m getting mixed responses on this. Some say that it is okay to show 3 years (based on ANZSCO criteria) but others say based on the date deemed skilled. I know some states such as NSW have explicitly mentioned that they will only consider work experience after date deemed skilled.
You advice would be very helpful.
Thanks.
Hi Ken
Trust you are well and thank you for your query
As your query is specific, and employment points claim is complex. I would request you to please book a paid consult using the link below:
https://www.immigrationhotspot.com.au/book-a-consultation/
Looking forward meeting with you.
Thankyou!