When Is a Job Considered Skilled for Points-Based Migration?
HOme > When Is a Job Considered Skilled for Points-Based Migration?
In Australia’s skilled migration program, determining whether a job is considered “skilled” is crucial when awarding points for employment experience. Here’s a breakdown of how skilled employment is evaluated by the Department of Home Affairs and what you need to know when claiming points for your work experience.
What Makes a Job "Skilled"?
- Recognised by a relevant skills assessment authority, including their view on when you have reached the required skill level.
- Matches the duties and requirements outlined in the ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) for your nominated occupation.
- Supported by genuine and verifiable documents, such as job contracts, pay slips, and employer reference letters.
If the skills assessment authority does not specify when you became skilled, the Department may rely on ANZSCO criteria to determine the date your employment started being considered skilled.
Claiming Points for Skilled Employment
- Your employment must have been in your nominated skilled occupation (or a closely related one).
- You must have worked at least 20 hours per week, and the employment must have been paid.
- Work must have occurred within the last 10 years before the invitation to apply.
- You can combine non-continuous employment periods, as long as they meet the criteria and fall within the 10-year timeframe.
- Only paid leave periods are counted as employment time; unpaid leave is excluded.
Australian vs Overseas Work Experience
You may claim points for both Australian and overseas skilled employment. However, you cannot combine partial durations across Australia and overseas to meet a single points category.
Example 1:
If you worked 5 years overseas and 3 years in Australia as a registered nurse, you can claim points for both experiences separately.
Example 2:
If you worked 2 years as an Accountant, took a break for study, then worked another 3 years, your total skilled employment is 5 years, as long as it’s within the last 10 years.
What is Considered "Employment"?
- Employment means paid work (remuneration) for at least 20 hours per week.
- Internships, voluntary work, or unpaid experiences (even with living allowances or stipends) do not qualify as skilled employment.
- For shift workers or FIFO roles, hours can be averaged if your contract specifies a flexible schedule.
Special Notes for ICT Professionals (ACS Assessment)
If you’re an ICT professional applying under Subclass 190 or 491:
- NSW will only consider skilled employment that occurred after the Australian Computer Society (ACS) deemed you to have reached the required skill level.
- You must have an ACS assessment showing the skilled employment date to support your EOI points claim.
- You do not need a new ACS assessment to claim further skilled work after your skills were recognised—just provide valid documentation (e.g. contracts, pay slips, reference letters).
Need Help Claiming Points Accurately?
At LIVV Immigration, we help applicants avoid common pitfalls that could lead to loss of points or visa refusal. Whether you’re unsure about your skilled employment history or need help verifying your ACS assessment, our experienced team is here to guide you.
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