When applying for a General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa—such as subclass 189, 190, or 491—work experience can significantly increase your points. However, claiming these points isn’t as simple as listing previous jobs. Here’s what you need to know to get it right.

What Qualifies as Skilled Work Experience?

To claim points, your experience must meet four key criteria:

1. Closely related to your nominated occupation: Your work must fall within the same ANZSCO Major Group. For example, Accountant (General) and Taxation Accountant are closely related as they are in the same Major group (2211). However, an Accounts Clerk is in a different major group and won’t count.
2. Post-qualification and skilled: Only experience gained after you became suitably qualified for your nominated occupation counts.
3. Minimum 20 hours per week: Part-time roles must be at least 20 hours per week and must be remunerated (paid).
4. Based on job responsibilities, not title: Your job title doesn’t need to be an exact match. What matters most is whether your actual duties align with the ANZSCO occupation description.

Work Experience Points Breakdown

Australian Work Experience

 

Duration	Points
1 year	5
3 to <5 years	10
5 to <8 years	15
8+ years	20

Overseas Work Experience

 

Duration	Points
1 year	0
3 to <5 years	5
5 to <8 years	10
8+ years	15

Maximum combined claim: 20 points

Do You Need Your Employment Assessed?

Although it’s highly recommended to have your employment assessed by the relevant skills authority (e.g., ACS, VETASSESS), it’s not mandatory when claiming work experience points. Still, the Department of Home Affairs must be satisfied that your employment is:

• Skilled
• Closely related to your nominated occupation
• Meets the visa criteria

Supporting Documentation

To successfully claim work experience points, provide consistent, verifiable documents such as:

• Employer reference letters (detailed and on official letterhead)
• Payslips and tax records
• Employment contracts
• Position descriptions
• Superannuation records (for onshore work)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Claiming work before completing your qualification
• Using job titles that don’t match responsibilities
• Providing insufficient or inconsistent documentation
• Relying solely on resumes or self-written letters/declarations

Final Thoughts

Getting your work experience claim right can make or break your GSM visa application. While some aspects may seem flexible, the Home Affairs department applies these rules strictly. It’s not just about years worked—it’s about proving the right kind of work with the right kind of evidence.