Australia PR Points for Work Experience

Work experience can earn you up to 20 points on your PR points test. This makes it one of the most valuable factors after age and English. Understanding how experience points work helps you maximise your score.

Calculate your total score including work experience with our PR Points Calculator.

Work Experience Points Table

Points are awarded based on years of skilled work experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related field:

The maximum is 20 points. However, there is an important cap: you cannot earn more than 20 points total, even if you have extensive Australian AND overseas experience.

Experience Requirements

What Counts as Skilled Experience?

Your work experience must meet these criteria:

• It must be in your nominated occupation or closely related
• You must have worked at least 20 hours per week
• It must be paid work (volunteer does not count)
• You must meet skill level requirements for the occupation

Australian vs Overseas Experience

Both Australian and overseas experience earn the same points. There is no bonus for Australian experience in terms of the points test. However, Australian experience may improve your state nomination chances.

The 20-Point Cap

This is crucial: the maximum is 20 points total, combining both Australian and overseas experience. You cannot stack 10 points for overseas plus 10 for Australian to get 20. The cap is firm.

How Work Experience Points Affect Your Score

Work experience can add significant points to your application:

5 Points: Entry Level

Even 1–2 years of experience adds 5 points. This can be the difference between 60 and 65 — the minimum requirement.

10 Points: Solid Contribution

3–4 years gives you 10 points. Combined with other factors, this builds a respectable score.

15 Points: Strong Profile

5–7 years is 15 points. At this level, your experience becomes a real advantage in the invitation rounds.

20 Points: Maximum Value

8+ years gives the full 20 points. This is the ceiling, regardless of how much additional experience you have.

Proving Your Work Experience

Required Documents

You must provide evidence of your work experience. Commonly accepted documents include:

• Employment letters from employers
• Pay slips or bank statements showing salary deposits
• Tax records (PAYE, Superannuation)
• Reference letters with job duties and dates
• CV/Resume outlining your employment history

What Reference Letters Should Include

Your reference letters should include:

• Your job title and position
• Start and end dates of employment
• Key responsibilities and duties
• Hours worked per week
• Salary (if possible)
• Employer contact details

Timing of Experience

Work experience can be from before or after your skills assessment. However, it must be recent enough to be considered relevant. Generally, experience from the past 10 years carries more weight.

Maximising Your Experience Points

Get Experience Before You Apply

If you are short on experience, consider gaining more before applying. Even 1–2 additional years can add 5 points.

Ensure It Is Documented

Start gathering employment evidence early. Reference letters are easiest to get while you are still employed or when relationships are fresh.

Count All Relevant Experience

Part-time work, contract work, and even some self-employment can count if it meets the requirements. A migration agent can help determine what counts.

Do Not Overlook Related Occupations

Experience in closely related occupations may count. For example, a software developer might count experience as a systems analyst. Check with your skills assessing authority.

Australian Work Experience: Worth It?

While Australian experience does not give extra points, it offers other advantages:

• Strengthens your state nomination application
• Demonstrates ability to work in Australian conditions
• Builds professional networks in Australia
• Improves your English in workplace context

If you have the opportunity to work in Australia before applying (on a temporary visa), it can strengthen your overall profile even if it only adds a few points.

Common Experience Mistakes

Claiming Unrelated Experience

Only experience in your nominated occupation or closely related work counts. Make sure your experience aligns with your skills assessment.

Insufficient Hours

Part-time work below 20 hours per week generally does not count. Ensure you meet the minimum hour requirement.

Poor Documentation

Vague reference letters or missing documents cause delays and rejections. Get proper evidence before submitting your application.

Ignoring the Cap

Remember you cannot exceed 20 points total. If you already have 15 from overseas, getting more Australian experience will not add more points.

Check Your Experience Score

Work experience points add up quickly. Calculate your total to see where you stand.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information about work experience points for Australian skilled migration. Requirements may change. Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs.