Can overseas work experience be used for Australian visa purposes?

Employer-sponsored work visas require migrants to demonstrate a level of relevant experience in the occupation for which they are being sponsored. The amount of required experience depends on the visa and occupation. Many skilled migrants already have experience in their home country but are unsure about whether it can be used for Australian visa purposes. This experience can be used provided it is supported by sufficient evidence and meets the skill level required for the occupation. Common forms of evidence include payslips, tax records, bank statements showing salary deposits, signed reference letters from employers, and employment contracts. Many migrants face challenges in collecting adequate documentation, but if they can provide the necessary evidence, their overseas work experience can be fully utilized for the visa application.

The experience must closely match the nominated occupation's tasks and responsibilities as outlined by Australian standards, and must meet any additional requirements – for example for some visas the experience must have been attained within the past 5 years.

Furthermore, many migrants are able to utilize their experience to attain qualifications through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL involves the assessment of an individual's existing skills and knowledge gained through formal, informal, or non-formal learning, confirming if they align with Australian qualification standards. This pathway is especially valuable for those with relevant work experience but lacking official educational credentials, enabling them to qualify for skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas by turning their experience into recognised qualifications supported by proper evidence.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please get in touch with SCA Connect.