Under the current Schedule 6D, one year of skilled work experience in Australia is worth 5 points. One year of work experience outside Australia earns no points, because overseas employment requires at least 3 years in the past 10 years. On 17 September 2026 the Minister for Home Affairs announced a redesign of the points test, but the current table still applies.
Many skilled visa applicants see the news about recent changes and delays and worry that their work experience will no longer count. In answer to this question, Dr. Sirous Ahmadi, Registered Migration Agent (MARA 0854826), stresses that the first step is to know which category your experience falls into: work in Australia or work outside it.
Work experience in Australia and overseas is scored separately
Under the current points system, clause 6D.4 covers work experience in Australia and clause 6D.3 covers work experience outside Australia. The scale for Australian experience starts at one year, which is why one year of skilled work in Australia earns 5 points. The scale for overseas experience starts at 3 years in the past 10 years, so one year of work overseas earns no points. The Department of Home Affairs has stated explicitly that short periods of work in Australia and overseas cannot be added together to reach the threshold under either clause. In addition, the total points for work experience under both clauses is capped at 20.
Which work experience can be counted?
The work must be in your nominated occupation or one closely related to it, must have been paid, and must have been for at least 20 hours per week. For work experience in Australia there is a further requirement: during that period you must have held a substantive visa or a Bridging visa A or B, and you must have complied with the conditions of that visa.
How does the federal government’s announced redesign affect this?
On 17 September 2026, in a speech at the National Press Club, the Minister for Home Affairs formally announced a redesign of the points test. According to the ABC, the aim of the redesign is to increase the economic value of skilled permanent migration. One of its themes is recognising technical housing construction skills as equivalent to a university degree. So far, however, no new points table has been published, no start date has been announced, and no change to the points for work experience has been specified. Any date being mentioned for these changes is unconfirmed until it appears in official sources. The current Schedule 6D therefore remains the legal basis for calculating points. The points table for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) on the Department of Home Affairs website is also the official guide for checking these figures.
The bottom line, for your peace of mind
If you have one year of skilled work experience in Australia and have complied with your visa conditions, that experience is worth 5 points under the current rules. If your experience was gained outside Australia, you need at least 3 years in the past 10 years to earn points. Before making any decision, I suggest checking these figures against the official points table for subclass 189.
Every case follows its own path. If you would like to know exactly how many points your work experience earns and the best time to act, contact Dr. Sirous Ahmadi for a careful, personalised assessment of your situation.
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This answer reflects the law and policy as verified on November 5, 2026. Immigration rules change frequently — confirm the current position before acting.
Dr. Sirous Ahmadi Registered Migration Agent 0854826
This article is general information only, current at the date shown, and is not legal advice. Do not rely on it for your own situation — immigration law and policy change frequently. Seek advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer about your circumstances.