482 Visa Work Experience Requirement: How to Prove the 1-Year Rule
The current Skills in Demand visa generally requires at least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field. The legal question is not simply whether you have worked for 12 months—it is whether the experience is relevant, credible and properly evidenced.
What does the 1-year work experience rule mean?
Home Affairs states that Skills in Demand applicants must have at least 12 months of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field. The experience must be assessed against the actual occupation and the applicant’s duties, not just the job title printed on a reference letter.
Can overseas work experience count?
Yes, overseas employment can be relevant. The issue is evidence. Payslips, tax records, bank credits, contracts, social security records, employer references and organisational documents can strengthen the claim. A single reference letter with no supporting evidence may attract scrutiny.
Does part-time work count?
Part-time or non-standard work patterns can require careful calculation. The total duration, hours and nature of the work need to be mapped against the requirement. Do not simply convert calendar months into a conclusion without checking the actual employment pattern.
Can related-field experience count?
The law allows experience in the nominated occupation or a related field, but “related” should not be treated as unlimited. The closer the duties, skill level and industry context are to the nominated occupation, the easier it is to explain relevance.
Evidence problems we frequently see
Red flags include references copied from ANZSCO, duties that do not match payroll level, cash employment with no secondary evidence, unexplained gaps, dates that conflict with visa applications, and experience gained while the applicant did not have lawful work rights.
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Tell us whether you are the employer or worker, the proposed occupation, salary, current visa status and any deadline.
The Emigrate Lawyers difference
We assess the sponsorship, nomination and visa as one connected legal pathway.
We test the role, salary, business evidence and applicant history for consistency before lodgement.
We act in nomination refusals, visa refusals, sponsor changes, compliance and 482-to-186 pathways.
Employers and workers across Australia can instruct us by video with electronic case management.
Useful 482 resources
Madhab Kharel — Principal Lawyer
Madhab Kharel is the Principal Lawyer and Director of Emigrate Lawyers. His migration practice includes employer-sponsored visas, Subclass 482 and 186 matters, nomination refusals, ART review, complex visa histories and employer compliance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need exactly 12 months with one employer?
Not necessarily. Relevant experience can come from more than one period of employment, but the overall evidence must establish the required period and relevance.
Can unpaid work count?
This is fact-sensitive and should not be assumed. The nature of the work, occupation and evidence need to be reviewed.
What if my old employer has closed?
Alternative evidence may be used, such as tax, bank, payroll, company records and contemporaneous documents. The evidentiary strategy becomes more important.
Can Australian Student visa work count?
Potentially, but the work rights, hours, duties and relevance need to be checked carefully.
Speak with a 482 visa lawyer
Contact Emigrate Lawyers for advice on sponsorship, nomination, Skills in Demand visa eligibility or a complex 482 matter.
Legal review: Madhab Kharel, Principal Lawyer. Reviewed 26 September 2026. General information only and not legal advice.
