If you are applying for New South Wales (NSW) nomination, your skilled employment claim plays a central role in your application. It determines how many points you can claim and whether your experience meets the required standard.
Below are answers to the most common questions to help you understand what NSW is really looking for.
What is considered “skilled employment” for NSW nomination?
NSW determines whether your work is “skilled” by looking at two key sources.
First, NSW considers the opinion of the relevant skills assessing authority. This includes the period of employment they recognise as skilled and the date they believe you became qualified to perform the role at a skilled level.
Second, NSW looks at the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). This framework outlines the expected qualifications and work experience for each occupation. It acts as a benchmark for what “skilled” means in practical terms.
What are the current rules for claiming skilled employment in NSW?
NSW has updated its approach and now follows the Department of Home Affairs definition of skilled employment. This means there are fewer state-specific restrictions on what employment can be claimed.
For applicants, this creates a more consistent framework between your Expression of Interest (EOI) and your NSW nomination application. However, you must ensure that your claims are accurate and supported by evidence before you apply.
How do I provide evidence of my skilled employment for NSW nomination?
To claim points for skilled employment, you must provide evidence when you apply for NSW nomination. The key requirement is that your documents clearly show your role, duties, and employment period.
If your employment has already been assessed by a relevant skills assessing authority, you usually do not need to provide further evidence for that same period of work. The assessment itself is generally accepted. However, if your employment has not been assessed, you will need to submit supporting documents. These may include:
- Employment contracts
- Reference letters detailing your duties, hours, and duration
- Payslips
- Letters of offer
Your documents should be consistent and detailed enough to demonstrate that your work aligns with your nominated occupation. NSW may request additional information if your evidence is unclear or incomplete, and in some cases, you may be asked to obtain a formal skills assessment.
How do I show ongoing employment after a skills assessment?
If your employment has already been assessed and you are still working in the same role, you do not need to go through another assessment. Instead, you only need to show that your employment is ongoing. This can be done by providing:
- A recent employment reference letter confirming your role, duties, employment duration, and weekly hours, and
- Recent payslips that show you are still employed
The purpose here is to confirm continuity, not to reassess your qualifications.
Can I still claim points if my skills assessment recognises fewer years of experience?
Yes, in some cases. If your skills assessing authority recognises fewer years of skilled employment than you claimed, NSW will compare that outcome with the ANZSCO criteria. If there is a difference, NSW may apply the more beneficial outcome when determining when you started working at a skilled level.
This means you could still claim more points if ANZSCO supports your position. However, your supporting documents must clearly demonstrate your job duties and experience.
Does NSW tell me what employment I can claim in my application?
No. NSW does not provide individual advice on what employment you are eligible to claim. This is an important point for applicants. You are responsible for ensuring that your claims are accurate, justified, and supported by evidence. Incorrect claims can affect your application outcome.
If you are unsure, it is best to seek professional advice from our team before submitting your EOI or nomination application.
Strengthen Your NSW Nomination with Expert Guidance
Preparing a strong NSW nomination application requires clarity, consistency, and confidence. Every document you submit should clearly demonstrate your role, responsibilities, and alignment with your nominated occupation. Even minor discrepancies can cause delays or reduce your points, so careful preparation is essential.
At SALIA Lawyers & Associates, we help skilled applicants present their employment evidence accurately, assess eligibility, and ensure every part of the application meets NSW standards. Don’t leave your nomination to chance. Get expert support to maximise your chances of success.
Contact us today to review your skilled employment claims and take the next step toward a successful NSW nomination.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
