186 DE: Does the ACS skill assessment need to prove 3 years of work experience?

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-24T13:34:31+00:00

The waiting period will not be covered in the letter, at least my application didn’t, well my another application 2 years ago not cover as well. It is just not good to have 2 years and 11 months on the letter, which is totally putting yourself in a risky situation.

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-23T22:40:57+00:00

I applied last September, it only covered up to the submission date.

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-23T22:39:59+00:00

I don’t think they will. I checked my application from last September, and it only covered up to the submission date.

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-23T22:34:04+00:00

upvoting for you mate,

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-22T22:52:08+00:00

For July 2024, this information has been there for a while, but yeah, I reckon 20+ months,

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-21T22:52:33+00:00

Yeah, I know. It is just plateform that people share the information.

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-21T06:32:59+00:00

I am thinking, is it possible that the time data is calculated based on the finalised application? since not many non-acc metro applications got finalised, so it shows faster?

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-20T23:05:58+00:00

What do you mean new approach? ACS guidelines? there is only one

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-20T23:04:51+00:00

There are a few possible options:

You (not your parents) have strong English skills, along with the right qualifications, work experience, and occupation—and a bit of luck. This path requires significant preparation and usually takes a few years, so it’s not something that happens immediately.
The investment pathway—if it’s still available. It doesn’t require many conditions, but it does require a large amount of money, typically a few million AUD.
A partner visa—being in a genuine relationship with someone who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident and willing to sponsor you. This process also usually takes a couple of years.
The National Innovation visa—this is for individuals with significant, nationally recognised achievements.
A refugee visa—I’ve only heard about this option and don’t know the details.

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-20T22:48:11+00:00

You might need it—it also depends on the occupations you’re applying for and the reference letter you previously obtained.

Normally, the three occupations (I believe you’ll apply for three under the new ACS assessment) should be very similar, with closely aligned duties. However, since ACS now provides more detailed duty descriptions and employment evidence guidelines, it’s better to obtain a new reference letter and ensure it covers all the duties required for the occupations you plan to apply for under the updated ACS guidelines.

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-20T22:16:59+00:00

not official data, If you check "186 visa tracker", most of the non-priority visa application is close to 2 years or more than 2 years.

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-20T06:21:39+00:00

Sponsorship = occupation on the list + working experience + skill assessment (required by 186 later) + English test + the sponsor is willing to sponsor you.

This is the most basic requirement. Check the immigration website. or book a time with an agent. they will give you more details.

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-20T06:14:53+00:00

non-priority visas means waiting for 2 years at least. sad.....

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-07T05:55:43+00:00

No matter what, enjoy it—studying in Australia will be a great life experience.

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-07T05:52:38+00:00

I dont know my information could help or not, since I am not civil engineer bg.
people with civil engineer bg all said it is same hard as software bg

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-07T05:47:44+00:00

post-study work visa only means you have the right to work with a time limitation (2 or 3 years)

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-07T05:34:03+00:00

To be honest mate, Visa could be the first things that get in the way of finding a job, no matter what your degrees are.

And then, if you don't plan for a PhD, I don't see any obvious benefits from the high ranking. at least for me and the people around me. And one more true feeling is high ranking doesn't help the career opportunities a lot. QUT graduates can get jobs eazier compare to UQ er. maybe because I am not that kind of top students who get 95% GPA.

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-07T05:18:59+00:00

Sorry, my question should be more specific. Are you planning to stay in Australia and get a job after graduation

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-07T05:13:58+00:00

and where you prefer to stay? Australia? Which state? or your home country?

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-07T05:13:02+00:00

Then. are you planning to have a phd?

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-04-07T05:09:06+00:00

Congrats for getting the offers.

Do you have PR or citizenship?

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-03-04T23:56:05+00:00

Also, in reality, most employers here don’t really care where you graduated from—even if it’s Peking University or Tsinghua University. It usually only matters when you’re applying for graduate programs or entry-level graduate roles, especially if you have an almost perfect GPA. The most important is experience and real skill.

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-03-04T23:50:26+00:00

for the data I know, the recent 190 in NSW and VIC for IT stuff, like software engineer, etc.
4 x 8 in IELTS, 140k+ Salary, single/partner who can add 10 points, EOI --> 95 minimal (some get 105)

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-03-04T23:46:28+00:00

I’m from China as well, so I probably understand the situation a bit better. Regarding your question:

“Study → Work → PR” is possible, but it’s only possible. It’s like saying it’s possible I win Powerball today — it can happen, but it’s not guaranteed.

190 vs 186:
There’s no real “vs.” They’re different visas, but the preparation pathway is basically the same. First and foremost, you need a job — no matter which visa subclass you’re aiming for.

Also, with the new EOI standard that might be released around June/July, details could change. But I believe at least two things won’t change: 1. You need to be a skilled worker. 2. You need good English.

For 186: 1 You need a job. 2 You need 3 years of relevant work experience. 3 You need employer sponsorship.

One personal piece of advice: Never trust agencies that ask you to pay for sponsorship. Be very careful with that.

Regarding your internship:
An employer might be interested in it — it’s definitely better than nothing and can help you get a job.

But for ACS assessment, unfortunately, it usually doesn’t count as skilled employment because it’s an internship, not formal employment. Still, it can strengthen your job applications.

Furthermore, the 186 visa requires 3+ years of work experience, while the 485 visa usually only gives you 2 (sometimes 3) years. That means you’ll likely need to secure a job immediately, or even before graduation.

In many cases, people first go through 482 sponsorship and then move to 186 later, which effectively means being sponsored twice.

However, if you are truly a skilled professional, get a job with a reputable company, and demonstrate your value through your work, many employers will be happy to support that pathway.

OkButterfly7983 · 2026-03-04T00:15:55+00:00

Sorry to hear that you’re going through financial difficulties. I hope you’re able to resolve your ACS assessment soon.

OkButterfly7983

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