Understand the true value of internship vs work experience for PR, PR points eligibility, and skilled migration success.

Introduction

Permanent Residency (PR) is a coveted goal for many skilled migrants. Understanding the difference between internships and paid work experience is vital for maximizing PR points and meeting skilled migration requirements. This article clarifies what counts, why it matters, and how you can boost your eligibility.

Why Australia Values Skilled Workers

Australia’s points-based migration system is designed to attract skilled talent to power its growing economy. The country faces shortages in key industries and relies on qualified migrants to fill these gaps. Demonstrated, paid work experience in a skilled occupation signals not only professional competence but also readiness to contribute to Australia’s dynamic workforce.

Employers and authorities look for applicants who possess a blend of relevant qualifications, hands-on work exposure, strong English skills, and local industry know-how. Meeting these benchmarks increases your chances of successful migration and smooth integration into employment.

Internship vs Work Experience for PR: Key Differences

For skilled migration, not all experience is weighted equally. The PR points test and skills assessment bodies place greater emphasis on paid, post-qualification work experience.

What Counts as Work Experience?

  • Paid Employment: Only paid, continuous employment of at least 20 hours per week is recognized as skilled work experience for PR points and skills assessments.
  • Relevant to Occupation: The work must align closely with your nominated skilled occupation.
  • Post-Qualification: Experience gained after completing the required educational qualification counts, not training or placements undertaken as part of your degree.

Casual, part-time, and self-employment may count if they meet the above criteria and can be proven with pay slips and references.

Do Internships Count for PR Points?

  • Unpaid Internships: Generally, unpaid internships (including volunteer roles and those part of educational requirements) do not count toward skilled work experience for PR under Australia’s migration laws and most assessment bodies.
  • Paid Internships: If the internship is paid, full-time (meeting minimum weekly hour requirements), and mirrors a regular employee’s duties at the nominated skill level, it may count as valid work experience.
  • Professional Year Programs: These structured post-study programs include a paid internship component and grant extra PR points, but the internship alone outside of such a program rarely qualifies for skilled employment points.

Summary: For the purposes of PR, Australia prioritizes paid, relevant post-qualification work, whereas unpaid internships rarely qualify.

Top Benefits of Recognized Work Experience for Skilled Migration

  1. Maximizing Your PR Points
  • Skilled employment in Australia or overseas can award up to 20 PR points, often making the difference in your application’s competitiveness.
  • Work performed in Australia is valued more highly than overseas experience, with higher points allocated for local roles.
  1. Meeting Skills Assessment and Visa Requirements
  • Positive skills assessment is a prerequisite for skilled visas such as Subclass 189, 190, and 491.
  • Assessing authorities look for consistent, paid experience, which demonstrates ability to succeed in your occupation at an Australian standard.
  1. Building Bridges with Professional Year Programs
  • Completing an accredited Professional Year Program in accounting, engineering, or IT adds 5 PR points and includes valuable internship experience.
  1. Strengthening Employability and Network
  • Practical Australian work experience increases hiring potential, improves English, enhances resumes, and opens valuable industry networks.

Is This Pathway Right for You?

If you aim to lodge a strong PR application, focus on accumulating relevant, paid work experience post-qualification. While unpaid internships can offer exposure and skills, they do not increase your points and usually don’t meet official criteria for skilled migration.

For recent graduates or those struggling to find paid work, consider:

  • Seeking paid roles that align with your nominated occupation—even part-time or casual work can count if documented.
  • Enrolling in a Professional Year Program for your field if eligible, as it grants extra PR points and structured work experience.
  • Documenting all roles with official references, pay slips, and contracts to maximize recognition.

Follow the Line

For PR in Australia, the line is clear: paid, post-qualification work experience is essential for points and skills assessment. Internships, unless paid and closely resembling skilled employment, usually won’t count. Focus on accumulating and documenting valid work experience to maximize your PR prospects.