For applicants seeking permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) Direct Entry (186 DE) stream, meeting the three-year work experience requirement is a critical eligibility criterion.
Most applicants understand that full-time employment counts towards this requirement. However, a common question arises: what if the work was performed on a casual basis but involved full-time hours?
In some cases, casual full-time employment may be accepted, depending on the specific circumstances and the supporting evidence provided.
Work Experience Requirement for the Subclass 186 DE Stream
Applicants under the Subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) stream must generally demonstrate at least three years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a closely related field.
This experience is typically expected to be full-time, meaning regular working hours comparable to full-time roles in the relevant industry.
While the visa framework focuses on the amount and relevance of work performed, the employment arrangement itself can sometimes raise questions—particularly when the role was under a casual contract.
Does Casual Full-Time Work Count?
Casual employment is not automatically treated as full-time for migration purposes.
However, if a casual employee can demonstrate that they consistently worked full-time hours, the experience may still be considered valid.
Key point: what matters is whether the work performed was equivalent in substance to full-time employment, even if the employment status was technically casual.
Evidence Is Critical
Applicants relying on casual full-time work should be prepared to provide clear and detailed evidence, which may include:
- Employer reference letters confirming duties and working hours
- Payslips showing regular full-time hours
- Rosters or timesheets
- Tax records or payment summaries
These documents help demonstrate that, in practice, the employment was full-time, despite being classified as casual.
Each Case Is Assessed Individually
Whether casual full-time employment counts towards the 186 DE work experience requirement depends on individual circumstances.
Decision-makers may consider:
- Consistency of working hours
- Duration of employment
- Alignment of duties with the nominated occupation
- Strength of supporting documentation
Applicants should ensure any claims regarding work experience are well-supported by reliable evidence.
Unsure Whether Your Casual Full-Time Experience Qualifies?
While standard full-time employment clearly satisfies the work experience requirement, casual full-time work may be accepted if evidence shows it was effectively full-time.
Because these assessments are case-by-case, careful preparation of documentation is essential. Applicants unsure whether their experience qualifies are strongly encouraged to seek professional advice before lodging an application.
At Brightstone Migration, our experienced migration lawyers assist clients with Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme applications, including complex cases involving employment history. We can:
- Assess whether your work experience may qualify
- Identify potential risks or gaps
- Guide you in preparing a strong application
If you are considering applying for a Subclass 186 DE visa and are unsure whether your casual full-time experience meets the requirements, contact us for tailored legal advice. Our team can help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
This article was prepared and written by our immigration lawyer team at Brightstone Migration and reviewed by Mei Guo, Partner Solicitor and Head of Immigration, to provide professional insights and commentary. The content is for reference only and does not constitute specific legal advice.
Last updated: 16/03/2026
