When navigating the complexities of labour agreements and visa processes, one common concern is whether work experience prior to signing the labour agreement is counted towards eligibility. From my personal experience and conversations with fellow workers, the answer is not always straightforward—it depends largely on the terms specified in the labour agreement itself. Many visa streams under the Department of Immigration and employers who handle labour agreements set different rules on how previous working years are counted. Some agreements explicitly include experience gained before the signing date, especially if the work was continuous and with the same employer. However, other agreements only recognize experience accumulated after the labour agreement is in effect. From what I have learned, the safest approach is to carefully review the clauses in your labour agreement related to experience and verify this information with your employer or migration agent. This ensures that you have clarity before proceeding with PR pathway applications like the 186 Visa. Another takeaway is that labour agreements can vary significantly—they are not standardized across all employers or sectors. This means two workers with similar backgrounds might have different experiences regarding how their working years count depending on their specific agreements. Sharing reliable and verified information within communities is essential because misinformation can lead to missed opportunities or application complications. Always look out for updates from the immigration department and consult trusted professionals when in doubt. For Kabayan and others pursuing permanent residency through labour agreements, understanding these nuances is crucial to making informed decisions and optimizing your pathway. Experience counting can be a key factor, so never hesitate to ask questions and double-check your contract details.