Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All information is taken from the Australian Government website. For the individual consultation on work visas and immigration, please, contact a registered migration agent.
There are a few clear and transparent immigration pathways for working professionals who want to immigrate to Australia, depending on the immigrant’s occupation and Australian labour market needs. Please, read our articles Immigration to Australia for Work and Work Visas to Australia to get familiar with different visa options and requirements. In this article, we will look at so-called point-based visas, where an immigrant should score at least 65 points to be eligible to apply for the visa. Of course, scoring is not the only requirement for these visas, but it’s very important to know what points are awarded for and how many points you can get.
Points And Criteria
Age:
- 25 points if you are 18-24 years old;
- 30 points if you are 25-32 years old;
- 25 points if you are 33-39 years old;
- 15 points if you are 40-44 years old.
English language skills:
- 10 points if you have Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 overall, not less than 7.0 for each of the 4 test components);
- 20 points for Superior English (IELTS 8.0 overall, not less than 8.0 for each of the 4 test components).
Skilled employment experience:
Outside Australia:
- 5 points for at least 3 but less than 5 years of experience;
- 10 points for at least 5 but less than 8 years of experience;
- 15 points for at least 8 years of experience.
In Australia:
- 5 points for at least 1 but less than 3 years of experience;
- 10 points for at least 3 but less than 5 years of experience;
- 15 points for at least 5 but less than 8 years of experience;
- 20 points for at least 8 years of experience.
Note that the employment must be in a relevant skilled occupation in the period of 10 years before you apply.
Education:
10 points for a diploma or trade qualification obtained in Australia or for another qualification if the relevant assessing authority recognises it as suitable for your occupation;
15 points for a bachelor’s degree obtained in Australia or another recognised bachelor’s qualification;
20 points for a doctoral degree obtained in Australia or another recognised PhD qualification.
10 points for a master’s degree by research or a doctorate in a relevant field that you studied in Australia for at least 2 academic years. The degree must be in the field of STEM natural and physical sciences, information technology or engineering and related technologies.
5 points if your qualification obtained in Australia meets the Australian study requirements:
- It lasted for at least 2 academic years, and you spent at least 16 calendar months studying in Australia;
- Your course was in English;
- Your course is registered on CRICOS.
5 points for the completion of a Professional Year in Australia (available for accounting, ICT/computing or engineering graduates);
5 points for studying in regional Australia;
5 points if you know one of 58 Australian community languages and successfully pass the NAATI test
Partner Skills:
10 points if you apply for this visa with your spouse or de facto partner and they meet age, English and skill criteria:
-
- under 45 years old;
- have competent English (IELTS 6.0 overall. not less than 6.0 for each of the 4 test components);
- Their occupation is on the same skilled occupation list as yours;
- Have a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
5 points if your partner has competent English;
10 points if you are single or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
If you are invited to apply for a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), you can get 5 points for the nomination by a state or territory government agency.
If you are invited to apply for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491), you can get 15 points for the nomination by a state or territory government agency or for the sponsorship of the eligible family member.
As you can see, scoring 65 points may not be very easy but still possible with a serious approach to qualification and English language skills. Moreover, professional education in Australia can bring up to 25 additional points if all the study requirements are met. Read our article Immigration to Australia through education to learn more.
You can see the points tables for each visa on the Australian Government website:
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491)
Or look up the points calculator to count your points.
