Introduction
Australia operates under a points-based system that aims to select applicants who can contribute to the country's economy and society. The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, includes visas such as:
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) subclass 491 visa
Each visa applicant must attain a minimum score of 65 points, and a higher point total increases the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for the visa.
At the time you are invited to apply for the visa, you must show that you achieved the score specified in your Expression of Interest.
Points are awarded on the basis of the factors listed below.
Age
plays a significant role in the points calculation. The younger you are, the more points you can receive. The range is typically between 18 and 44 years, with the maximum points awarded to those aged 25-32.
| AGE | POINTS |
|---|---|
| at least 18 but less than 25 years | 25 |
| at least 25 but less than 33 years | 30 |
| at least 33 but less than 40 years | 25 |
| at least 40 but less than 45 years | 15 |
English Language Proficiency
English proficiency is measured through standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. The higher your scores, the more points you'll earn.
| ENGLISH | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
Skilled Employment Experience
Your work experience in a relevant occupation can contribute to your points tally. More years of experience translate to more points.
Overseas skilled employment (outside Australia)
| NUMBER OF YEARS | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| At least 3 but less than 5 years | 5 |
| At least 5 but less than 8 years | 10 |
| At least 8 years | 15 |
Australian skilled employment (in Australia)
| NUMBER OF YEARS | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 5 |
| At least 1 but less than 3 years | 10 |
| At least 3 but less than 5 years | 15 |
| At least 5 but less than 8 years | 20 |
| At least 8 years | 25 |
To claim points for your employment history, it's essential that your work experience aligns with your nominated skilled occupation or a closely related skilled occupation. You should have been employed in these roles for specific durations within the 10 years leading up to your invitation to apply for the visa.
For any employment within Australia to be eligible for points, you must have held a substantive visa, a Bridging A, or Bridging B visa, and adhered to the visa conditions.
Being employed‚ means you were engaged in an occupation for compensation, dedicating at least 20 hours per week to this work.
Closely related occupations can be considered when they fall under the following criteria:
- They belong to the same ANZSCO Unit Group.
- They are part of a logical career progression.
- They have been recognized as closely related by the assessing authority during your skills assessment.
It's important to note that there is a maximum limit of 20 points for employment experience under the points test. This means that even if you accumulate more than 20 points based on your employment history, only 20 points will be awarded.
Educational Qualifications
Your educational qualifications, including degrees and certifications, determine the points you earn. A higher level of education usually results in more points.
| REQUIREMENT | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Attained a qualification or award recognised by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation as being suitable for that occupation | 10 |
| A diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution. | 10 |
| At least a Bachelor's degree from an Australian educational institution or at least a Bachelor's qualification, from another educational institution, that is of a recognised standard. | 15 |
| A Doctorate from an Australian educational institution or a Doctorate from another educational institution, that is of a recognised standard. | 20 |
Recognition of your qualifications
The organization responsible for evaluating your skills may determine whether your qualifications are equivalent to the appropriate Australian qualifications. These assessing authorities are specified for each occupation on the list of eligible skilled occupations. It's crucial to have received this recognition at the time you receive an invitation to apply for a visa.
Doctoral requirements (PhD)
Regarding doctoral qualifications (Ph.D.), you can only earn points for holding a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree at the doctoral level. Points cannot be claimed for other qualifications that grant you the title of Doctor (e.g., general practitioner, dentist, vet).
Australian Study Requirement
If you have completed eligible studies in Australia, you could earn additional points.
| REQUIREMENT | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Meet the Australian study requirement | 5 |
Regional Study
Studying in regional Australia can lead to extra points.
| REQUIREMENT | POINTS |
| You must have at least 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution that satisfies the Australian study requirement obtained while living and studying in an eligible area of regional Australia | 5 |
In order to qualify for points, your educational qualification must fulfil the following conditions:
- Comply with the Australian study requirement.
- Have been acquired while you were residing in a designated regional area and attending a physical campus.
- Exclude any study completed through distance education or online learning.
Partner Skills
If your partner meets specific requirements related to age, English language proficiency, and skills assessment, you can earn additional points.
| REQUIREMENT | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Your spouse or de facto partner must also apply for the same visa subclass and meet specific age, English language proficiency, and skill criteria. To qualify for these points, your partner must: Apply for the same visa subclass as you.Not hold Australian permanent residency or citizenship.Provide evidence that when you received the invitation to apply for this visa, your partner:Was under the age of 45.Demonstrated proficiency in the English language.Nominated a skilled occupation that is listed on the same skilled occupation list as your chosen occupation.Obtained a favourable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their nominated skilled occupation, with the assessment not being intended for a Subclass 485 visa. | 10 |
| To be eligible for these points, your spouse or de facto partner must apply for the same visa subclass and possess a competent level of English proficiency. For you to earn these points, your partner must: Apply for the same visa subclass as you.Not hold Australian permanent residency or citizenship. | 5 |
| You are single or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident | 10 |
Nomination by State or Territory
If a state or territory government nominates you, you can receive points through state or territory sponsorship.
| REQUIREMENT | POINTS |
|---|---|
| You were invited to apply for a Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visa and the nominating State or Territory government agency has not withdrawn the nomination | 5 |
To receive an invitation to apply for this visa, you need to have a valid nomination. As long as your nomination remains valid, you could potentially qualify for these points.
| REQUIREMENT | POINTS |
|---|---|
| You have the opportunity to apply for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) in either of the following scenarios: You received an invitation to apply because you were nominated, and the State or Territory government agency that nominated you has not withdrawn their nomination. OR You are receiving sponsorship for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) from a family member, and the Minister has approved this sponsorship. | 15 |
To receive an invitation to apply for this visa, you must have either been nominated or indicated that you will be sponsored by an eligible family member.
For those who have been nominated, as long as your nomination remains valid, you could potentially qualify for these points.
For sponsored applicants, if your sponsorship has been officially approved, you may be eligible to receive these points.
Calculating Your Points
To calculate your points accurately, follow these steps:
Assess Your Eligibility
Check if your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List and if you meet the minimum requirements for age, English language proficiency, skills assessment, and other relevant factors.
Calculate Points for Each Factor
Use the official Skillselect online system provided by the Australian government to calculate your points based on your age, English proficiency, work experience, education, and other elements.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create an EOI through SkillSelect, where you enter your points score and information about your background. Australian states and territories, as well as potential employers, can view your EOI and decide whether to nominate or invite you.
Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If you receive an ITA, you can then apply for the desired visa within the specified time frame.
Conclusion
Calculating visa points for Australia requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the points-based system. Each point counts and can make a significant difference in your eligibility for a visa.
As you embark on this exciting journey to secure an Australian visa, make sure to stay updated with the latest immigration rules and guidelines.
Engaging with professional migration consultants can provide invaluable insights and guidance, increasing your chances of a successful visa application and allowing you to step confidently towards your Australian adventure.
