A Complete Guide to Australia’s Skilled Visa Points System
The journey towards securing permanent residency in Australia is governed by a complex web of regulations and criteria. Central to this process is the points-based immigration system, a mechanism designed to select candidates based on their skills, qualifications, and attributes deemed beneficial to the country. Understanding this system is crucial for prospective migrants aiming to secure visas under various subclasses, including the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491). This guide aims to shed light on the intricacies of the point system, offering clarity on its application and significance in the Australian immigration landscape.
Different Skilled Visas in Australia with Points System
In Australia, skilled migration is a cornerstone of the immigration policy, aimed at addressing labor shortages and fostering economic growth. The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) caters to individuals with in-demand skills who are not sponsored by an employer or family member. Conversely, the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) requires nomination by a state or territory government, while the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) necessitates either nomination or sponsorship by a state/territory government or eligible relative. Understanding the nuances of each subclass is essential for applicants seeking to navigate the visa process effectively.
Visa Subclass
Description
Subclass 189
For individuals with in-demand skills not sponsored by an employer or family member.
Subclass 190
Requires nomination by a state or territory government.
Subclass 491
Necessitates nomination or sponsorship by a state/territory government or eligible relative.
Criteria for Points Calculation
At the heart of the points-based system lies a set of criteria used to assess the eligibility of visa applicants. These criteria encompass various aspects, including age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience, educational qualifications, specialist educational qualifications, Australian study requirements, professional year in Australia, credentialed community language, study in regional Australia, partner skills, and nomination or sponsorship. Each criterion carries a specific weightage, contributing to the overall points tally of the applicant.
Criteria
Description
Maximum Points
Age
Points are allocated based on the applicant’s age category.
Up to 30
English Language Proficiency
Points are awarded based on proficiency in English language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
Up to 20
Skilled Employment Experience
Points granted for relevant work experience, both in Australia and overseas.
Up to 20
Educational Qualifications
Points are awarded based on the level of education attained by the applicant.
Up to 20
Specialist Educational Qualifications
Additional points for specialized education relevant to the nominated occupation.
Up to 10
Australian Study Requirement
Points granted for completing studies in Australia.
Up to 5
Professional Year in Australia
Points awarded for completing a professional year program in Australia.
Up to 5
Credentialed Community Language
Points awarded for proficiency in a community language accredited by NAATI.
Up to 5
Study in Regional Australia
Additional points for obtaining qualifications from institutions in regional Australia.
Up to 5
Partner Skills
Points are awarded based on the skills and qualifications of the applicant’s partner.
Up to 10
Nomination or Sponsorship
Points are awarded for nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible relative.
Up to 15
Detailed Point Calculation for Each Subclass: Breaking Down the Numbers
To comprehend the point system fully, it is essential to understand the specifics of point calculation for each subclass. Subclasses 189, 190, and 491 have almost similar criteria, requiring a minimum of 65 points based on age, English proficiency, employment experience, education, and other factors.
A Doctorate from an Australian educational institution or a Doctorate from another educational institution, that is of a recognised standard.
20
At least a Bachelor degree from an Australian educational institution or at least a Bachelor qualification, from another educational institution, that is of a recognised standard.
15
A diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution.
10
Attained a qualification or award recognised by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation as being suitable for that occupation
10
Specialist education qualification:
Requirement
Subclass 189, 190, and 491 Points
A Masters degree by research or a Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution that included at least 2 academic years study in a relevant field.
10
Australian study requirement :
Requirement
Subclass 189, 190, and 491 Points
Meet the Australian study requirement
5
Professional Year in Australia:
Requirement
Subclass 189, 190, and 491 Points
Completion of a Professional Year in Australia
5
Credentialled community language:
Requirement
Subclass 189, 190, and 491 Points
Hold a recognised qualification in a credentialled community language
5
Study in regional Australia:
Requirement
Subclass 189, 190, and 491 Points
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
Partner Skills:
Requirement
Subclass 189, 190, and 491 Points
Partner is an applicant for this visa, under 45, competent English, skilled occupation on the same list, and has a suitable skills assessment (not for Subclass 485 visa).
10
Partner is an applicant for this visa and has competent English.
5
You are single or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
10
Nomination or Sponsorship:
Nomination/Sponsorship
Subclass 189 Points
Subclass 491 Points
Subclass 190 Points
State or Territory Government Nomination
–
5
15
Sponsorship by an eligible relative
–
–
15
Strategies to Boost Your Points: Maximizing Opportunities
Maximizing points is crucial for enhancing your chances in the visa application process. Here are some strategies to help boost your points:
Improve English Language Proficiency
Take standardized tests like IELTS or PTE.
Aim for higher scores to earn more points.
Consider enrolling in English language courses to enhance skills.
Accumulate Relevant Work Experience
Gain work experience in your nominated occupation.
Seek employment in Australia to increase points.
Keep detailed records of your employment history and achievements.
Obtain Higher Educational Qualifications
Pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree.
Ensure your qualifications are recognized by the Australian government.
Consider studying in fields with higher demand in Australia.
Pursue Specialist Education Programs
Earn 10 points on the skilled migration test
Enroll in a Master’s by Research or a Doctorate program.
Focus on programs related to your nominated occupation.
Complete at least two academic years of study.
Complete Professional Years in Australia
Participate in a professional year program related to your occupation.
Ensure the program is recognized by the Australian government.
Gain practical experience and enhance your skills.
Acquire Community Language Credentials
Take the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) test.
Achieve a paraprofessional level or above in the NAATI test.
Select a language spoken by international communities in Australia.
Study in Regional Australia
Complete at least one Diploma, Degree, or Trade Qualification in regional Australia.
Ensure the course is CRICOS-registered.
Live and study in regional areas to gain additional points.
Leverage Partner Skills
Your partner should have a positive skill assessment.
Ensure your partner has competent English language skills.
Points can be awarded if your partner is an Australian citizen or PR holder.
State/Territory Nominations
Seek nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
Ensure your occupation is in demand in the state or territory.
Leverage nominations to gain additional points and improve your profile.
By strategically enhancing your profile in these areas, you can increase your chances of meeting the requisite points threshold for the desired visa subclass.
To increase your chances of meeting the points threshold for the desired visa subclass, start the process early since age is a crucial factor. Once you’ve completed your qualifications and gained a few years of experience, begin the application process. Check the required occupations early on and plan your pathway accordingly.
The point system of skilled visas serves as a cornerstone of Australia’s immigration framework, offering a structured pathway for individuals seeking to migrate permanently to the country. By comprehensively understanding the criteria for point calculation, exploring visa options, strategizing to maximize points, and addressing common concerns, applicants can navigate the immigration landscape with confidence and clarity. As they embark on this transformative journey, equipped with knowledge and insights, they pave the way for a brighter future in the land Down Under. Connect with an Expericed MARA Agrant to asses your profile
