Points Test for Skilled visas
Certain types of Skilled visas require the applicant to pass a Points Test in order to be eligible to apply. The Points Test involves awarding applicants a certain number of points based on various factors such as their English language ability, level of education, years of work experience etc.
The current pass mark for the Points Test for Skilled visas is currently set at sixty (65) points, though it should be noted that whilst this is the minimum pass mark, in certain circumstances 65 points may not be enough for the applicant to obtain an invitation to apply for their intended visa.
How Points are awarded
Points are awarded on the basis of the factors listed in the following table. All factors are assessed as at the time you are invited to apply for the relevant visa.
| Factor | Description | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 18 – 24 years | 25 | |
| 25–32 years | 30 | ||
| 33–39 years | 25 | ||
| 40–44 years | 15 | ||
| 45–49 years | 0 | ||
| English language ability | If Spouse scores 6-6-6-6 | 5 | |
| Proficient English 7-7-7-7 | 10 | ||
| Superior English 8-8-8-8 | 20 | ||
|
Skilled employment (skilled employment in your nominated skilled occupation or a closely related skilled occupation) |
In skilled employment for at least one but less than three years (of the past 10 years) | 5 | |
| In skilled employment for at least three but less than five years (of the past 10 years) | 10 | ||
| In skilled employment for at least five but less than eight years (of the past 10 years) | 15 | ||
| In skilled employment for at least eight and up to 10 years (of the past 10 years) | 20 | ||
|
Skilled employment (outside Australia) (skilled employment in your nominated skilled occupation or a closely related skilled occupation) |
In skilled employment for at least three but less than five years (of the past 10 years) | 5 | |
| In skilled employment for at least five but less than eight years (of the past 10 years) | 10 | ||
| In skilled employment for at least eight and up to 10 years (of the past 10 years) | 15 | ||
| Qualifications | Doctorate from an Australian educational institution or other doctorate of a recognised standard | 20 | |
| At least a bachelor degree from an Australian educational institution or other degree of a recognised standard | 15 | ||
| Diploma or trade qualification completed in Australia | 10 | ||
| An award or qualification recognised by the assessing authority in the assessment of the skilled occupation | 10 | ||
| Australian study requirement | One or more degrees, diplomas or trade qualifications awarded by an Australian educational institution and meet the Australian study requirement | 5 | |
| Other factors | Credentialled community language qualifications | 5 | |
| Study in regional Australia or a low population growth metropolitan area (excluding distance education) | 5 | ||
| Partner skill qualifications | 5 | ||
| Professional year in Australia for at least 12 months in the four years before the day you were invited to apply | 5 | ||
| Nomination/sponsorship (where required) |
Nomination by state or territory government (visa subclass 190 only) | 5 | |
| Nomination by state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member to reside and work in a specified/designated area (visa subclass 489 only) | 10 | ||
| Nomination by state or territory government (visa subclass 491 only) | 15 |
Regional areas are still listed as excluding Perth, Goldcoast and other areas. NEW regional area is ALL AREAS excluding Sydney metro, Melbourne metro and Brisbane metro.
For more information or to see if you qualify, please make an enquiry with one of our qualified and experienced Migration Consultants.
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