Points Required for General Skilled Migration

 

Points are required for General Skilled Migration (GSM) in Australia in order to assess an applicant’s potential to contribute to the Australian economy and society. The points based system is used to determine an applicant’s eligibility for skilled visas, such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

 

The points system assigns points to various factors, such as age, English language proficiency, skilled work experience, educational qualifications and other factors that are considered relevant to an applicant’s ability to contribute to the Australian economy and society. Applicants must meet the minimum points score required for their occupation to be eligible for a skilled visa. The absolute minimum points score required to lodge an Expression of Interest is 65 points although the actual points score required is often much higher.

 

The points-based system helps to ensure that skilled migrants who are likely to make a positive contribution to Australia’s economy and society are selected for permanent residency. It also provides a transparent and objective way of assessing and selecting skilled migrants based on their individual merits and qualifications.

Australia Points Calculator: Calculate Your Score

 

In order to make an Expression of Interest for any visa in the General Skilled Migration category, including the 189, 190 and 491 subclass an applicant requires a minimum of 65 points on the following calculator.

 

To calculate your points, you need to consider the following factors:

 

Age

 

  • 18-24 years: 25 points
  • 25-32 years: 30 points
  • 33-39 years: 25 points
  • 40-44 years: 15 points
  • 45-49 years: 0 points

 

English language proficiency

 

  • Superior English: 20 points
  • Proficient English: 10 points
  • Competent English: 0 points

 

The maximum score of 20 points is awarded to applicants who achieve a superior level of English on an approved English language test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scoring 8 or more in each band. Proficient English, which requires a score of at least 7 in each band is worth 10 points. Competent English requires a score of at least 6 in each band and is worth 0 points.

 

Education level

 

  • Doctorate: 20 points
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: 15 points
  • Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points

 

Skilled employment experience

 

  • At least 8 years: 20 points
  • 5-7 years: 15 points
  • 3-4 years: 10 points
  • 1-2 years: 5 points

 

Relevant work experience is defined as work experience in the applicant’s nominated occupation or a closely related occupation. To be considered skilled employment the work must be at a level that requires the same level of skill and experience as the nominated occupation. Skilled work experience points are awarded during an applicants Skill Assessment that they complete with the designated Skill Assessment authority for their nopminated occupation.

 

Partner skills and qualifications

 

  • Partner has competent English and skilled occupation: 10 points
  • Partner has competent English but no skilled occupation: 5 points

 

Partner skills are another factor that can earn points in the Australian immigration points system. If the applicant has a partner who also meets the requirements for skilled migration to Australia they can earn additional points for their partner’s skills.

 

To be eligible for points for partner skills the applicant’s partner must meet the requirements for skilled migration to Australia including having a skilled occupation and/or competent English proficiency. The partner’s skills and qualifications must be assessed and recognized by the relevant assessing authority in Australia.

 

State or territory sponsorship

 

  • State or territory nomination: 5 or 10 points (5 for the 190 visa and 10 for the 491 subclass)

 

State or territory government nomination is another factor that can earn points in the Australian immigration points system. It is a process by which state or territory governments in Australia can nominate skilled migrants to fill skill shortages in their region.

 

The number of points awarded for state or territory government nomination depends on the visa subclass and the nomination requirements of the specific state or territory. For example, under the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa, nomination by a state or territory government is worth 5 points, while under the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa, nomination by a state or territory government is worth 10 points.

 

To be eligible for state or territory government nomination the applicant must meet the specific nomination requirements of the state or territory in question which means having a particular occupation or English level. The state or territory also considers the applicant’s commitment to living and working in the region.

 

State or territory government nomination is an important factor in the Australian immigration points system because it indicates that the applicant has been identified as a skilled migrant who can contribute to the regional economy. This can increase the applicant’s chances of being invited to apply for a visa and can also provide additional support and resources for settlement in Australia.

 

Specialist education qualifications

 

  • A Masters degree by research or a Doctorate in an area specified by the Minister: 5 points

 

Period of Australian study

 

To be eligible for points for Australian study the applicant must have completed a course of study in Australia that was at least two academic years in duration. The course must have been conducted in English and must have been undertaken at an Australian educational institution registered with the Australian government.

 

Community language qualifications

 

  • A recognized qualification in a community language: 5 points

 

Credential community language is another factor that can earn points in the Australian immigration points system. It refers to the ability to speak a language other than English that is in demand in the Australian labor market.

 

To be eligible for points for credential community language the applicant must have a recognized qualification in a language other than English that is in demand in the Australian labor market. The qualification must have been obtained through an accredited institution, and the applicant must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in the language through a recognized language test.

 

Credential community language indicates that the applicant has skills and experience that are in demand in the Australian labor market.

 

Professional year in Australia

 

  • Completion of a professional year in Australia: 5 points

 

A Professional Year Program is another factor that can earn points in the Australian immigration points system. It is a program designed to provide international students who have completed their studies in Australia with practical work experience and training in their field of study.

 

To be eligible for points for a Professional Year Program the applicant must have completed a Professional Year Program in Australia in their field of study. The program must have been approved by the Australian government and conducted by a recognized institution.

 

STEM qualifications

 

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) qualifications are highly valued in the Australian labor market and are therefore a factor that can earn points in the Australian immigration points system. The exact amount of points awarded for having a STEM qualification under the Australian immigration points system is as follows:

 

  • A Bachelor’s degree or higher degree in a STEM field: 10 points

 

To be eligible for points for a STEM qualification, the applicant must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher degree in a field of study that is classified as a STEM field by the Australian government. The degree must have been obtained from an accredited institution and must be recognized by the relevant assessing authority in Australia.

 

Having a STEM qualification is an important factor in the Australian immigration points system because it indicates that the applicant has skills and knowledge that are in demand in the Australian labor market. This can increase the applicant’s chances of finding employment and settling successfully in Australia.

 

Take a Free Assessment for a full breakdown of your Australia Points score for Immigration and to check your eligibility.

Subject Matter Expert at Migration Made Simple | Website | + posts

Jacqueline Chow is an international immigration and visa expert with over 15 years of experience in the field. With a background in law and a passion for helping people, Jacqueline has built a reputation as a trusted and reliable source of information and advice on all aspects of immigration and visas. She has worked with clients from all over the world, including high-net-worth individuals, professionals, skilled workers and families. As a sought-after speaker and commentator Jacqueline has been featured in various media outlets and has given talks on immigration and visas at conferences and events around the world.

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