Points-Based Immigration System – How It Really Works?

Australia’s skilled migration scheme does not rely on luck or connections; it relies on numbers. The Australian points-based immigration system scores each individual according to the criteria of their age, language skills, qualifications, and employment experience.

Whether one is an engineer from Manila, a nurse from Manchester, or an accountant from Mumbai, knowing the criteria for the points test makes the difference between spending money on the application fee and getting a real chance at receiving an invitation.

What the Points Test Was Designed to Test For?

Unlike an individual assessment of candidates, the points test is done using a predetermined set of criteria, and each applicant is scored based on their scores in accordance with the table provided. Before discussing the issues related to points, it is important to consider whether their profession and situation qualify for the visa program under consideration. These points include:

• If the nominated profession qualifies for the specific visa program.
• If there exists a valid skills assessment for such a visa program.
• If the candidate qualifies for the necessary English proficiency level.
• If the candidate qualifies in terms of the relevant age criteria.
• If the candidate qualifies for the points through proper evidence.

Occupations for Skilled Migration Visa Programs are listed on the Department’s skilled occupation list.

Which Factors Influence Your Points?

The Australian points-based immigration system takes into account various aspects of the applicant’s profile. The points are listed in Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994. They include:

1. Age –

Persons who are 25-32 years old get 30 points. Persons who are 18-25 years old get 25 points, while persons who are 33-39 years old get 25 points. Finally, people who are 40 to 44 years old get 15 points.

2. Proficiency in the English language –

Persons who show that they have a good knowledge of the English language get 10 points, while persons who have an excellent command of English can provide 20 points under the general points test.

3. Skilled occupation –

Points can be obtained in respect to an eligible skilled occupation either in Australia or overseas.

4. Education –

A doctoral degree gives 20 points, while at least a bachelor’s degree gives 15 points when the legislative criteria are fulfilled.

5. Specialised education –

Specialised educational qualifications, if they meet certain statutory criteria, will score extra points.

6. Credentialled community language –

Having a recognised credentialled community language qualification may be worth 5 points.

7. Study in a region –

Study that is eligible and conducted in a specified regional area may be worth extra points.

8. Qualifications of a partner –

In certain situations relating to a partner/spouse, points may be gained.

9. Nominated/sponsored by state or territory –

Points may be gained through state or territory nomination or regional sponsorship.

There are regulations which set out the criteria that may be accumulated to gain points; hence, one cannot assume that all qualifications and experience can simply add up points.

The Three Pathways That Utilise the Test

However, not all visas in Australia need to go through the test; yet, there are three ways to get visas under the points-based system, each of which implies certain occupation lists issued by the Department of Home Affairs.

1. Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)

Does not need sponsorship by any form; it is for occupations on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List.

2. Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)

Is a provisional visa for 5 years; needs nomination by any state or family sponsorship.

3. Subclass 190: (Skilled Nominated Visa)

Needs nomination by any state/territory; an additional 5 points are available.

Since the Skilled Regional Visa Subclass 491 visa grants the highest additional points compared to others, those who cannot fulfil the criteria for subclass 189 apply for this visa to become a resident of Australia.

Will 65 Points Be an Assurance for an Invitation?

No. It is one of the most critical parts of the Australian points-based immigration system. Getting the 65-point threshold will mean that the applicant has reached the basic points threshold for consideration, but it will not mean any invitation to apply. There is no assurance of an invitation even when the minimum points threshold is met by an applicant.

The success of the invitation will depend on the skilled migration stream, the occupation, the number of vacancies and the selection method.

Final Thoughts

Getting one extra English test result, missing your employment date, or forgetting a qualification could earn or lose you five or ten points. The requirements are subject to change during each visa processing times that Home Affairs reviews the points test criteria. So check the up-to-date points table from the Department of Immigration website.

In situations where state nomination is required, regional obligations need to be considered, or a skills assessment is marginal, consulting with immigration lawyers in Perth will prove beneficial.