Points-based immigration system Australia has become a key gateway for skilled professionals seeking to live and work in the country. It is designed to prioritize migrants based on their qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors. The system not only ensures that Australia attracts highly skilled workers who can contribute to its economy, but it also provides a transparent and structured path for applicants aiming for permanent residency.
In this blog post, we will explore how the points-based immigration system works, its key components, and what you need to know to navigate it successfully.
SEE ALSO: A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an Australian Skilled Migration Visa
What is the Points-Based Immigration System?
The points-based system in Australia evaluates skilled migration applicants based on a set of criteria, awarding points for factors like age, education, work experience, and English language proficiency. To apply for most skilled visas, applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. If their profile meets the required points threshold, they may receive an invitation to apply for a visa.
Australia offers several skilled migration visas under this system, such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). The points required for these visas may vary, but the general minimum to qualify is 65 points.
Key Factors in the Points Calculation
Australia’s points-based immigration system evaluates applicants on the following criteria:
1. Age
- 18-24 years: 25 points
- 25-32 years: 30 points
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-44 years: 15 points
- 45 years and above: 0 points
Age plays a crucial role, with younger applicants receiving more points as they are seen as having a longer potential contribution to Australia’s workforce.
2. English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate their English language abilities through tests like the IELTS or TOEFL. Points are awarded as follows:
- Competent English: 0 points
- Proficient English: 10 points
- Superior English: 20 points.
3. Skilled Employment Experience
Points are awarded for both Australian and overseas work experience. However, Australian work experience is given higher value:
- 1-3 years of overseas experience: 5 points
- 3-5 years of overseas experience: 10 points
- 5-8 years of overseas experience: 15 points
- 1-3 years of Australian experience: 10 points
- 3-5 years of Australian experience: 15 points
- 5-8 years of Australian experience: 20 points.
4. Educational Qualifications
Applicants can earn points based on their educational achievements:
- Doctorate: 20 points
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: 15 points
- Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points.
5. Specialist Education Qualification
An additional 10 points can be earned if the applicant has a Master’s degree by research or a Doctorate from an Australian institution in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field.
6. Other Factors
Additional points can be awarded for factors such as:
- Australian study requirement: 5 points
- Credentialed community language qualification: 5 points
- Professional year in Australia: 5 points
- State or territory nomination (subclass 190 visa): 5 points
- Regional nomination or sponsorship (subclass 491 visa): 15 points.
How to Apply: The Expression of Interest (EOI) Process
To apply for a skilled visa, applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the SkillSelect platform. This online system ranks candidates based on their points score and selects the highest-ranking applicants for invitations to apply for a visa.
Once the EOI is submitted, applicants are placed in a pool, and the Department of Home Affairs assesses their suitability based on their points. Those with higher points are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a visa.
Types of Points-Based Visas
1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
This visa allows skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory to live and work anywhere in Australia. It requires a minimum of 65 points, but in reality, higher scores improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory. The nomination itself provides extra points, making it easier to meet the required threshold.
3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
Designed for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia, this visa also involves sponsorship by a regional authority or an eligible family member. It provides 15 additional points.
Benefits of the Points-Based Immigration System
The points-based immigration system offers several benefits, both for Australia and for prospective migrants:
- Transparency: The system is transparent, with applicants knowing exactly how points are awarded. This clarity allows potential migrants to plan and improve their points score.
- Flexibility: Applicants can increase their points by improving their English language proficiency, gaining more work experience, or obtaining additional qualifications. This provides a clear path for those who may not initially meet the points threshold.
- Targeted Migration: By prioritizing skilled workers in specific occupations and regions, Australia can ensure that it attracts migrants who meet the country’s economic needs.
SEE ALSO: How to Secure a Job Offer for an Australian Employer-Sponsored Visa 2024
FAQs
1. What is the minimum score required to apply for a skilled visa? The minimum score to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) is 65 points, but scoring higher improves your chances of receiving an invitation.
2. Can I increase my points after submitting an EOI? Yes, applicants can improve their points by gaining additional qualifications, improving English language skills, or gaining more work experience.
3. What happens after I submit an EOI? Once you submit an EOI, you will be ranked against other applicants. If your score is high enough, you may receive an invitation to apply for a visa.
4. Can my spouse’s qualifications contribute to my points? Yes, if your spouse meets certain qualifications, such as English proficiency or work experience, you can earn additional points.
Conclusion
Australia’s points-based immigration system is a fair and transparent pathway for skilled workers who wish to contribute to the country’s economy. By understanding how points are calculated and strategically improving their scores, applicants can enhance their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a skilled visa. With numerous visa options available, including those tailored for regional work and state sponsorship, there are ample opportunities for skilled professionals to make Australia their new home.
This system not only helps Australia attract the best talent but also provides a clear and structured path for immigrants to settle and thrive in the country.
By thoroughly understanding how this system operates and the criteria involved, potential migrants can position themselves for success. Whether you’re aiming for an independent visa or looking to settle in a regional area, navigating the points-based system effectively is the key to unlocking your future in Australia.