Migration Agent Brisbane - Points Test for Skilled Visa's

Following on from our previous blog (see here) there may be several Skilled Visa options for applicants who have obtained a migration skills assessment in a skilled occupation and meet the points test pass mark. Accordingly, this week our migration agents take a closer look at the Points Test to see how points are awarded for each respective category within the points test. 

​As the above graphic illustrates, points are awarded for seven (7) core categories. Age, English Language Ability, Skilled Employment, Qualifications, Australian Study Requirement, Other Factors and State Nomination.

Points for Age

Importantly, an applicant’s age is determined by their age at the time of invitation, being the date on which they receive an Invitation to Apply for the visa. Based on the current points system, applicants aged between 25 and 32 (inclusive) on the day they are invited to apply will be awarded the maximum points of thirty (30) for their age.

Points for English Language Ability
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The minimum English language to be eligible for a Skilled Visa is currently set at ‘competent’ English. However, applicants with a competent English score will not be eligible for points in this category. Accordingly, applicants will have to demonstrate they have either Proficient or Superior English, which can be evidenced by providing an English test result in line with the following:

Points for Skilled Employment

Applicants are eligible for points for employment experience related to their nominated occupation. Importantly, for work experience to count it must be paid, for at least 20 hours per week, be after the completion of a relevant qualification and closely related to the occupation being applied under. Work experience can be claimed if obtained from both within or outside of Australia meaning that applicants do not necessarily need to have worked in Australia prior to applying for a Subclass 189 visa. Australian and overseas employment are assessed separately with the maximum number of points that can be awarded for any combination of skilled employment experience being set at 20.

Qualifications

Applicants are eligible for points for the highest level of qualification awarded by either an Australian or other educational institution at the time of invitation and which is of a recognised standard. Importantly, applicants will not obtain more points for having multiple qualifications. For example, an applicant with a Bachelor and Masters degree will still only be awarded 15 points.

Australian Study Requirement

Applicants who have completed at least two (2) years of study in an appropriate course and conducted in Australia may also be eligible for an additional 5 points for satisfying the ‘Australian Study Requirement’. Importantly, this will require that the duration of combined study was at least 92 weeks as registered with CRICOS and that the applicant was physically in Australia for 16 months.
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Applicants are able to check the registered duration of their course(s) of study here. 

Community Language

Applicants are eligible for five points if they provide evidence that at the time of invitation to apply for the visa they were accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) at the para-professional level (level 2 or above). Proficiency can be demonstrated in either translating or interpreting.

For more information on becoming a NAATI accredited translator or interpreter please click here. 

Study in Regional Australia

Applicants are eligible for 5 points if they have met the Australian study requirement while living and studying at an Australian educational institution in a regional area or low-population growth metropolitan area (LPGMA).

See here to see if your area falls within these regions please click here. 

Partner Points

Applicants are eligible for 5 points if the spouse or de facto partner of the primary applicant:

• is also an applicant for the same subclass of visa
• is not an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident
• was under 50 at the time the primary applicant was invited to apply for the visa
• nominated a skilled occupation, being an occupation on the SOL
• had a suitable skills assessment in their nominated occupation from a relevant assessing authority at the time of invitation and
• had Competent English as detailed in the table able) at the time of invitation to apply for the visa.

State Nomination

Points are also awarded if an applicant secures State Nomination for either the Subclass 189 or 489 visa. Importantly, each state has its own requirements when assessing the eligibility of each applicant for Nomination.

For a useful tool to see the requirements of each State for Nomination please click here. 

We hope you have found this information helpful, however should you require any additional Migration Advice about applying for a Skilled Visa and calculating your points score, then speak to a Migration Agent in Brisbane today by giving us a call on 1300 MIGR8TE (644 788) or send your questions to enquiry@salvomigration.com.au.