Australian Immigration Points System: What You Need to Know

The Australian Immigration Points System is designed to evaluate potential migrants based on various factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, education, and other criteria. To be eligible for a skilled visa, applicants must score a minimum number of points, which is currently set at 65 points.

What is the Australian Immigration Points System?

The Australian Immigration Points System is a merit-based system designed to select skilled migrants who can contribute to the Australian economy. Applicants are assessed based on various criteria, including age, English language proficiency, work experience, and education. To qualify for a skilled visa, applicants must score at least 65 points.

Key Factors in the Points System

1. 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

2. English Language Proficiency:

   • Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent): 0 points

   • Proficient English (IELTS 7 or equivalent): 10 points

   • Superior English (IELTS 8 or equivalent): 20 points

3. Skilled Employment:

   • Outside Australia:

     • 3-5 years: 5 points

     • 5-8 years: 10 points

     • 8-10 years: 15 points

   • In Australia:

     • 1-3 years: 5 points

     • 3-5 years: 10 points

     • 5-8 years: 15 points

     • 8-10 years: 20 points

4. Educational Qualifications:

   • Doctorate: 20 points

   • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: 15 points

   • Australian diploma or trade qualification: 10 points

   • An award or qualification recognized by the relevant assessing authority: 10 points

5. Australian Study Requirement:

   • At least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution: 5 points

6. Specialist Education Qualification:

   • A Master’s degree by research or a Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution in a specified field: 10 points

7. Professional Year in Australia:

   • Completion of a professional year in Australia in the applicant’s nominated occupation: 5 points

8. Community Language Skills:

   • Accredited in a community language by NAATI: 5 points

9. Study in Regional Australia:

   • At least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution in regional Australia: 5 points

10. Partner Skills:

    • If the applicant’s partner meets age, English, and skill requirements: 10 points

    • If the applicant’s partner has competent English but does not meet the skill requirements: 5 points

    • If the applicant is single or the partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident: 10 points

11. State or Territory Nomination/Relative Sponsorship:

    • Nomination by a state or territory government (for the 190 visa): 5 points

    • Nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by a family member residing in regional Australia (for the 491 visa): 15 points

The Australian Immigration Points System can be complex, but understanding the key factors and how points are awarded is the first step towards a successful application.