Visas & Advice Detail
Proposed Australian visa changes
The proposed new Australian Points Test that looks set to become effective on 1 July 2011 is radically different from the present system.
In the event that the new Points Test proposal is approved and adopted by the Australian government, all people who apply for immigration to Australia through the General Skilled Migration Program under the following visas on and after 1 July 2011 will be subject to this new points test.
Subclass 885 Skilled Independent
Subclass 886 Skilled Sponsored
Subclass 487 Skilled Regional Sponsored
Subclass 175 Skilled Independent
Subclass 176 Skilled Sponsored
Subclass 475 Skilled Regional Sponsored
At this stage, it is expected that a visa applicant will need to score 65 points to pass the test and become eligible for immigration.
Age Points
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 Points
Competent English IELTS score 6: 0 points
Proficient English: IELTS score 7: 10 points
Superior English: IELTS 8 score: 20 points
Australian Work Experience in a nominated occupation or closely related occupation
One year Australian in the past 2 years before applying: 5 points
Three years Australian in the past 5 years before applying: 10 points
Five years Australian in the past 7 years before applying: 15 points
Overseas Work Experience in a nominated occupation or closely related occupation
Years Points
Three years overseas in the past 5 years before applying: 5 points
Five years overseas in the past 7 years before applying: 10 years
Eight years overseas in the past 10 years before applying: 15 points
Qualifications (Australian or recognised overseas)
Offshore recognised apprenticeship, AQFIII/IV completed in Australia, or Diploma completed in Australia: 10 points
Bachelors or Masters degree: 15 points
PhD: 20 points
Recognition of Australian Study
Has done 2 years study requirement while living and studying in Austalia: 5 Points
Designated Language
Professional level language skills in a designated language: 5 points
Partner Skills
You may receive 5 points only if your spouse satisfies the following criteria:
Age requirement; English Language Ability; Qualification; Nominated Occupation; Recent Work Experience; and has had a skills assessment by the relevant assessing body.
Completion of a Professional Year
If the applicant has done an approved Professional Year in nominated occupation or a closely related skilled occupation: 5 points
Sponsorship by State or Territory Government
Where an applicant has been nominated by a state or territory government under a State Migration Plan, for the purposes of a subclass 176 application: 5 points
Sponsorship by Family or State or Territory Government to Regional Australia
Where an pllicant has been nominated by a state or territory government under a State Migration Plan, or sponsorship by an eligible relative, to a regional area for the purposes of a subclass 475 Skilled Regional Sponsored application: 10 points
Study in a Regional Area
Where an pllicant has done 2 years study requirement while living and studying in regional Austalia: 5 points
Of course what the Australian government finally decide to introduce could be subject to change, so watch this space for further developments as they are announced.
