Skilled visa applications - Points test
Australian Immigration - Applicants intending to apply for a skilled Australian visa, under the Australian migration skilled program must meet basic criteria assessed by points.
As a guide, we present this points test summary to you. Use this to do a preliminary assessment for yourself. Be aware however, that the underlying regulations are quite specific for each section e.g. To claim points for a Language. You can not claim e.g. 5 bonus points for a recognised community language unless you can evidence that you have obtained a tertiary qualification in that language medium etc.
Qualifications are obviously very important, it however is no longer the primary criteria for skills based applications.
Basis for the points test
- The procedure starts of with an occupations assessment.
- Your occupation must match and be on the approved occupations list.
- You are then “tested” i.e. your skills, experience, and importantly qualifications are assessed against the Australian standards for that specific occupation i.e. you need X experience, Y skills and Z qualifications to be assessed as equivalent to the Australian standards for a specific occupation. Only after you pass the occupations assessment can you lodge the actual visa application.
- This cannot be done prior to receipt of the successful outcome of the occupations assessment. Occupations assessments take anywhere from 1 week to 4 months and is conducted by the relevant authority in Australia (based on the information you submit use our extensive checklists as guide) responsible for settings the standards for a specific occupation. There is a fee charged by the authorities.
- The process and your eligibility for your nominated occupation will be detailed in your assessment by ASA. If you have any questions on the points tests - contact us. Have yourself assessed by ASA to ensure that you do meet the criteria !
Skilled Migration Points Test
Condition Met |
With .... |
Points |
| Occupation |
Specialised professional or trade occupation |
60 |
|
General professional occupation |
50 |
|
Other general skilled occupations |
40 |
| Age |
18 to 29 years |
30 |
|
30 to 34 years |
25 |
|
35 to 39 years |
20 |
|
40 to 44 years |
15 |
| English |
Proficient English (IELTS score 7 x 4 or better) |
25 |
|
Threshold English (IELTS score 5 x 4 or better) |
15 |
| Specific Work Experience |
Work experience closely related to nominated 60 point occupation for three of the last four years |
10 |
|
Work experience in any occupation on the skilled occupation list for three of the last four years |
5 |
| Australian Work Experience |
Work experience closely related to the nominated occupation for one of the last four years |
10 |
|
Professional Year closely related to nominated occupation |
10 |
| Australian Qualifications |
Doctorate (min. two years) |
25 |
|
Masters/Honours with undergraduate degree (min. three years) |
15 |
|
Degree/diploma/trade qualification (min 2 year study) |
5 |
| Occupation in Demand (* no longer applicable as of 8 Feb 2010) |
Work experience closely related to the nominated occupation for one of the last four years and an offer of relevant full-time employment |
NA |
|
Work experience closely related to the nominated occupation for one of the last four years |
NA |
| Regional Study |
Met 2 years study requirement while living and studying in regional Australia |
5 |
| Partner Skills |
Partner meets threshold GSM requirements |
5 |
| Nomination |
Nominated by state or territory government |
10 |
| Designated Area Sponsorship |
Sponsored by Australian relative living in a designated area (only available to provisional visa applicants) |
25 |
| Designated Language |
Professional level language skills in a designated language |
5 |
Pass & pool marks
| Visa subclass |
Pass Mark |
Pool mark |
| Skilled Independent - subclass 175 |
120 points |
100 points |
| Skilled Sponsored - subclass 176 |
100 points |
80 points |
| Skilled regional Sponsored - subclass 475 |
100 points |
NA |
| Skilled Regional Sponsored - subclass 487 |
100 points |
NA |
| Skilled Independent - subclass 885 |
120 points |
NA |
| Skilled Sponsored - subclass 886 |
110 points |
NA |
