THE SKILLED MIGRATION POINTS TEST

A points-based test applies to the following skilled migration visas:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
• Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489)

For each visa, the minimum score is 60 points. The higher your points, the more likely it is that you will be invited to apply for a visa.

Points are awarded on the basis of the factors listed below.

At the time you are invited to apply for the visa, you must show that you achieve the score specified in your Expression of Interest.

SKILLED MIGRATION POINTS TEST

Age

At the time of being invited to apply for the visa, you are:

18-24 years old	25 points
25-32 years old	30 points
33-39 years old	25 points
40-44 years old	15 points
45-49 years old	NIL

Note that at the time of being invited to apply for the visa, you must be under 50 years old in order to apply for a subclass 189, 190 or 489 visa.

English language skills

In the three years before you are invited to apply for the visa, you undertook an English test exam where you achieved a result of:

Superior English (for example, a score of 8 on each of the four components of a general format IELTS test, or equivalent)	20 points
Proficient English (for example, a score of 7 on each of the four components of a general format IELTS test, or equivalent)	10 points
Competent English (for example, a score of 6 on each of the four components of a general format IELTS test, or equivalent)	NIL

Note that you must have at least competent English in order to apply for a subclass 189, 190 or 489 visa.

Overseas employment

In the 10 years before you are invited to apply for the visa, you have been employed outsideAustralia in your nominated skilled occupation or a closely related skilled occupation for:

36-59 months (3-5 years)	5 points
60-95 months (5-8 years)	10 points
At least 96 months (more than 8 years)	15 points

Australian employment

In the 10 years before you are invited apply for the visa, you have been employed in Australiain your nominated skilled occupation or a closely related skilled occupation for:

12-35 months (1-3 years)	5 points
36-59 months (3-5 years)	10 points
60-95 months (5-8 years)	15 points
At least 96 months (more than 8 years)	20 points

Qualifications

At the time of being invited to apply for the visa, you have:

A Doctorate from an Australian educational institution or other Doctorate of a recognised standard	20 points
At least a Bachelor degree from an Australian educational institution or other Bachelor degree of a recognised standard	15 points
A Diploma qualification from an Australian educational institution	10 points
A trade qualification from an Australian educational institution	10 points
An award or qualification recognised by the relevant assessing authority in the assessment of your nominated skilled occupation	10 points

Other factors

Australian study requirement At the time of being invited to apply for the visa, you have been awarded at least one degree, diploma or trade qualification by an Australian educational institution and meet the Australian study requirement.	5 points
Regional study At the time of being invited to apply for the visa, you met the Australian study requirement and lived and studied in regional Australia or a low population-growth metropolitan area (distance education excluded) while completing the Australian study requirement.	5 points
Professional year In the four years before you were invited to apply for the visa, you completed a professional year course in your nominated skilled occupation or a closely related skilled occupation. Professional year courses are offered by: – Australian Computer Society – CPA Australia – Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia – Institute of Public Accountants – Engineers Australia	5 points
Community language At the time of being invited to apply for the visa, you are accredited by NAATI as a translator or interpreter of a community language at the paraprofessional level or above.	5 points
Partner skills Your partner, who is being included in your application, is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, is under 50 years old at the time you are invited to apply for the visa, has a skills assessment in an occupation on the same skilled list as your nominated occupation at the time you are invited to apply for the visa, and has at least competent English obtained in the three years before you are invited to apply for the visa.	5 points
Subclass 190 visa only: Nomination by State or Territory Government.	5 points
Subclass 489 visa only: Nomination by State or Territory Government or sponsorship by an eligible family member.	10 points

This page provides a summary of the Skilled Migration Points Test as at September 2016. Australian immigration law is complex and the law and procedures change rapidly. We therefore recommend that you contact us to confirm the Skilled Migration Points Test and consult with one of our Solicitors and Registered Migration Agents regarding skilled migration visas.