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
|
5 points |
|
5 points |
|
5 points |
|
5 points |
|
5 points |
|
5 points |
|
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.