Choosing to Immigrate to Australia not only allows you to continue your career journey in Australia but also allows you the opportunity to explore the country, study, join a partner or a family residing in the country or seek permanent residency in the country.
In this blog, we will provide you with a comprehensive view of the Australian Immigration system, the points-based system and the eligibility criteria for some of the most popular skilled migration visas.
A brief overview of the Immigration System of Australia
Australia is one of the best countries to grow your career, pursue your education and live a
quality life. However, to reside in the country, you will need to have enough visa points to qualify for the right visa.
The country offers a wide variety of Visas such as
- Studying and Training Visas
- Family and Partner Visas
- Working and Skilled Visas
- Refugee and Humanitarian Visas
They are based on your requirements. Each of these visa categories is further divided into subclasses which help you choose the optimum visa for your requirements.
The Australian Migration system also provides individuals an opportunity to permanently reside in Australia. Permanent Visas are usually issued to skilled migrants and their family members. They are also issued to refugees as well as individuals who require humanitarian assistance. However, applicants must know that permanent residency and citizenship are not the same thing
Over the past several years more than half of the permanent visas that were granted under the migration program were issued to individuals who were residing in Australia on a temporary visa.
This system allows the government of Australia to help the people already residing in the country without increasing the number of citizens as well as visa holders overseas wanting to move to Australia.
Thus, reducing pressure on arrival caps as well as quarantine capacity and facilitating a dynamic as well as responsive system that helps them shape a diverse and skilled population.
What is the Points-based system and what are the contributing factors?
The point-based system helps the government of Australia to select skilled migrant workers. It is a centrally planned classification system of applicants based on several factors such as education, language proficiency and work experience. Factors such as a candidate’s age and qualifications are thoroughly scrutinized by the government while issuing visas. The focus is thus more on the characteristics of the applicant than their future employer.
To apply, applicants must submit an “expression of interest “ online after which some of these applicants are invited to apply for a visa if they meet certain basic requirements and if they score highly on the points test.
Given below are given areas that you can use to score high on the points test:-
- Age
You can score up to 30 points if you belong to the age group of 25-32 years, Candidates above the age of 45 do not secure any points
- English Language Proficiency
Proficiency in English is usually determined by IELTS score, you can score up to 20 points if your IELTS score is 8 or more. This will help you secure additional points for the visa you require. However, you may also note that apart from IELTS, the department accepts scores from other competent tests undertaken at secure test centres. These include:
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Cambridge English (CAE) or C1 Advanced
- Occupational English Test (OET), noting this is a test developed for health professionals
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
Refer to these English language visa requirements for more details.
- Employment experience onshore as well as offshore
Regarding work experience, you can score up to a maximum of 20 points. Your work experience in Australia, as well as offshore, is counted while calculating points.
What are the basic eligibility criteria for some of the popular skilled migration visas?
1. Subclass 190 Visa (Skilled Nominated Visa)
This Visa allows nominated skilled workers to live as well as reside in Australia as permanent residents. Moreover, it allows you to work and study in any region of Australia and Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency.
To be eligible for this visa you need the following requirements: –
- To have a relevant occupation mentioned on the skilled list
- Have a relevant skills assessment for the occupation you desire.
- Your score should be above 65 and you should be offered an invitation to apply for this visa
- Own a relevant visa such as a substantive visa, a relevant bridging visa, a skilled work regional visa or a skilled employer-sponsored regional visa
- Be nominated for this visa by a territory government agency or an Australian state.
- Be under the age of 45
- You should be proficient in English
- You should also meet the health requirement and character requirements (for individuals above the age of 16)
- Pay back any debts that you might owe the Australian government.
- You must have no records of visa cancellations and refusals in the past.
- You must also sign the Australian Values statement to confirm that you will respect the Australian way of life and laws.
2. Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
The subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa that is offered to skilled people nominated by a state or a territory government to live as well as work in regional areas of Australia.
The basic eligibility of this visa is as follows: –
- You must be nominated to apply by a territory government agency of an Australian state or an eligible relative must sponsor you.
- You must have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation you desire,
- You must score a minimum of 65 points on your points test to qualify
- This visa is further categorized into:-
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa-Main
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional )Visa-Subsequent entrant
3. Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489)
This Provisional Visa allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. Applicants may also be allowed to bring their family and spouses. Subclass 489 Skilled Regional (Provisional)Visa holders may also be able to apply for the Skilled Regional (permanent )visa which belongs to the category (Subclass 887) if they satisfy the work and residence requirements.
Given below are the basic eligibility criteria of applicants based on these categories:-
Extended Stay Pathway
- You must reside, work or study in specified regional areas of Australia.
- You must possess either of the following visas – 475, 487,495 or 496.
Subsequent Entry Pathway
- You must reside, work or study in specified regional areas of Australia.
- You must be a family member of an individual who holds any of the following visas:- 475,487,489,495 or 496.
A step-by-step guide to the official Australia visa points calculator?
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to use this calculator: –
Step 1: Select your age group.
Step 2: Indicate your English language proficiency level using either of these competent and accepted English Language Skills Test Scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, OET, and Cambridge C1 Advanced Test.
Step 3: Specify your work experience within Australia.
Step 4: Include details of your work experience overseas, (additional points awarded for candidates with both Australian and overseas work experience).
Step 5: Choose your educational qualifications, either obtained in Australia or from a recognized institution overseas.
Step 6: Determine whether your degree falls under the STEM category.
Step 7: If applicable, provide the English proficiency level of your partner.
Step 8: Provide proof of completing a Professional Year in Accounting, ICT/Computing or Engineering, and in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation. The requirement is to secure 5 points. You must have also completed over a period of at least 12 months and in Australia in the four years where a Professional Year program was completed before you are invited to apply for a visa. The points should be provide by one of the following organisations:
- the Australian Computer Society
- CPA Australia
- Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
- the Institute of Public Accountants (formerly the National Institute of Accountants)
- Engineers Australia
Step 9: You must hold a recognised qualification in a Credentialled Community Language, scoring 5 points.
Step 10: To study in Regional Australia, you must have at least one trade qualification, degree, or diploma with a score of 5 points from an Australian educational institution that satisfies the Australian study requirement obtained while living and studying in an eligible area of regional Australia.
Step 11: Explore additional eligibility criteria, such as sponsorships and fulfilment of study requirements.
After the completion of your test, the calculator will display your points at the bottom of the screen.
How can English Language Proficiency Tests aid the process?
- Language proficiency tests are important to establish that you can effectively communicate in English seamlessly.
- English language proficiency is important not only for daily interactions but also for finding employment, navigating public services, and integrating into the community.
- Lastly, a higher overall score can increase your points, leading to a higher chance of being granted the Visa you apply for.
The process of choosing the right visa can quite often be very confusing, Expert Education can help you choose the best visa according to your requirements
FAQs
1. Who can use the Australian Skilled Immigration points test calculator?
The points test calculator can be used by individuals who want to migrate to Australia under the following categories: –
- Skilled-Independent category
- Skilled-Sponsored category
2. What is the maximum number of points I can achieve for my overseas work experience?
You can score up to 15 points for over 8 years of overseas experience.
3.Can I apply for an Expression of Interest (EOI) letter with 60 points?
No, you cannot apply for an EOI letter with 60 points. If you are applying for a point-based visa like subclass 189, 190 and 491 visas, you must meet or exceed the points threshold of 65.