Introduction If you apply to migrate to Australia under the Skilled–Australian Sponsored category or the Skilled–Independent category, you will be assessed against a points test. Points are awarded for skill, age, English language ability, specific work experience, occupation in demand (and job offer), Australian qualifications, regional Australia, spouse skills and relationship (for Skilled–Australian sponsored only). Bonus points can be awarded for one only of the following: - capital investment in Australia;
- Australian skilled work experience; or
- fluency in one of Australia''s major community languages, other than English.
Pass mark and pool mark You must score sufficient points to reach the pass mark. If your score below the pass mark but equal to or above the pool mark, your application will be held in reserve (in the pool) for up to 2years after assessment. If the pass mark is lowered at any time in that 2year period, and your score is equal to or higher than the new pass mark, your application will be processed further. If not, your application would be refused at the end of the 2year period.
See also: Changes to the passmark for general skilled migration The current pass marks and pool marks are: | Category | Current Pass Mark | Current Pool Mark | Skilled–Independent 120 70 Skilled–Independent Regional (Provisional)110 110 Skilled–Australian sponsored 110 105 Skilled–Independent Overseas Student 115 115 Skilled–Australian sponsored Overseas Student 110 110 Skilled–Onshore Independent New Zealand citizen 120 120 Skilled–Onshore Australian sponsored New Zealand citizen 110 110 Changes to the passmark for general skilled migration
From 1 April 2005, the pass mark for applications for Skilled–Independent Overseas Student (subclass 880) visas will be 120.
If your application for subclass 880 is received on or after 1/4/05 you will have to meet the 120 point requirement to be granted the visa.
Estimating your points score
This information may help you estimate your points score. However, it is essential to read Booklet 6, General Skilled Migration, for more detailed information. Please note: The department will not provide individual advice to applicants regarding their likelihood of success or confirmation of eligible points allocation.
Points for skill
The occupation you nominate must be on form 1121i, Skilled Occupations List (SOL), current at the time of application, and should be one which fits your skills and qualifications.
You receive the points allocated for your nominated occupation after the relevant assessment authority for your nominated skilled occupation determines that your skills are suitable.
For most occupations where training is specific to the occupation
For more general professional occupations
For other general skilled occupations
Points for age
Points are allocated for your age at the time of application.
18 to 29 years
30 to 34 years
35 to 39 years
40 to 44 years
Points for English language ability
Competent English - a generally effective command of the language, and the ability to use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
Vocational English - a reasonable command of the English language, coping with overall meaning in most situations and the ability to communicate effectively in nominated field of employment.
Points for specific work experience
If your nominated occupation is worth 60points under Skill, and you have worked in your nominated occupation, or a closely related occupation, for at least 3 of the 4years immediately before you apply
If your nominated occupation is worth 40, 50 or 60 points under Skill, and you have worked in any occupation on the Skilled Occupations List for at least 3 of the 4years immediately before you apply
Points for occupation in demand/job offer
A number of occupations/specialisations have been identified as being in demand in Australia. They are listed on the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL).
You may receive points if your nominated occupation is on the MODL that is current at the time your application is assessed.
For occupation in demand, with job offer
For occupation in demand, but no job offer
Applicants with Australian qualifications have a greater chance of employment in Australia.
Points may be awarded for only one of the following Australian qualifications completed whilst present in Australia and where all the instruction was in English:
You have completed an Australian doctorate at an Australian educational institution after a period of at least 2years full time (2academic years) while in Australia
You have completed an Australian Masters or Honours degree (at least upper second class level) at an Australian educational institution while in Australia, and prior to completing the Masters or Honours degree, you were awarded an Australian bachelor degree as a result of at least 1 year full time study while in Australia.
The total period of full time study in Australia was at least 2years (2academic years)
You have completed full time study in Australia for a total of at least 2years (2academic years) towards the award of a degree, diploma or trade qualification
Points for regional Australia/low population growth metropolitan areas
Applicants who can claim points for Australian qualifications may also be eligible to claim points for having lived and studied for at least 2years in regional Australia or low population growth metropolitan areas.
Having lived and studied for at least 2years in one or more areas in regional Australia or low population growth metropolitan areas
"Regional Australia or a low population growth metropolitan area" means anywhere in Australia except Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, the NSW Central Coast, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne or the ACT.
See:
Regional Australia (for list of postcodes of areas gazetted as regional Australia or low-population growth metropolitan areas);
Campuses (for list of campuses gazetted as being in regional Australia or low-population growth metropolitan areas).
Points for spouse skills
Points may be awarded if your spouse if they are also able to satisfy the basic requirements of age, English language ability, qualifications, nominated occupation and recent work experience and has obtained a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation.
Spouse skills
Bonus points
Points may be awarded for one only of the following:
Capital investment in Australia (a minimum of A$100,000); or
Australian work experience (an applicant must have legally worked in Australia in any occupation on the Skilled Occupations List for at least 6months in the 4years before lodging an application); or
Fluency in one of Australia''s community languages (other than English)(see Booklet 6 for details)
Points for relationship (for applicants for the Skilled–Australian sponsored category only)
Points for relationship may be awarded if an applicant or their spouse has a relative who is an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen, and who is willing to sponsor them.
The applicant or their spouse must be related to the sponsor as either a non-dependent child, a parent, a brother or sister, or a niece or nephew.
