Are you planning to migrate to Australia? Well, if you are, you need to understand the new Australian immigration points test, especially since there’s been a big update! The revised points test is designed to be more transparent, fair, and to focus on skills that will help Australia’s economy grow. Let’s dive into the details of how it works and what’s changed.
Current Points Test vs. Revised Points Test
Right now, Australia uses a points system to evaluate immigration candidates. But with the new changes, they aim to refine the process to select individuals who can contribute the most to society and the workforce.
Current Points Test Criteria
The current points test evaluates applicants based on the following factors:
Age: Younger applicants tend to score higher, as they are seen as having more years to contribute to the economy.
English Language Proficiency: The better your English, the more points you get.
Employment Experience: Your work experience in your field is a key part of your eligibility.
Partner Skills: If your partner has strong skills and qualifications, this can add extra points.
Educational Qualifications: Higher qualifications lead to more points.
Community Language Skills: If you speak more than one language, this can boost your score.
Revised Points Test
Now, let’s talk about the revised points test. The Australian government has made adjustments to ensure the process is even fairer. They’ve fine-tuned it to focus on skills that are especially valuable to Australia’s economic development. Here’s what the revised test focuses on:
Transparency: The changes aim to make the process clearer, ensuring all applicants understand how their points are calculated.
Targeted Skills: The revised points test aims to attract individuals with skills that are in high demand across Australia.
Societal Integration: They’re also looking at how well applicants might integrate into the Australian society, ensuring that newcomers can contribute not just economically but also socially.
How the Points Test Works
To be eligible for a visa, applicants need to meet a minimum points score. Let’s break it down:
Minimum Points Score: To be granted a visa, you need a minimum of 60 points. But keep in mind, some visa types, like the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), require a higher score. For that visa, you need at least 65 points to even submit an expression of interest (EOI).
Using the Points Calculator
To make it easier, the Department of Home Affairs has provided an online points calculator. This tool helps you figure out where you stand and what areas you could improve on to increase your chances of getting a visa.
What Changes to Expect in the Revised Points Test
With the revised system, here are some things to keep in mind:
Age: Younger candidates (especially those under 45) will continue to score well, but the system will weigh skills and experience more heavily, ensuring the age factor isn’t the only deciding element.
English Language Proficiency: Higher levels of English language proficiency will be more important. Scoring higher in this area could give you a better shot at getting more points.
Work Experience: Australian immigration is looking for candidates with specific skills that can help fill shortages in the workforce, so your employment history in relevant fields will be crucial.
Education and Skills: Qualifications that match Australia’s current economic needs will be rewarded. This could include skills in healthcare, technology, and engineering.
Australian Skilled Immigration Points Requirements
The SkillSelect system in Australia is point-based, with applicants earning points based on specific criteria like age, education, English language ability, and work experience. It’s important to know that you’ll need to pass a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority before submitting your EOI.
What Are the Chances of Getting a Visa?
Although you can get a high number of points, it’s important to note that there are always limits to how many applicants can be selected. Some visa subclasses are more competitive than others, so it’s essential to ensure that your skills and experience align with Australia’s current needs.
How to Improve Your Score
Here are some tips to increase your points:
1. Improve Your English: Aim to score higher in language proficiency tests. Even small improvements in your English score can significantly boost your total points.
2. Gain More Experience: Work experience in a field that Australia needs can earn you extra points. If you can gain work experience that matches Australia’s skill shortages, you’ll increase your chances of being selected.
3. Further Education: Higher educational qualifications can earn you more points. Consider pursuing additional qualifications in areas that Australia needs.
4. Partner Skills: If your partner has skills that are in demand, their qualifications can contribute to your overall points score.
