When seeking to work overseas, one of the most popular places for experienced individuals is Australia. The nation uses a point-based system to evaluate and choose candidates for its Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), with the goal of attracting people who can boost the economy. You need to receive at least 65 points on this system in order to be eligible for an Australian work visa.
The point system considers a number of variables, including age, education, employment history, English language ability, and more. You can increase your chances by being aware of how each of these elements affects your final score; each has a distinct weight.
Let’s examine each section’s point requirements and how you can meet or surpass them to meet the minimal eligibility requirements.
How to Score Points for Australian Work Visa?
Below is a breakdown of the sections and the relative importance of each part in helping you obtain the minimum number of points required to qualify for a visa.
Age
Among the key elements in the point system is the applicant’s age. Due to their perceived longer potential for employment, younger applicants receive higher points.
- 18-24 years: 25 points
- 25-32 years: 30 points (highest)
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-44 years: 15 points
- 45-49 years: 0 points (ineligible for points)
English Language Proficiency
Since English is the official language in Australia, you can gain valuable points by proving your English language ability on a recognized test (such as the TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS).
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- Competent English (IELTS score of 6 or equivalent): 0 points
- Proficient English (IELTS score of 7 or equivalent): 10 points
- Superior English (IELTS score of 8 or equivalent): 20 points (highest)
Skilled Employment Experience
Work experience in the field for which you have chosen to apply is a significant factor in your final score. Your industry experience, both within and outside of Australia, determines the points you receive.
Experience in Australia:
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- Less than 1 year: 0 points
- 1-2 years: 5 points
- 3-4 years: 10 points
- 5-7 years: 15 points
- 8 years or more: 20 points
Experience Outside Australia:
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- Less than 3 years: 0 points
- 3-4 years: 5 points
- 5-7 years: 10 points
- 8 years or more: 15 points
Educational Qualifications
Your educational attainment significantly influences your overall score. Advanced degrees, like a master’s or PhD, are worth more points.
- Doctorate (PhD) from an Australian institution or a recognized foreign institution: 20 points
- Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree: 15 points
- Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
- Australian award or an equivalent qualification (Certificate III or IV): 10 points
Australian Study Requirement
If you meet the two-year minimum study requirement and have studied in Australia, you can receive additional points.
- 2 academic years of study in Australia: 5 points
Partner Skills
Of course! Having a skilled spouse or partner can improve your overall points score under the Australian skilled migration points system, which might be important for your visa application. This is how it operates:
Partner Points
You gain an extra 10 points if your partner meets the requirements and has a recognized skilled occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List. If your partner is eager to relocate and enhances your application, this is also beneficial.
Partner with Skills and Qualifications (10 points):
You can receive five points if your partner shows that they are proficient in English (for example, with an IELTS score of six or higher). This suggests that they have excellent English communication skills, which are important in the Australian employment market.
Partner with Competent English (5 points):
You get a fixed 10 points if you apply as an unmarried person without a spouse. This acknowledges the independent ways in which single applicants have benefited Australia’s economy.
Single Applicants (10 points):
You get a fixed 10 points if you apply as an unmarried person without a spouse. This acknowledges the independent ways in which single applicants have benefited Australia’s economy.
Specialist Education Qualifications
Of course! Holding a specialized academic certification in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) profession might earn you extra points in the Australian skilled migration points system, which can improve your overall score. This is how it operates:
Specialist Education Qualifications
- Eligibility: You must have finished a Master’s or Doctorate degree in a STEM discipline in order to be eligible for the extra points.
- Points Awarded:If you meet this requirement, you will receive an additional ten points.
Importance of STEM Qualifications
Enhanced Competitiveness: Gaining these points, particularly in competitive categories, can raise your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.
High Demand: Australia places a high value on STEM talents because of their role in fostering innovation and economic expansion. Consequently, qualify
Professional Year in Australia
You can gain extra credit if you complete a Professional Year in Australia in a field like engineering, IT, or accounting. A professional year is a program of organized, work-based learning.
- Completion of a Professional Year: 5 points
State or Territory Nomination
If you apply for a visa that requires state or territorial nomination, you can earn extra points. If you are willing to relocate to a particular area of Australia, this is a great approach to raising your score.
- Nomination by a state or territory (subclass 190 visa): 5 points
- Regional nomination (subclass 491 visa): 15 points
Accredited Community Language
You can earn bonus points (NAATI) if you speak fluently in a language that Australia’s National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters accepts.
- Accredited in a community language: 5 points
Combinations of Work and Study in Australia
Combining Australian qualifications and work experience will help you gain more points overall. For instance, adding work experience in Australia to your Australian qualification will enhance your overall point total.
Where to Calculate Your Points?
Use the official points calculator on the Department of Home Affairs website to find your points for an Australian Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). To verify your eligibility, you can also speak with licensed immigration consultants or utilize self-evaluation resources from reliable immigration websites.
- Age: 29 years
- Points: 30 points
(Candidates aged 25-32 typically receive 30 points.)
- Points: 30 points
- English Language Proficiency: Proficient English (IELTS score of 7)
- Points: 10 points
- Work Experience: 5 years of work experience outside Australia
- Points: 10 points
(This category awards points based on the number of years in a skilled occupation.)
- Points: 10 points
- Educational Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree
- Points: 15 points
- State or Territory Nomination: Nominated under subclass 190
- Points: 5 points
Total Points Calculation
- Age: 30 points
- English Proficiency: 10 points
- Work Experience: 10 points
- Bachelor’s Degree: 15 points
- State Nomination: 5 points
Total: 30 + 10 + 10 + 15 + 5 = 70 points
FAQ
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What is the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)?
There is a points-based visa known as the talented Independent visa (subclass 189) for talented professionals who wish to live and work permanently in Australia. Candidates must obtain a minimum number of points based on a number of factors.
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How is the points system structured?
The points system evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience, educational qualifications, and partner skills.
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How many points can I earn for my age?
Points awarded for age vary:
18-24 years: 25 points
25-32 years: 30 points (highest)
33-39 years: 25 points
40-44 years: 15 points