The dream of starting a new life in a whole new country is something most of us have thought of. One such country we will be talking about is Australia. The attractive lifestyle and plenty of job opportunities in Australia that you hear about are actually pretty true. This is the reason why so many individuals plan to start their new careers and new lives in a country like Australia.
Are you also dreaming of calling Australia your home, but are a bit hesitant and confused about the immigration process? Relax, you are not alone, everyone goes through the same phase.
The most important thing that can make or break your dream of migrating to Australia. Having better pay, a peaceful environment, and a better lifestyle is Australia’s point-based system used for skilled migration.
Now, you must be wondering what this point-based migration is.
Let me give a brief introduction of what it actually is. The Australian government uses a point-based system to decide who can and who cannot come to Australia. The points granted to migration applicants vary depending on various factors like- age, work experience, education, and sponsorship.
In this blog, we will discuss what a point-based system is, and why it is so crucial for Australian Skilled Visas. And how you can score well, to accomplish your dream of living your dream life in Australia.
I won’t take much of your time, let’s dive deeper into the topic and see the details.
Let’s go!
Understanding the Australian Points System
The point-based system is used by most of the Australian skilled migration visa types. Which also includes- subclass 189 (Skilled Independent visa), subclass 190 (skilled nominated visa), & subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa).
In the point-based system, points are awarded to applicants based on their age, English language proficiency, work experience, education, and sponsorship. Each of these factors is considered while evaluating points for applicants. You will need to meet a minimum threshold in order to qualify for the visa type you want to apply for. For now, the minimum points you require to qualify for your visa type is 65.
And if you have a high score, you can also apply for permanent residency in Australia!
Sounds of your interest, right?
Let’s know how you will be awarded based on your age, language proficiency, skills, and education:
| criteria | Points |
| Age (18-24 years) | 25 |
| Age (25-32 years) | 30 |
| Age (33-39 years) | 25 |
| Age (40-44 years) | 15 |
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
| Overseas Work Experience (3-5 years) | 5 |
| Overseas Work Experience (8+ years) | 15 |
| Australian Work Experience (1-2 years) | 5 |
| Australian Work Experience (8+ years) | 20 |
| Educational Qualifications (Bachelor’s degree) | 15 |
| Doctorate from an Australian institution or other recognised standard | 20 |
| Australian study requirement (2 years) | 5 |
| Specialist Education Qualification | 5 |
| Partner skills | 10 |
| Professional Year in Australia (12 months) | 5 |
| Credentialed community language | 5 |
| State or Territory nomination (visa subclass 190) | 5 |
Why Is the Points System Crucial?
Alignment with economic needs
The market scenario of Australia is quite insignificant and is constantly changing. Where some areas have a significant number of skilled professionals, the other areas are facing skill shortages. In order to meet the skill shortage in the Australian market, the government has introduced this point-based system.
Still, how will this point system help tackle skill shortage?
Let me explain with an example. If the IT industry or finance sector is in demand. The point-based system will favor migration applicants with these skills. This will make sure that there is no skill shortage, and that the sector is capable of meeting new challenges.
Encourage your talent
The Australian economy needs young applicants in its marketplace. As new, fresh applicants are more capable of providing for the economy. So, the point system favors those applicants who have relevant necessary skills and are under the age group of 25 and 32.
This point system is a strategic approach of the Australian government. Young adults are more capable of contributing to the workforce for an extended period.
Promotes High Educational Standards
The more educated you are, the more qualified you are, and the more points you are awarded. If you have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s, or a postgraduate degree you are awarded with higher points than applicants with no such qualifications.
This point system is to ensure that the applicants who are entering Australia through skilled migration programs are educated enough. And are well-prepared to handle complex job roles.
Supports Regional Development
Australia’s Regional Migration Programs are solely built in order to meet the skill shortage in the regional areas. And also to boost population growth in less populated areas of Australia. So, if you are planning to apply for a regional migration program, you will be receiving points incentives.
That means you will receive additional points. Which will help you migrate easily, and help such areas to attract skilled workers and boost economic activity.
This will in turn reduce the concentration of population in the major metropolitan cities to countryside regional areas of Australia.
Ensures Language Proficiency
If you plan to live and work in Australia, the first thing you need to know is the language. You are not only required to know the language but also have a strong foundation in the language. The points are awarded on the basis of how good one is in the English language.
If you have a higher score on English proficiency tests, like IELTS or PTE, you are more likely to score higher points.
Key Factors Influencing the Points System:
- Age: The first thing that influences how many points you will gain is your “AGE”. The younger you are, the more points you are awarded, and these points decrease with your age. Why? The Australian economy needs young applicants in its marketplace. As new, fresh applicants are more capable of providing for the economy.
- Education Qualifications: If you own a bachelor’s, master’s, or postgraduate degree you will receive more points. Especially when you have completed these degrees from Australian institutions. This is to ensure that the applicants who are entering Australia through skilled migration programs are educated enough. And are well-prepared to handle complex job roles.
- Work Experience: Work experience and the points you score are directly connected. That means, if you have a strong work experience of years you will score more points, and if you have less work experience you will score less. In this criteria, it doesn’t matter if you have both overseas and Australian work experience. You will receive points accordingly. This is to ensure that migrants possess the practical skills needed to excel in their chosen fields.
- Language Proficiency: Language skills are assessed through standardized tests, and high scores result in more points. This factor not only ensures better integration but also enhances workplace communication.
Conclusion
Though we have covered everything you need to know about point-based systems, and why points are crucial for Australian Skilled Visas, in this blog. It is important for you to fulfill all the conditions before applying for Australia’s skilled migration visa. Make sure you possess the right amount of skills, and requirements to acquire your Australian visa.
