. The Australian government uses a points-based system to assess eligibility for Skilled Migration Visas, such as the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) and Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa). The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a visa.
So, how can you maximize your points and improve your odds of success? Below are some proven strategies to help you boost your points and strengthen your visa application.
1.Improve Your English Language Proficiency
One of the most impactful ways to increase your points is by improving your English language skills. The Australian points system awards up to 20 points based on your English proficiency level. The higher your score on recognized English language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, the more points you can earn.
Points for English Proficiency:
- Competent English: 0 points
- Proficient English: 10 points
- Superior English: 20 points
Actionable Tip: Aim to achieve “Superior English” by thoroughly preparing for your chosen English language test. Consider enrolling in language courses or using online resources to improve your test performance. Even a small improvement in your English test score can significantly impact your total points.
2.Gain More Skilled Employment Experience
Your work experience is another critical factor in the points system. The Australian government rewards applicants with substantial skilled employment experience, both within Australia and overseas.
Points for Skilled Employment:
- Overseas Work Experience:
- 3 to 5 years: 5 points
- 5 to 8 years: 10 points
- 8+ years: 15 points
- Australian Work Experience:
- 1 to 3 years: 5 points
- 3 to 5 years: 10 points
- 5 to 8 years: 15 points
- 8+ years: 20 points
Actionable Tip: To maximize your points, continue gaining relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related field. Ensure that your work experience is well-documented with reference letters, pay slips, and employment contracts, as these will be crucial during the Skills Assessment process.
3.Advance Your Educational Qualifications
Higher educational qualifications can significantly boost your points. The points system rewards applicants who have completed degrees or diplomas from recognized institutions.
Points for Educational Qualifications:
- Doctorate: 20 points
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: 15 points
- Australian Diploma or Trade Qualification: 10 points
Actionable Tip: Consider pursuing higher education if you haven’t already achieved the highest qualification available in your field. A Doctorate, for example, can add the maximum 20 points to your score. If you’re currently studying, focus on completing your degree to increase your eligibility.
4.Complete a Professional Year in Australia
Completing a Professional Year in Australia is an excellent way to gain additional points. A Professional Year is a structured program that combines formal learning with workplace experience, typically lasting 12 months. It’s available in fields such as Accounting, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Engineering.
Points for Completing a Professional Year: 5 points
Actionable Tip: If you’re in a field where a Professional Year is available, enrolling in and completing the program can be a smart move to gain extra points. It also enhances your employability by providing you with valuable Australian work experience.
5.Secure State or Territory Nomination
If you’re applying for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), receiving a nomination from an Australian state or territory can automatically add 5 points to your score. Each state and territory has its own list of in-demand occupations and specific eligibility criteria for nomination.
Points for State or Territory Nomination: 5 points
Actionable Tip: Research the state or territory nomination requirements that match your skills and occupation. Apply for nomination in a state or territory where your occupation is in demand. Securing a nomination not only adds points but also increases your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a visa.
6.Leverage Partner Skills
If you have a partner, their skills can contribute to your points as well. Your partner must meet specific criteria, including age, English proficiency, and having a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the same list as yours.
Points for Partner Skills:
- Partner with skills assessment, English proficiency, and under 45 years of age: 10 points
- Partner with competent English only: 5 points
- No partner or partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident: 10 points
Actionable Tip: If your partner meets the criteria, ensure they also undergo a skills assessment and an English proficiency test. This can contribute up to 10 additional points, which can be crucial in reaching the points threshold.
7.Study in Regional Australia
Australia encourages migration to regional areas by offering additional points for those who have studied in designated regional areas. If you’ve completed your education in one of these areas, you can earn extra points.
Points for Regional Study: 5 points
Actionable Tip: If you’re planning to study in Australia, consider enrolling in a course located in a regional area. Not only will this add points to your application, but living in a regional area may also offer additional benefits, such as a lower cost of living and a more relaxed lifestyle.
8.Obtain a Credentialled Community Language Qualification
If you are fluent in a community language, getting credentialed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) can add to your points tally.
Points for Credentialled Community Language: 5 points
Actionable Tip: If you speak a language other than English, consider obtaining a NAATI accreditation. This is a relatively straightforward way to gain extra points, especially if you already have language skills.
Points Table Overview: Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Here’s a quick breakdown of the points you can earn in various categories under the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190):
Age
- 18-24 years: 25 points
- 25-32 years: 30 points
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-44 years: 15 points
English Language Skills
- Competent English: 0 points
- Proficient English: 10 points
- Superior English: 20 points
Skilled Employment Experience (Overseas)
- 3 to 5 years: 5 points
- 5 to 8 years: 10 points
- 8+ years: 15 points
Skilled Employment Experience (Australia)
- 1 to 3 years: 5 points
- 3 to 5 years: 10 points
- 5 to 8 years: 15 points
- 8+ years: 20 points
Educational Qualifications
- Doctorate: 20 points
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: 15 points
- Australian Diploma or Trade Qualification: 10 points
Specialist Education Qualification
- Master’s by research or Doctorate in a relevant field: 10 points
Australian Study Requirement
- Meet Australian study requirement: 5 points
Professional Year in Australia
- Completion of Professional Year in a specified field: 5 points
Credentialled Community Language
- NAATI credential: 5 points
Study in Regional Australia
- Study in designated regional area: 5 points
Partner Skills
- Partner with skills assessment, English proficiency, and under 45 years: 10 points
- Partner with competent English only: 5 points
- Single or partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident: 10 points
State or Territory Nomination (Subclass 190)
- State or territory nomination: 5 points
Conclusion: Maximize Your Points to Enhance Your Visa Application
Increasing your points is a crucial strategy to improve your chances of securing an Australian Skilled Visa. By focusing on areas such as English proficiency, skilled employment, education, and partner skills, you can significantly boost your points and strengthen your application.
At Migration Guru Pty Ltd, we specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of the points system and achieve their migration goals. Whether you need advice on improving your points or assistance with your visa application, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Ready to boost your points and enhance your visa application? Contact Migration Guru Pty Ltd today!
- Website: www.migrationguru.com.au
- LinkedIn: Migration Guru Pty Ltd
- Facebook: Migration Guru
- Email: info@migrationguru.com.au
- Phone: +61-0730363800
Your journey to Australia starts with the right strategy—let us help you get there!
