Thursday, July 10, 2014

Step 1-a: Points test

Points test is a test where you will be awarded certain points based on your age, qualification, English proficiency, experience etc. This test is used by Australia to select people with correct skills and attributes. You can roughly calculate your points based on the below chart to check if you qualify for the immigration program. Minimum points needed are 60 and are subjective to change by the Immigration Department.

Note that these points actually matter at the later stage, so your points may differ later based on your age and experience at that point of time. 
Age (at the time of invitation)
18-24
25
25-32
30
33-39
25
40-44
15
English language competency level
**Grade required in each section and not overall/average
Competent English - IELTS 6 / OET B
0
Proficient English - IELTS 7 / OET B
10
Superior English - IELTS 8 / OET A
20
Overseas experience (not in Australia) in past 10 years in nominated skilled occupation or a closely related skilled occupation
3 to less than 5 years
5
5 to less than 8 years
10
8+ years
15
Australian work experience in nominated occupation or a closely related occupation
1 to less than 3 years
5
3 to less than 5 years
10
5 to less than 8 years
15
8+ years
20
Qualification (Australian or recognised overseas) 
Diploma completed in Australia, trade qualification completed in Australia, or qualification or award of recognized standard
10
At least a Bachelor degree, including a Bachelor degree with Honors or Masters, from an Australian educational institution or other degree of a recognized standard
15
Doctorate from an Australian educational institution or other Doctorate of a recognized standard
20
Additional
Credentialed community language qualifications (The points are awarded to applicants accredited by NAATI as a translator or interpreter at the Paraprofessional level or above)
5
Partner skill qualifications (Partner must also be accessed by the relevant governing body with skill listed in SOL)
5
Professional Year completion, for a period of at least 12 months in the four year period immediately before the day on which the invitation was issued
5
Study in regional Australia or in a low population growth metropolitan area (excluding distance education)
5
Nomination/Sponsorship
Nomination by State or Territory government (visa subclass 190 only)
5
Nomination by State or Territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member, for residing and working in a specified/designated area (visa subclass 489 only)
10

Alternatively, you can check the points test details on Immigration website - http://www.immi.gov.au/Work/Pages/Work.aspxOn the left panel, click visas and from the dropdown select your relevant visa. For example, for 189 skilled independent – choose Permanent work visas>189 Skilled Independent
In the Centre page bottom half, you will find tabs. Check out the tab for Points Test


These points will be used when you will be applying for EOI after skill evaluation. Invitations to lodge visa are sent out based on the points – higher points gets invited first and people with same points are invited on first come first serve basis. The points that you calculate now may vary at the time of Invitation. That is, if your age is 32 now for which you get 30 points and you turn 33 at the time of invitation or before, your points will be deducted by 5 as for age now you are eligible for 25 points.

Also, based on this rough calculation, you can plan on the areas where you can improve your points like IELTS, partner skill qualifications if applicable.


Also, if you apply for state sponsorship (190 visa) you get an additional 5 points. 

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