Australia is a beautiful country and many people dream of living there permanently. To apply for an Australian Visa like Visa 189, 190, or 491 under the General Skilled Migration category, you need to have a high score in Australia PR Points.
The points you get are based on various factors, such as age, education, work experience, and language ability. Clearing NAATI or studying in regional low population areas can also earn you extra points.
Understanding Australia PR Points System
Australia PR Points are a key factor that determines how early you can lodge an Express of Interest. The points you earn are based on your age, work experience, English language skills, education and your spouse’s qualifications and English skills.
Besides these, you get additional points if your occupation is on the skilled migration list, if your spouse is under 45 years of age and has good language and skill assessment and if you obtain state nomination for visa subclass 190 and 491.
The best way to boost your points is to retake the English language test to improve your score. A professional English trainer can give you tips and tricks to crack the test in the shortest time.
In the education section, a complete specialized post-graduation degree can claim you 10 points. The points also increase if you study in regional Australia or a low population area. You can also earn points if you know a community language or have a master’s by research or a doctorate degree from an Australian institution and have at least two academic years in your field of study.
Points Allocation Categories
Australia uses a points system to assess and rank applicants for permanent residency visas. A high score on the points test enables you to get an invitation to apply (ITA) for a visa in one of the three major skilled independent visas: visa subclass 189, 190 and 491.
You can claim up to 20 points for skilled employment in Australia or overseas, with the highest amount being awarded for the most senior occupation. You can also earn up to 15 points for your education. For this, you must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an Australian educational institution that includes two academic years in STEM fields, or a Master’s or Doctorate with specialisation in certain areas.
In addition to these, you can also claim up to 10 points for your spouse’s age, language proficiency and positive skills assessment. You can even gain additional points if your occupation is in demand in a specific state or territory. You can find more information on the specific points allocation criteria for each of these factors in our Australia PR Points Calculator.
Strategies to Maximize Australia PR Points
Getting Australia PR points is a big deal as it can be the difference between an early and a late invitation round. The number of points required varies by occupation and is based on the relevant skill set in demand in Australia. The MLTSSL and STSOL are the two major skill lists that determine the in-demand occupations for skilled migrants.
Aside from your job, the age and work experience of you and your partner also play a significant role in your Australia PR points score. You can obtain extra points if you are under the age of 32 or 45. You can also obtain additional points if you have at least 08 years of relevant work experience.
Another factor that can increase your Australia PR points is clearing a good mark on an English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, CAE or PTE Academic. These tests evaluate your English skills and rank them as superior, proficient or competent. Moreover, you can also gain points for working in a regional low population area or studying a course for 2 years at an Australian university.
Minimum Points Requirement and Invitation Rounds
Applicants applying for Australia PR are assessed on a points-based system. They submit their expression of interest in the Skill Select system and earn points based on various criteria, including age, work experience, education, English language ability, etc. The cumulative score must reach 60 points or more to get invited to apply for a visa. Moreover, there are several ways that an applicant can enhance his or her score.
The most obvious way to score additional points is by achieving a better score on the English language test. Getting 8 or above on the IELTS can get you 10 points. Similarly, scoring a higher level of education will get you more points. A Master’s by research or a Doctorate from an Australian university can give you 5 additional points.
Another way to score more points is through state or family sponsorship. Obtaining a visa through this pathway can boost your chances of getting an invitation to apply much quicker than others. It also allows you to enjoy all the social benefits that Australia offers.
Additional Points for Niche Criteria
Niche markets are a subset of a larger audience that your business caters to. These consumers are likely to respond to targeted messaging that speaks directly to their needs. This may include messaging that focuses on alleviating specific pain points or making it easier for them to achieve certain goals.
Another factor that can help you earn points is education. The more specialized the post-graduation qualification, the more points you can claim. For example, a doctorate degree is worth 20 points while a Bachelors’ and Master’s degree is worth 15 points each.
Applicants can also earn points for work experience. Those with ten years of skilled employment in a nominated occupation on either the MLTSSL or STSOL can get up to 30 points. However, employment days must be counted backward from the date of your application to qualify.
Those who score at least 65 points are eligible for an Australia PR visa. You can also improve your chances by retaking the English language test and getting a sponsorship from a relative/state or employer. Consult with a GTI expert for personalized advice on the best ways to maximize your points.