Australia is one of the most popular places for skilled workers to try to find work abroad. The nation’s immigration system is meant to bring in people who can help the economy, and it uses a point-based method to evaluate and choose applicants for its Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). This method says that you need to get at least 65 points to be able to get a work visa for Australia.
The point system takes into account things like age, schooling, work experience, how well you speak English, and more. Each of these things has a certain amount of weight, and knowing how they affect your total score can help you do your best.
Let us look at how you can get enough points, section by section, to meet or beat the basic requirement.
How to Score Points for Australian Work Visa?
Below is a breakdown of the categories and the weightage each section holds in helping you reach the minimum points required for visa eligibility:
Age
Among the points, the applicant’s age is one of the most important ones. People who are younger are given more points because they are thought to have a longer-term ability to contribute to the workforce
- 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 main language in Australia, showing that you can speak and write it well on a recognized test like the IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL can help you get better grades.
- 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
A big part of your points total is work experience in the job you’re applying for. How many years you’ve worked in your field, whether in or outside of Australia, is what gives you points.
Experience in Australia:
- 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:
- 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 level of schooling has a big effect on how many points you get for the Australian Work Visa. More points are given for higher qualifications:
- Doctorate (PhD) from an Australian or recognized foreign institution: 20 points
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree: 15 points
- Diploma or Trade Qualification: 10 points
- Australian Award or Equivalent (Certificate III or IV): 10 points
Australian Study Requirement
Having studied in Australia can earn you extra points as long as you met the two-year study standard.
- 2 academic years of study in Australia: 5 points
Read Also: Australian Work Visa Types – Opportunities for Foreigner Workers
Partner Skills
You can also get more points if you have a skilled partner or lover. Your partner must be a certain age, speak English well, and have a skilled job.
- Partner with skills and qualifications: 10 points
- Partner with competent English: 5 points
- Single applicants: 10 points
Specialist Education Qualifications
If you finish a specialized education course in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM), you can get extra points:
- Specialist Education Qualification (Master’s or Doctorate in STEM fields): 10 points
Professional Year in Australia
You can get extra points if you do a Professional Year in Australia in a field like engineering, IT, or accounting. There is an organized way to learn through work called a Professional Year.
- Completion of a Professional Year: 5 points
State or Territory Nomination
You can get more points if you ask for a visa that needs to be sponsored by a state or territory. If you want to settle down in a certain part of Australia, this is a great way to raise your score.
- Nomination by a state or territory (subclass 190 visa): 5 points
- Regional nomination (subclass 491 visa): 15 points
Study in a Regional Area
You can get more points if you do your studies in a regional place in Australia. The goal of this program is to get skilled immigrants to move to parts of the country with fewer people:
- Study in a Regional Area: 5 points
Accredited Community Language
As an added bonus, if you speak a language that is approved by Australia’s National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI), you will get extra points.
- Accredited in a community language: 5 points
Combinations of Work and Study in Australia
This can help you get more points overall if you have both Australian work experience and education. For instance, getting both an Australian education and work experience in the country will help you get more points.
Where to Calculate Your Points?
Use the points tool on the Department of Home Affairs website to figure out how many points you need for an Australian Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). To find out if you are eligible, you can also talk to a qualified migration agent or use self-assessment tools on reputable immigration websites.
Example of Point Calculation
To illustrate how points are calculated, consider the following profile:
- Age: 29 years (30 points)
- English Proficiency (IELTS score of 7): 10 points
- Work Experience: 5 years outside Australia: 10 points
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree: 15 points
- State or Territory Nomination (subclass 190): 5 points
Total: 70 points – This person has more than the minimum of 65 points, so they have a good chance of being invited to apply for an Australian work visa!
Conclusion:
One way for skilled people to help the Australian economy is through the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). You can improve your chances of getting this visa by learning about the point-based system and strategically gaining points based on your age, schooling, work experience, and other factors. You can use tools like the points calculator on the Department of Home Affairs website, and you might also want to talk to a migration agent for more specialized help. You can improve your chances of getting a work visa and starting your job in Australia if you plan and prepare well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points do I need to qualify for the visa?
You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189).
What factors are considered in the point-based system?
Points are given based on age, ability to speak and understand English, skilled work experience, educational qualifications, partner skills, expert education qualifications, and nomination from a state or territory.
