Australia’s points-based system has been decades in development.

It began in the post war years as a “populate or perish” policy, but from the mid-1990s the focus shifted away from family reunion towards skilled migration, based on points.

The skilled migration stream controls the number and type of workers accepted into the country, and, according to the department of immigration and border protection, is “specifically designed to target migrants who have skills or outstanding abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy”.

Skilled migration now makes up about two-thirds of the 190,000 non-humanitarian places in Australia’s annual migration program. Most of the remainder is family reunion.

How do you get points?

Only about half of Australia’s skilled visas are subject to a points-based assessment to meet a ‘pass mark’. Points are awarded across a number of factors, including:

• age;
• proficiency in English;
• educational qualifications;
• employment experience; and
• skills of an accompanying partner

Applicants who are young, highly skilled, have work experience and strong English score highest.

For example?

An applicant for the skilled independent visa (subclass 189) requires 60 points. Being aged 25 to 32 would attract 30 points (older applicants earn fewer points). Competent English would attract 0 points, but “proficient” skill gives you 10 and with “superior” English you win 20. Skilled work experience outside Australia would be worth up to 15 points for eight to 10 years. A doctorate from an institution recognised by Australia would attract 20 points, a bachelor’s degree 15. A skilled partner would attract five points.

What visas and migrants don’t need points?

The points system does not apply to all migration – skilled or otherwise.

Visas such as those issued under the employer-nominated scheme do not require a points test. These are offered to professions which are deemed to be in demand in Australia, including doctors and nurses, tradespeople such as plumbers and mechanics, and engineers.

Australia’s humanitarian migration program for refugees and other humanitarian entrants – currently set at 16,250 places a year – does not apply a points system, either.

What are the strengths of the system?

The assessment is a fair, clear, and transparent test for entry into Australia, and gives the government the ability to control economic migration and to steer it towards areas needed for long-term growth.

For more information about Australian skilled migration system, please get in touch with us at info@australasiaeduconnect.com.au.