Skilled Migration Point Calculation

The points test for permanent residence is one of the most important factors for student visa holders to carve their success through the transition towards permanent residence in Australia. It can be extremely confusing, and without the knowledge of which can lead to wrong decisions and missed opportunities.

The points test is applicable for the general skilled migration visas, namely the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489), Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), and Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). The required threshold for being eligible for the above mentioned visas is 60 points as required by Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). The visa applicants can acquire their points required through any of the criterion that can award points for the visa application process.

However, the applicants must have competent English for being eligible for the points tested visas and below age 50 unless exemptions apply (in very limited conditions). Also for the skilled visas, the applicants need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and wait for the invitation by DIBP to apply for these visas. Please also note that the applicants who have submitted EOI and waiting for the invitation by DIBP to apply for the visa have to hold a valid visa before they can apply for further visa.

Below are explanations about how the points system works and how the visa applicants would be able to get the required points for being eligible for the skilled visa applications:

The points table

Age Points
18-24 years 25
25-32 years 30
33-39 years 25
40-44 years 15
English Points
Competent English 0
Proficient English 10
Superior English 20

How can I prove I have competent English?

To prove that you have competent English you must provide evidence of one of the following:

  • You hold a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland and you are a citizen of that country.
  • You have achieved a score of at least 6 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application.
  • You have achieved a score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four test components of an Occupational English Test (OET) that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application.
  • You have achieved the following minimum test scores in each of the four test components: 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking, in a Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) test that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application.
  • You have achieved a test score of at least 50 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in a Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application.
  • You have achieved a test score of at least 169 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in a Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test that has been undertaken on or after 1 January 2015 and prior to lodging the visa application.

How can I prove I have proficient English?

To prove that you have proficient English you must provide evidence of one of the following:

  • You have achieved a score of at least 7 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application.
  • You have achieved a score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four test components of an Occupational English Test (OET) that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application.
  • You have achieved the following minimum test scores in each of the four test components: 24 for listening , 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking, in a Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) test that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application.
  • You have achieved a test score of at least 65 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in a Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application.
  • You have achieved a test score of at least 185 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in a Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test that has been undertaken on or after January 2015 and prior to lodging the visa application.

How can I prove I have superior English?

To prove that you have superior English you must provide evidence of one of the following:
  • You have achieved a score of at least 8 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application.
  • You have achieved a score of ‘A’ in each of the four test components of an Occupational English Test (OET) that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application.
  • You have achieved the following minimum test scores in each of the four test components: 28 for listening, 29 for reading, 30 for writing and 26 for speaking, in a Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) test that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application.
  • You have achieved a test score of at least 79 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in a Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application.
  • You have achieved a test score of at least 200 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in a Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test that has been undertaken on or after January 2015 and prior to lodging the visa application.
Skilled employment in the last 10 years outside Australia Points
Less than 3 years 0
3-4 years 5
5-7 years 10
8-10 years 15
Skilled employment in the last 10 years in Australia Points
Less than 1 year 0
1-2 years 5
3-4 years 10
5-7 years 15
8-10 years 20

2015

Qualifications Points
A Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution or a Doctorate from another educational institution that is of a recognized standard. 10
A Bachelor degree from an Australian educational institution or a Bachelor qualification, from another educational institution that is of a recognized standard.
A diploma or trade qualification completed in Australia
An award or qualification recognized by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation. 10
Australian study requirement Points
At least one degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution that meets the Australian study requirement 5
Specialist education qualification Points
A Masters degree by research or a Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution that included at least two academic years in a relevant field. 5
Other Points
Accredited in a community language 5
Study in regional Australia or a low population growth metropolitan area that meets the Australian study requirement 5
Partner skill qualifications 5
Professional year in Australia 5

Source: DIBP Website

Points Test for Permanent Residence has tried to cover all the possibilities you can consider in determining your points before lodging an application. Please call us on 0385601984 or 0402247131 or send email: info@maximuseducation.com.au for further enquiries.