Australia is one of the most popular countries to migrate and settle in. It offers various visas to allow skilled overseas workers to move and settle there permanently. Many of these visas are based on the Australia PR Points system which is a points-based evaluation of an applicant.
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This blog will help you understand Australia PR Points and how they affect your application for Permanent Residence.
Understanding Australia PR Points System
Every year, thousands of foreign nationals get an Australia Permanent Residency (PR) through a points-based pathway. The Australian PR point system includes several factors to calculate a candidate’s score. This information helps the Australian government invite only the top candidates to apply for the visa.
Besides the nominated skilled occupation and the age. Other major factors that boost an applicant’s score include work experience in Australia in the same or a similar skilled occupation. The level of study, degree qualification, and diploma qualification. And English language ability. Moreover, an employer sponsorship in the case of 189 and 190 visas, and state nomination in the case of 491 visas, attract extra points.
Having a high score on the SkillSelect visa application portal increases your chances of receiving an ITA (Invitation to Apply) for a 190 or 189 visa, and thus, getting the Australia PR visa. A registered and experienced Aptech Visa Australia immigration consultant can help you achieve a better score through professional guidance and expert advice. Contact us today to get started!
Points Allocation Categories
Australia uses a points-based system to determine the eligibility of migrants seeking Permanent Residence. The higher the total score, the better your chances of obtaining an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Australian immigration department.
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The main categories under which Australia awards points are age, education, English language proficiency and work experience. However, there are several niche criteria that can also boost your score.
These include a master’s degree or doctorate from an Australian educational institution, study in regional Australia (not including metropolitan cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) or passing the Australian English language proficiency test.
Applicants who have a spouse with strong language proficiency or who are sponsored by a state or territory government get an additional 10 points in the overall assessment. In addition, retaking the English language test or getting a positive skill assessment can also improve your score.
To ensure that your application has the best chance of success, consult with a professional visa and immigration expert for personalized advice. At Kansas Overseas Careers, their team of consultants can evaluate your profile and provide you with comprehensive guidance.
Strategies to Maximize Australia PR Points
Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for overseas students. Its high living standards and promising future prospects attract thousands of applicants to the country each year. The country also offers a number of benefits for its residents.
Among these, some of the most important ones are employment opportunities and access to healthcare services. It also provides a pathway to citizenship. Acquiring permanent residency, or PR, in the country is not only possible but can be quite easy for many.
International students who complete a course that is associated with a particular occupation that is listed on the Australian Skilled Occupation List have a higher chance of receiving PR. Similarly, students who fulfil the 2-year study requirement in regional areas can earn extra points.
A high IELTS score also helps applicants receive bonus points. Another way to gain more points is through state or territory nomination. Lastly, working in Australia for 2 years or more gives additional points. In addition, those who become accredited translators or interpreters through NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) can claim 5 additional points.
Minimum Points Requirement and Invitation Rounds
The Department of Home Affairs, Australia (DHA) recently conducted the first SkillSelect invitation round for 2022-2023 visa programs on August 22, 2022. In this round, DHA invited record 12,666 applicants to apply for both the Skilled Independent visa Subclass 189 and Employer Sponsored visa (Subclass 190) in order to move to Australia.
The minimum points requirement for obtaining an invite in this round was 65 points. However, applicants scoring below this mark can still receive an invite based on other factors like EOI age, education, work experience etc.
DHA considers several factors to determine which applicants will be offered an invitation in the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 and Employer Sponsored Visa Subclass 190 categories.
Among these, the highest ranked individuals and those with more points are given priority over the lower ones. This is done to help the skilled migrants who are most needed in Australia. It is also important to note that occupation ceilings and quotas set by State Governments are taken into consideration. Therefore, it is essential to know the criteria for each state before lodging your EOI.
Additional Points for Niche Criteria
Australia is a popular destination for skilled migrants. The country offers a range of immigration pathways and the minimum requirement for the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is 65 points in the Skillselect point calculator. The higher your score, the faster you’ll be invited to apply for permanent residency.
In addition to achieving the minimum point requirement, you can also claim additional points for specific niche criteria. These include work experience and education in demand in Australia. For example, if your occupation is listed in either of the two major skill lists – MLTSSL or STSOL – you’ll be eligible to claim 15 points for work experience.
Similarly, if you’ve completed your studies in a field that is in demand in Australia. You can claim 10 extra points for education criteria. However, it’s important to note that your study and work experience must be relevant to your ANZSCO code to earn these points. Also, you’ll need to take an English test from a recognized body like IELTS or PTE to qualify for these points.
