People from all over the world travel to Australia in search of new opportunities and a higher standard of living. Knowing the ins and outs of the Australian points system can greatly improve your chances of being granted a visa to Australia.
This post will help you understand the Australian points system, provide advice on how to increase your score and discuss the role of migration agents in Australia in helping you navigate this complex process.
Overview of the Australian Points System
The Australian points system is a method used by the Department of Home Affairs to evaluate visa applicants based on various factors, such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Points are assigned to each factor, and applicants must meet a minimum points threshold to be considered for a visa.
A score of 65 or above is required to pass Australia's immigration points test. There are different relative weights assigned to the various test areas.
The key criteria used in the Australian points system include the following:
Age
When deciding whether or not to grant you an Australian visa, your age will be considered. Some visas to Australia have rigorous age requirements that applicants must satisfy to be considered.
Younger candidates have a better chance of being selected since they are rewarded more points. Those between the ages of 25 and 32 are eligible for the maximum age bonus of 30 points.
Some visas, such as those for skilled migrants, have strict age requirements. There are no such restrictions for anyone seeking a tourist visa.
Proficiency in the English Language
Each level of English competence earns a certain number of points, up to a maximum of 20 for really high-level proficiency.
Professional Work Background
Australian and international job experience are equally valued. More years of experience in the field are worth more points.
Educational Qualifications
Earning a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate, among others, might get you bonus points. Qualifications pertinent to those on the Skilled Occupation List will gain you bonus points.
Standards for Australian Universities
Applicants with a certificate, diploma, or trade qualification earned in Australia will be given preference. If an applicant has earned a qualification from an Australian school, they will receive 5 bonus points. An Australian university or college is required for this certification. There should have been a minimum of two years spent on the programme.
Australian Professional Year
If an applicant has completed a Professional Year in Australia within the past four years, they receive an additional 5 points. The Professional Year is an organised programme for career advancement that combines classroom instruction with practical work experience. The specified profession or a closely similar one must have been worked in during the professional year.
Australian study and Regional Australian Study
Applicants who complete at least a two-year Australian study requirement will be granted an additional 5 points. Further 5 points will be granted to those applicants who completed their Australian study in a designated regional area.
Competence in an Accredited Language
If the applicant can demonstrate competency in a language recognised by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI), they will be awarded bonus points.
Partner Skills
It's possible for a visa application to get a boost if the applicant's spouse or partner also qualifies under the program's minimum standards.
State or Family Nomination
Applicants who are supported by a regional Australian government or by Australian family members will be given additional points after they obtain a state or family nomination.
Calculation of Points
The total number of points is based on the sum of the points given for each criterion. Someone who is 30 years old, has a Bachelor's degree, five years of experience in a relevant field, and excellent command of the English language, for instance, would be eligible for:
- 30 points for age
- 15 points for educational qualifications
- 10 points for skilled work experience
- 10 points for English proficiency
The candidate would then have 65 points in total. The higher points you have, the more chance you will have to be invited to apply for a points-based visa pathway.
Strategies for Increasing Your Points Total
Think about the following tips to improve your chances of success:
- Put your English skills to the test and fulfil some of Australia's educational requirements by studying here.
- Acquire more relevant job experience in Australia as well as abroad.
- Take English classes or examinations to raise your level of English ability.
- Get your degree, preferably in a field on the Skilled Occupation List.
- Gain NAATI recognition by studying a second language.
The Role of Migration Agents in Improving Australian Visa Opportunities
If you want to immigrate to Australia, you must learn the ins and outs of the Australian points system.
If you need help figuring out the points system or increasing your chances of approval, a migration agent in Australia is a great resource. They can assist you in understanding the requirements, compiling the required paperwork, and submitting a complete visa application.
If you want sound guidance from an expert, consider an immigration agent in Brisbane who the government officially recognises.
