Australia is both one of the smallest continents and one of the largest countries in the world. Beyond its iconic kangaroos, it boasts a rich cultural diversity and an excellent work-life balance, making it a top choice for skilled professionals.
As a result, skilled professionals from around the globe choose to immigrate to Australia each year. To be eligible for the Australian Immigration Program, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 65 points on the Australia PR Points Calculator.
If you're looking to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia, one of the most crucial factors in determining your eligibility is the points system. Australia follows a point-based immigration process that helps assess whether you meet the requirements for different visa categories.
This guide will provide you through the Australia PR Points Calculator, the Australia Skilled Immigration Points Calculator, and key aspects of the immigration process.
Australia Immigration Process - A Brief Insight
Australia offers a variety of pathways for skilled workers who wish to immigrate. The process begins with the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) and culminates in the granting of a Permanent Residency (PR) visa.
To qualify for a PR visa, applicants must meet specific criteria, including obtaining a certain score on the Australia PR Points Calculator, which assesses various factors like age, work experience, English language proficiency, education, and other factors.
Most Opted Australian Immigration Pathways
Australia offers a variety of immigration pathways designed to attract skilled workers from around the world. These pathways are essential for individuals who possess qualifications and experience that are in demand in Australia's labor market. Skilled migration plays a significant role in Australia immigration policy, as it helps fill skill shortages in key industries. Below are the most commonly opted pathways for skilled workers seeking Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia:
1. Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is one of the most popular and flexible immigration options for skilled workers who do not have a sponsor or state nomination. This visa allows applicants to live and work in Australia permanently.
Key Features:
No employer or state sponsorship is required, making it ideal for those who don't have a connection with an Australian state or territory.
Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and meet the required points threshold based on the Australia PR Points Calculator.
You can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia, and your family members can also be included in the application.
A valid skills assessment in an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is required to apply.
Eligibility Criteria:
The applicant must be aged between 18 and 44 years.
You must have at least competent English language proficiency.
A positive skills assessment in an occupation that is in demand in Australia.
Meet the points requirement (usually 65 points or more on the points test) based on your qualifications, work experience, age, English language skills, etc.
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government in Australia. This pathway is a popular choice for those who may not score enough points under the Skilled Independent Visa but still want to migrate to Australia.
Key Features:
This visa requires you to be nominated by a state or territory government, which adds extra points to your overall score on the Australia Skilled Immigration Points Calculator.
You are required to live and work in the nominating state or territory for a certain period after being granted the visa.
Like the subclass 189 visa, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply from the Australian government.
Eligibility Criteria:
You must be invited to apply based on your points score after your state nomination.
You must meet the specific requirements of the state or territory nominating you, which could include living and working in that state for a certain period.
Applicants need to have a skills assessment for an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or the State Migration Plan of the nominating state.
Meet the points threshold for the subclass 190 visa, including additional points for your state nomination.
3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) is a temporary visa designed for skilled workers who are willing to live and work in regional areas of Australia. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency after a few years, provided the visa holder meets certain conditions.
Key Features:
This visa is for those who are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by a family member living in a designated regional area of Australia.
It allows holders to live, work, and study in regional areas of Australia for up to five years. After meeting the conditions of the visa (such as working in the regional area), you can apply for permanent residency under the Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 191).
A state or territory nomination or family sponsorship is required.
The Australia PR Points Calculator plays a key role in determining eligibility for this visa by calculating your points based on factors such as age, education, experience, and language proficiency.
Eligibility Criteria:
You must be under the age of 45 years at the time of application.
A skills assessment in an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List is mandatory.
You need to be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a regional area.
Applicants must meet the points requirement (usually 65 or more) and demonstrate sufficient language proficiency.
Note: This visa is ideal for those who are willing to live and work in areas outside major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, as it offers incentives and support for migrants contributing to the development of regional areas.
Determining Your Eligibility with the Australia Skilled Immigration Points Calculator
Each of these pathways, whether it is the Skilled Independent Visa, Skilled Nominated Visa, or Skilled Work Regional Visa, requires applicants to meet specific eligibility criteria. The Australia Skilled Immigration Points Calculator helps prospective applicants assess their chances of qualifying for one of these visas by assigning points for various factors, including:
Age: The younger you are, the more points you will earn.
English language proficiency: A higher English proficiency score increases your points.
Work experience: Skilled work experience in a relevant occupation adds valuable points.
Education qualifications: Higher qualifications increase your score.
State/territory nomination or sponsorship: Additional points can be earned if you are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by a family member.
By using the Australia PR Points Calculator, you can easily determine whether you meet the points threshold for these visa options and find out which pathway is most suitable for your profile.
Why Immigrate To Australia And What Are The Criteria?
Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for skilled professionals. The country offers excellent healthcare, high-quality education, and a stable economy, making it an attractive choice for immigrants.
To qualify for PR, applicants must meet specific criteria, such as:
Age: Applicants should be under 45 years of age to earn full points.
English Language Proficiency: A high level of English proficiency is essential.
Work Experience: Relevant skilled work experience adds valuable points.
Education: A higher educational qualification boosts your score.
The Australia PR Points Calculator will assess all these criteria to give you a score.
What Is The Australia PR Points Calculator?
The Australia PR Points Calculator is a tool that helps potential immigrants assess their eligibility for a Permanent Residency visa. It considers various factors such as:
Age
English language ability
Skilled work experience
Educational qualifications
Partner skills (if applicable)
Australian study requirements
By using the calculator, applicants can gain an insight into whether they meet the points threshold for the visa they're applying for.
New Points System for Australia PR (Permanent Residency)
Australia has introduced a new Migration Points System that may affect how points are awarded for immigration. While the core factors remain the same, there have been updates that make it easier for skilled workers in certain fields to accumulate points.
This system is designed to meet the needs of Australia's labor market, ensuring that the most in-demand professionals can enter the country.
The General Skilled Migration Point System in Australia was updated on 16 November 2019. Here is an overview of the key changes:
Specialist Education Qualifications: Applicants holding a Research/Master's or Doctorate Degree from an Australian institution can now earn 10 points, up from the previous 5 points.
Partner Skills: Applicants whose spouse is under 45 years old can now receive 2 points for their partner's skills.
Partner's Skills and Language Assessment: If your partner has a positive skills assessment and meets the competent language proficiency requirement for their occupation, you can earn up to 10 points, an increase from the previous 5 points.
Partner Language Ability: If your partner has competent English language skills, you can now receive 5 points.
Spouse Adaptability: This factor has been revised twice:
Single applicants are now eligible for an additional 10 points, a benefit that was not available before.
If your de facto partner or spouse is an Australian citizen or holds a permanent resident visa, you can earn 10 points. Previously, no points were awarded for a spouse with PR or citizenship.
State Sponsorship/Nomination: Receiving a nomination from an Australian state or territory or sponsorship from a family member now grants 15 points, an increase from the previous 10 points. This 15-point benefit applies only to subclass 190 and 491 visas.
Selection Factor Under The Australia Immigration Point Calculator
The Australia Immigration Point Calculator considers several selection factors that contribute to your final score. These include:
Age (up to 30 points)
English language proficiency (up to 20 points)
Work experience (up to 15 points)
Education qualifications (up to 20 points)
Australian study (up to 5 points)
Partner skills (up to 10 points)
The more points you earn across these factors, the higher your chances of receiving an invitation for Permanent Residency.
Tabular Representation of Selection Factors Under The Australia Points System For PR
Factor
Max Points
Age
30
English Language Proficiency
20
Work Experience
15
Educational Qualifications
20
Australian Study
5
Partner Skills
10
Points Breakdown Under The Australia PR Score Calculator
The Australia PR Score Calculator will provide you with a detailed breakdown of how your points are calculated. Based on the information you input, you will receive a score that represents your likelihood of securing PR in Australia.
Age: If you're between 25 and 32 years old, you will earn the maximum points. The older you get, the fewer points you will receive.
English Proficiency: High English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 8+) will earn you the highest points.
Work Experience: Skilled work experience within the past 10 years is critical, and more years of experience can help you score higher.
Educational Qualifications: The higher your qualification, the more points you will receive, with a PhD earning you the most.
Essential Requirements To Apply For Australia PR
To apply for Australia PR, you must meet the following essential requirements:
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Meet the points threshold as assessed by the Australia PR Points Calculator.
Have a valid skills assessment in a nominated occupation.
Meet health and character requirements.
Age and English proficiency: Ensure you meet the minimum criteria for age (under 45) and English language proficiency.
By meeting these requirements and scoring the necessary points, you can successfully apply for and obtain Australia Permanent Residency.