Australia Skilled immigration
Australia stands out as a highly sought-after destination for skilled migrants, with the SkillSelect program serving as the gateway for those aspiring to secure a skilled migration visa for residency and employment in the country. This initiative allows skilled worker applicants to obtain a permanent Australian visa by leveraging their qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency to fulfill the immigration criteria. Functioning akin to an online job board, SkillSelect efficiently connects employers with potential employees.
The General Skilled Migration (SkillSelect) program, implemented in the 2012-2013 period, replaced all other Australian skilled worker visas. Aspiring applicants must satisfy a minimum of 65 points from the General Skilled Migration (SkillSelect) points tables to be considered eligible.
SkillSelect Program unfolds through the following steps:
1. Preliminary Check: Ensure that you meet the minimum point score of 65, confirm that your occupation is listed as a skilled occupation, and verify your eligibility before proceeding with the application.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) as a precursor to being invited to apply for the visa. This submission requires meeting basic requirements and undergoing an assessment with a minimum score of 65 points.
3. Invitation to Apply: Only those EOIs that are selected, irrespective of whether the minimum score is achieved, receive an invitation to apply. This marks a crucial stage in the process.
4. Visa Application: Successful applicants, who are among the top scorers across various occupations, are granted 60 days from the date of invitation to submit their visa application.
In essence, the SkillSelect Program streamlines the application process for skilled migrants, offering a comprehensive and competitive pathway to secure permanent residency in Australia.
Contents of Australia Skilled immigration
Australia Skilled Immigration Basic Requirements:
To be eligible for participation in the SkillSelect program, applicants must satisfy several fundamental criteria. While this does not encompass all the eligibility conditions, it provides a comprehensive overview of the essential standards applicants are required to fulfill:
Utilize our complimentary online Australian General Skilled Migration points test to determine if you attain the necessary points for your visa.
1. Age: You must be below 45 years of age at the time of receiving an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
2. English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the English language to work in Australia, at least at a competent level. This is assessed through the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and non-native English speakers must undergo a language test.
3. Nominated Occupation: When applying, specify a skilled occupation aligning with your skills and qualifications. Your nominated occupation must be listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation Lists.
4. Skills Assessment: Prior to applying, your skills must be assessed by the Australian assessing authority designated for your nominated occupation, and a positive result is required.
5. Health Assessment: Undergo a medical assessment to demonstrate reasonably good health, conducted by a doctor registered with the Australian Embassy.
6. Character Assessment: Maintain a good character, typically evidenced through a criminal record check.
7. Points: Attain the required points for the relevant visa.
8. Debts: Repay any debts owed to the Australian government before submitting your application.
9. Previous Visa: Have not had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused while in Australia.
10. Expression of Interest (EOI): Lodge an Expression of Interest as part of the application process.
If you are unable to fulfill these essential requirements, it is strongly advised not to proceed with a General Skilled Migration application. Explore your eligibility by taking our free online Australian General Skilled Migration points test.
Australian Skilled Immigration Points Requirements
The Skillselect system operates on a points-based model, where applicants accumulate points based on various criteria such as age and work experience. To secure a visa, applicants must attain a minimum of 60 points. The tables below provide a detailed breakdown of point allocations for Skillselect visas.
Feel free to take our complimentary online Australian General Skilled Migration points test to determine if you meet the required points for your visa.
1. Nominated Occupation: To qualify for the General Skilled Migration program, applicants must nominate an occupation listed on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), Regional Occupation List (ROL), or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) ROL List. Skills assessment by the relevant authority for the occupation is also mandatory.
Visa applications for General Skilled Migration (GMS) visa, Employer Sponsored visa, Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, and Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) may necessitate a skills assessment.
2. Age: Points are assigned based on the applicant’s age group at the time of application, with those aged 25 to 32 receiving the maximum points. No points are awarded for individuals aged 45 and above.
Age | Points |
18-24 | 25 |
25-32 | 30 |
33-39 | 25 |
40-44 | 15 |
45-49 | 0 |
3. English Language Proficiency: Most Skillselect applicants must take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Native English speakers or those with tertiary degrees from English-language universities are exempt, but to claim points for Superior or Proficient English, all applicants must take the IELTS test.
English language proficiency (IELTS score) | Points |
Superior (IELTS score of 8 or more) | 20 |
Proficient (IELTS score of 7 or more) | 10 |
Competent (IELTS score of 6 or more) | 0 |
4. Skilled Employment: Points are awarded for skilled employment within Australia or abroad, in a nominated occupation on the specified lists. The experience must be gained within the last ten years.
Length of skilled employment WITHIN Australia (within last ten years) | Points |
1 year | 5 |
3 years | 10 |
5 years | 15 |
8 years | 20 |
Length of skilled employment OUTSIDE of Australia (within last ten years) | Points |
3 years | 5 |
5 years | 10 |
8 years | 15 |
5. Educational Qualifications: Points are granted for the highest qualification related to the nominated occupation, recognized as comparable to Australian qualifications.
Qualification | Points |
Doctorate | 20 |
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree | 15 |
Australian Diploma or trade qualification | 10 |
Award or qualification recognised by the assessing authority in assessment of the skilled occupation | 10 |
6. Australian Qualifications: Applicants receive 5 points for completing an Australian qualification in Australia after at least two years of study.
Australian qualifications | Points |
Any degree, diploma, or trade qualification earned in Australia after at least 2 years of study | 5 |
7. Regional Study: An additional 5 points are awarded if the applicant meets the two-year study requirement in a regional Australia/low population growth metropolitan area.
Regional study qualifications | Points |
Any degree, diploma, or trade qualification earned in Australia after at least 2 years of study in a regional Australia/low population growth metropolitan area | 5 |
8. Community Language Skills: Applicants gain 5 points for translator/interpreter-level language skills in one of Australia’s designated community languages, recognized by NAATI.
Language skills | Points |
NAATI recognised translator/interpretor level skills in a community language | 5 |
9. Spouse/Partner Skills and Qualifications: If the applicant’s spouse/partner meets the basic requirements, 5 points can be added to the total.
Spouse/partner skills and qualifications | Points |
Spouse/partner meets basic requirements | 5 |
10. Professional Year: Completing an approved Professional Year in Australia within the last 4 years earns applicants an additional 5 points.
Professional year | Points |
Completed a professional year in Australia in the last 4 years | 5 |
11. Nomination and Sponsorship (Subclass 190 and 489 only): Applicants for specific visas receive points for being sponsored by an Australian state or Territory government.
Sponsorship or nomination | Points |
Nomination by a State or Territory government under a State Migration Plan for a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) application | 5 |
Nomination by a State or Territory government under a State Migration Plan, or an eligible relative, to a designated area for a Skilled Nominated or Sponsored visa (Provisional) (Subclass 489) application | 10 |
12. Pass Mark: A minimum score of 65 points is required to obtain a visa under the General Skilled Migration program. Take our free online Australian General Skilled Migration points test to assess your eligibility.
FAQs about Australia Skilled immigration
Age indeed plays a crucial role in the points system. Younger applicants generally receive more points, emphasizing the importance of initiating the immigration process sooner rather than later.
While primary consideration is given to the nominated occupation, additional work experience can contribute to points. Ensure accurate documentation and adhere to guidelines when including diverse work experience.
A negative skills assessment requires reassessment or upskilling. Consult with relevant authorities to understand deficiencies and take corrective measures before reapplying.
Processing times vary but anticipate a comprehensive timeframe. Factors such as the complexity of your case, verification processes, and current immigration workload influence the duration.
While having a job offer can enhance your profile, it’s not mandatory. The points system considers various factors, and securing a job is just one avenue to accumulate points.
Yes, certain visas allow family members to join you. Explore family sponsorship options, ensuring a smooth transition for your loved ones.
