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Australia has announced changes to its independent skilled migration points test which will go into effect on 1 July 2011. The new immigration points system will put increased emphasis on work experience and high level educational qualifications. For a complete overview of points awarded under the new points test, please see this page.
Points will continue to be awarded for study in Australia, regional study, community languages, partner skills, and for completing an approved Professional Year. However, points will no longer be awarded for a particular occupation, but an applicant must still nominate an occupation on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
The news points test will only apply to the following visas:
- Subclass 885 Skilled Independent
- Subclass 886 Skilled Sponsored
- Subclass 487 Skilled Regional Sponsored
- Subclass 175 Skilled Independent
- Subclass 176 Skilled Sponsored
- Subclass 475 Skilled Regional Sponsored
One significant change to the points test is that people aged 46 to 49 will now be able to apply, although no points can be earned under age for applicants from 45 to 49 years of age. The age related points will be as follows:
- Age 25-32: 30 Points
- Age 18-24 and 33-39: 25 Points
- Age 40-44: 15 Points
- Age 45-49: 0 Points
Moreover, points can be earned for English language proficiency above Competent English, which is a minimum score of 6 on each of the four components of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Points earned for higher levels of English language proficiency are as follows:
- Superior English (a score of at least 8 in each of the fourcomponents of the IELTS): 20 Points
- Proficient English (a score of at least 7 in each of the fourcomponents of the IELTS): 10 Points
The pass mark for the points test will change as well and is expected to be set at 65 points.
"These changes to the points test are an important next step in the series of reforms to the skilled migration program announced by the Government in February this year," said Immigration Minister Chris Bowen.
"The reforms set the foundations for a skilled migration program that will be responsive to our economic needs and continue to serve Australias interests in the medium to long term," he added.
A review of the current points test found it had resulted in applications from people in only a small number of occupations and a growing backlog of people waiting for a skilled immigration visa.
"The existing points test has not always led to outcomes consistent with the objectives of the skilled migration program," Bowen said.
"For example, the current test puts an overseas student with a short term vocational qualification and one year's work experience in Australia ahead of a Harvard educated environmental engineer with three years' relevant work experience."
Bowen said the new points test should ensure that Australia admits the "best and brightest people" from the pool of applicants.
The new points test will only affect skilled independent immigration and not employer-sponsored immigration. Anyone lodging an application after 1 July 2011 will come under the new points test. If you meet the requirements for skilled immigration to Australia it may be best to apply now and come under the current immigration scheme. You may not qualify under the new immigration scheme from 1 July 2011.
