It is proposed that a new points test for skilled migration visa applications will be introduced on 1 July 2011.

The new points test is focused on selecting highly skilled people to deliver a more responsive and targeted migration program. It was developed following a review of the current points test, which considered submissions from a variety of experts and the wider Australian community.

The new points test balances the different factors that are considered when determining whether someone will be granted a skilled migration visa. It will deliver the best and brightest skilled migrants by emphasising high level qualifications, better English language levels and extensive skilled work experience.

The new points test will continue to award points for study in Australia, including regional study, community languages, partner skills and completing an approved Professional Year. Points will no longer be awarded on the basis of an applicant’s occupation, but all applicants must still nominate an occupation on the applicable Skilled Occupation List.

It is important to note that the new points test will only apply to one component of the skilled migration program. This change won’t affect every type of skilled migration visa and only applies to the following visas.

-Subclass 885 Skilled Independent  -   Subclass 886 Skilled Sponsored

-Subclass 175 Skilled Independent -Subclass 487 Skilled Regiona Sponsored

-Subclass 176 Skilled Sponsored -Subclass 475 Skilled – Regiona Sponsored

It is proposed that the new points test will apply to applications made from 1 July 2011, unless the applicant is eligible for transitional arrangements.

Transitional arrangements apply to people who, on 8 February 2010 held or had applied for a Temporary Skilled Graduate visa (subclass 485). Until the end of 2012, this group is able to apply for a permanent skilled visa under the points test in effect as at 8 February 2010.

Student visa holders who lodge an application for points tested skilled migration from

1 July 2011 will be assessed under the new points test. There are still transitional arrangements which may apply to those students affected by the reforms announced on

8 February 2010. People who held an eligible Student visa on 8 February 2010 still have until the end of 2012 to apply for a Temporary Skilled Graduate visa (subclass 485) under the arrangements in place for that visa as at 8 February 2010.

The pass mark is the number of points required to be eligible for skilled migration. The pass mark is a tool that allows for management of the skilled migration program and is always subject to change. It is expected that the pass mark will be set at 65 points.

  New Point Test

Factor	Description	Points
Age	18-24	25 points
	25-32	30 points
	33-39	25 points
	40-44	15 points
	45-49	0 points
English language	Competent English – IELTS 6	0 points
	Proficient English – IELTS 7	10 points
	Superior English – IELTS 8	20 points
Australia work experience in nominated occupation or a closely related occupation	One year Australian (of past two years)	5 points
	Three years Australian (of past five years)	10 points
	Five years Australian (of past seven years)	15 points
Overseas work experience in nominated occupation or a closely related occupation	Three years overseas (of past five years)	5 points
	Five years overseas (of past seven years)	10 points
	Eight years overseas (of past 10 years)	15 points
Qualifications (Australian or recognized overseas)	Offshore recognized apprenticeship AQFIII/IV completed in Australia Diploma completed in Australia	10 points
	Bachelor degree (including a Bachelor degree with Honours of Master)	15 points
	PhD	20 points
Recognition of Australia Study	Minimum two years fulltime (Australia study requirement)	5 points
Designated language		5 points
Partner skills		5 points
Professional Year		5 points
Sponsorship by state or territory  government		5 points
Sponsorship by family or state or territory government to regional Australia		10 points
Study in a regional area		5 points