Australia is one of the most preferred destinations for immigration due to its strong economy, high quality of life, and diverse culture. If you are planning to immigrate to Australia, one of the essential things to consider is the Skilled Points Test.
The Skilled Points Test is a points-based system that determines your eligibility for skilled migration to Australia. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Skilled Points Test and how it can help you fulfill your dream of moving to Australia.
What is the Skilled Points Test?
The Skilled Points Test is a system that assesses the eligibility of individuals for skilled migration to Australia. It evaluates candidates based on their age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors.
It is a comprehensive system that awards points to candidates based on their qualifications and attributes. The higher the points, the better your chances of being selected for skilled migration to Australia.
Can You Pass the Test?
Visa Subclasses and Pass marks |
|
Visa Subclass |
Points |
| Skilled – Independent (subclass 175) | 120 |
| Skilled – Sponsored (subclass 176) | 100 |
| Skilled – Regional Sponsored (subclass 475) | 100 |
| Skilled – Regional Sponsored (subclass 487) | 100 |
| Skilled – Independent (subclass 885) | 120 |
| Skilled – Sponsored (subclass 886) | 100 |
Points for Skill |
|
Skill |
Points |
| For occupations where training is specific to the occupation. | 60 |
| For more general occupations. | 50 |
| For other general skilled occupations. | 40 |
Points for Skill are determined through the Australian Skilled Occupation List (SOL), the basics of which are outlined below. You must have a nominated occupation from the SOL to qualify for skilled migration. Check the list in its entirety for your nominated occupation.
Points for Age |
|
Age at time of application |
Points |
| 18-29 Years | 30 |
| 30-34 | 25 |
| 35-39 | 20 |
| 40-44 | 15 |
Points for Language |
|
English Language Ability |
Points |
| Profcient English – person has a score of 7 or more in the English Language Testing System (IELTS) in each of the four test components or have scored a B level or greater in an Occupational English Test (OET) exam, where you sat an OET exam as part of a skills assessment. | 25 |
| Competent English – this requires that you hold a passport from the UK, Canada, New Zealand, USA or Republic of Ireland, or have a score of 6 or more on all 4 components of the IELTS Test. | 15 |
| Vocational English – this only applies if applicant has a trade occupation and does not hold a passport from a native English speaking country (listed above). It requires a score of 5 or more on all 4 components of the IELTS Test. | 15 |
Points for Specific Work |
|
Work experience |
Points |
| Work experience closely related to nominated 60 point occupation for three of the last four years | 10 |
| Work experience in any occupation on the skilled occupation list for three of the last four years | 5 |
Points for Occupation in Demand/Job Offer |
|
Occupation |
Points |
| Work experience closely related to the MODL listed nominated occupation for one of the last four years and an offer of relevant full-time employment | 20 |
| Work experience closely related to the MODL listed nominated occupation for one of the last four years | 15 |
The Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) is an addendum to the Skilled Occupations List (SOL). If your occupation appears on the MODL and you have a job offer, you are eligible for extra points.
Points for Australian Work |
|
Work experience |
Points |
| Australian work experience closely related to nominated 60 point occupation for one of the last four years | 10 |
| Professional year closely related to the nominated occupation for one of the last four years | 10 |
Points for Australian Qualifications |
|
Qualification |
Points |
| Doctorate (min. two years) | 25 |
| Masters/Honours with undergraduate degree (min. three years) | 15 |
| Degree/diploma/trade qualification (min. two years) | 5 |
Points for Regional Study |
|
Criteria: |
Points |
| Met 2 years study requirement while living and studying in regional Austalia | 5 |
Points for Partner Skills |
|
Criteria: |
Points |
You may receive these points only if your spouse satisfies the following criteria:
|
5 |
Points for Nomination |
|
Criteria: |
Points |
| Nominated by state or territory government | 10 |
Points for Designated Area Sponsorship |
|
Criteria: |
Points |
| Sponsored by Australian relative living in a designated area (only available to provisional visa applicants) | 25 |
Points for Designated Language |
|
Criteria: |
Points |
| Professional level language skills in a designated language | 5 |
How does the Skilled Points Test work?
To qualify for skilled migration to Australia, you need to score at least 65 points on the Skilled Points Test. The points are awarded based on the following factors:
Age
Age is an essential factor that determines your eligibility for skilled migration to Australia. You can score a maximum of 30 points based on your age. If you are between 25 to 32 years, you can score the maximum points.
Education
Your education qualifications play a significant role in determining your eligibility for skilled migration to Australia. You can score a maximum of 20 points based on your education. If you have a Doctorate degree, you can score the maximum points.
Work experience
Your work experience in your nominated occupation can earn you points in the Skilled Points Test. You can score a maximum of 20 points based on your work experience. If you have at least 8 to 10 years of work experience in your nominated occupation, you can score the maximum points.
English language proficiency
English language proficiency is a critical factor that determines your eligibility for skilled migration to Australia. You can score a maximum of 20 points based on your English language proficiency. If you score at least 8 bands in each module of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, you can score the maximum points.
Other factors
Other factors that can earn you points in the Skilled Points Test include partner skills, Australian study, regional study, professional year, and nomination by state or territory government.
How to Apply?
To apply for the Skilled Points Test, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. SkillSelect is an online system that enables skilled workers to submit an EOI and be considered for skilled migration to Australia.
You need to provide accurate and comprehensive information about your qualifications, work experience, and other factors that can earn you points in the Skilled Points Test.
FAQs
1. What is the minimum score required for skilled migration to Australia?
The minimum score required for skilled migration to Australia is 65 points. You need to score at least 65 points to be eligible for skilled migration to Australia. The Skilled Points Test is a comprehensive system that awards points based on several factors such as age, education, work experience, English language proficiency, and other factors.
2. How many points can I score based on my age?
You can score a maximum of 30 points based on your age. Age is an essential factor that determines your eligibility for skilled migration to Australia. The Skilled Points Test awards points based on different age brackets, with the highest number of points being awarded to individuals between the ages of 25 to 32.
3. Can I submit an EOI without taking the IELTS test?
It is recommended that you take the IELTS test to demonstrate your English language proficiency. However, it is not mandatory to take the IELTS test to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. You can still submit your EOI without taking the IELTS test, but you will not be awarded any points for English language proficiency.
Conclusion
The Skilled Points Test is a crucial system that determines your eligibility for skilled migration to Australia. To increase your chances of being selected, you need to score at least 65 points on the test.
Age, education, work experience, English language proficiency, and other factors play a significant role in earning points in the Skilled Points Test. Applying for the Skilled Points Test requires accurate and comprehensive information to be submitted through SkillSelect.