To see New POINTS TEST (post july 1, 2011 visit http://www.konnecting.com/news/260/157/New-Points-Test/

The Points Test (Old: Pre- JulY 1, 2011)

The Points Test is used for most General Skilled Migration visas. Potential applicants gain points or meet mandatory criteria for several different criteria including:

• Skills Assessment (Nominated Skilled Occupation)
• Age
• English Language Ability
• Overall Employment Experience
• Recent Employment Experience
• Australian Experience
• Australian Qualifications
• The Occupation itself depending on the demand, i.e. is it on Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL)
• Study in Regional Australia
• Designated Language Skills
• Partner Skills
• Health, Character, and Australian Values Statement
• State/Territory Nomination
• Designated Area Sponsorship

The pass mark is set, and applicants are required to meet this pass mark. There is also a pool mark, which means you application has not been approved but you can go on the skills matching database. The current Pass & Pool marks are:

Take our Visa Wizard to see how many point you get, and what visa subclasses you may be eligible for. Or contact us for a free assessment.

Breakdown of Points

Skilled Occupation Assessment

If your occupation is assessed by the relevant assessing body as being equivalent to Australian standards you will gain either 60, 50 or 40 points.

Age

At the time of application, you will get points for your age depending on which age bracket you fall in:

English Language Ability

If from a non English speaking country (ie. a country other than the UK, US, Canada, NZ or Ireland), you must show your English Language Proficiency, generally by IELTS Test. Points are awarded as follows:

Overall Employment Experience

Recent Employment Experience

You must have been in paid employment for 12 of the last 24 months immediately preceding the application. This is a minimum requirement for GSM.

Australian Employment Experience

To gain points for Australian work experience, the work must have been in your nominated occupation (or closely related.

Australian Qualifications

To gain points for applicants who have completed recognised course studies in Australia in a recognised Institution and conducted in English.

Occupation in Demand (aka Skills Targeting) - REVOKED FEB 8, 2010 - NO POINTS AVAILABLE

Your nominated occupation must be on the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL).

Study in Regional or Low Population Growth Area of Australia

DESIGNATED LANGUAGE

If you hold a qualification in a Designated Community Language you can gain extra Points.

PARTNER POINTS

Health, Character & Australian Values Statement

You must meet these criteria.

State or Territory Nomination

If applying for a Skilled - Sponsored (Subclass 176 or 886) or a Skilled - Regional Sponsored (Subclass 475 or 487) visa ONLY, then extra Points may be available.

Designated Area Sponsorship

If applying for a Skilled - Regional Sponsored (Subclass 475 or 487) Visa ONLY, then extra Points may be available