Australia has long been a popular destination for skilled workers looking for better opportunities. General Skilled Migration visas are points-based visas that allow skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia. The subclass 189 visa is for applicants who are not sponsored by an employer or a state or territory government. On the other hand, the subclass 190 visa is for applicants who are nominated by a state or territory government.
Subclass 189 and 190 visas offer a pathway for skilled workers with an eligible occupation to obtain permanent residency in Australia. To be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and hence be considered for invitation to apply for the visa, applicants must score a minimum of 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs’ points test. To increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for these visas, you should aim to score the highest possible points in the points test.
If you are scoring below 65 points or wish to increase your points for better chances of getting invited for the subclass 189 or 190 visas, the following tips may be helpful:
1. Improving your English language proficiency
English language proficiency is a key factor for points assessment. The higher your level of English proficiency, the more points you can attain. Just having a passport from a particular English-speaking nation, such as the UK or Canada, or achieving English test scores equivalent to “competent” English levels, will only meet the minimum English requirement for the GSM visa program. In other words, no points will be awarded for meeting this requirement.
To be awarded points for English proficiency, applicants need to take a test and obtain an evaluation of “proficient” or “superior” level. Those with “proficient” and “superior” English language proficiency will be awarded 10 or 20 points, respectively.
It is important to note that, the Department will only accept specific English tests, and even those from an English-speaking country can take these exams.
In addition to English language proficiency, applicants who also hold a Credentialed Community Language (CCL) qualification by NAATI can claim an extra 5 points. The CCL test is an assessment of your ability to communicate at a community level between two languages (English and another language).
2. Gaining relevant Australian or overseas work experience
Relevant work experience in your nominated occupation is another way to increase your points. The longer the recognised experience, the higher the points you can receive. Relevant work experience points allocation depends on whether the employment is Australian or overseas.
Applicants can be awarded these points if they can demonstrate the following relevant Australian work experience in the last 10 years:
- 1 year experience: 5 points
- 3 years experience: 10 points
- 5 years experience: 15 points
- 8 years experience: 20 points
Similarly, applicants can be awarded these points if they can demonstrate the following overseas work experience in the last 10 years:
- 3 years experience: 5 points
- 5 years experience: 10 points
- 8 years experience: 15 points
Applicants who have worked in Australia in a skilled occupation can receive up to 20 points, depending on the length of their work experience.
Please also note that the points test has a limit on the number of points available for employment experience. The highest number of points that can be awarded is 20, which means that even if you score more than 20 combined points for your employment experience only 20 points will be awarded.
3. Obtaining a higher qualification
Your level of education can also earn you advantageous points toward your application. Having a higher qualification can increase your points, for example, a PhD degree holder can claim the highest 20 points, while a bachelor’s degree holder can claim 15 points.
Please note that overseas qualifications must be of a recognised standard – and the authority undertaking your skills assessment needs to determine that your qualifications are comparable to the relevant Australian qualification.
In addition to this, if you completed your qualification in Australia, you can be awarded these additional points if:
- You completed your studies in Australia and meet the Australian study requirement: 5 points
- You completed a Master’s degree by research or doctoral degree in a specified area of study in Australia which included at least 2 academic years of study: 10 points
- You completed a degree diploma or trade qualification that satisfies the Australian study requirement while living and studying in an eligible area of regional Australia: 5 points
4. Nomination by a State or Territory Government
If applying for a subclass 190 visa, you can receive additional points for being nominated by a state or territory government. Nomination by a state or territory awards you an extra 5 points towards your application. Each state or territory has its own nomination criteria and requirements, so it is important to check the relevant state or territory website for more information.
5. Having a partner with skills and English language proficiency
Generally, spouses or de facto partners included as dependents will have to demonstrate “functional” English language proficiency (or elect to pay the second VAC). However, no points will be awarded for meeting this minimum English requirement.
If you have a de facto partner or spouse, you can gain additional points on your EOI if they have:
- “competent English”: 5 points
- Not turned 45, have “competent” English and a positive skills assessment in an eligible skilled occupation: 10 points
Concluding thoughts
In conclusion, the GSM program is a great opportunity for skilled workers who wish to live and work in Australia permanently. Scoring the highest possible points for the GSM points test will increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for the subclass 189 or 190 visas.
Improving your English language proficiency, gaining relevant work experience, obtaining a higher qualification, and being nominated by state or territory government are some ways to boost your points. It is also important to note that having a partner with skills and English language proficiency can also contribute to increasing your points. Therefore, it is essential to focus on these key areas to maximise your points and increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for the visa.
It is important to note that each case is different, and these tips serve as a general guide only. To receive specific advice and guidance regarding your circumstances and how you can best increase your points, reach out to us for an initial assessment and consultation.
This newsletter should not be construed as legal advice and to obtain current information, please seek the advice of an immigration professional.