Australia is a highly sought-after destination for professionals who are seeking employment abroad. The country’s immigration system is intended to attract individuals who can contribute to the economy. To evaluate and select applicants for its Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), it employs a point-based system. In order to qualify for an Australian work visa, you must achieve a minimum score of 65 points on this system.
The point system considers a variety of factors, including age, education, work experience, English proficiency, and more. It is possible to optimize your possibilities by comprehending the specific weights of each of these factors in relation to your overall score.
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We will investigate the method by which you can accumulate points section by section in order to meet or exceed the minimum eligibility threshold.
How to Score 65 Points for Australian Work Visa?
The following is a breakdown of the categories and the weightage each section bears in assisting you in achieving the minimum number of points necessary for visa eligibility:
1# Age
One of the most critical variables in the point system is the applicant’s age. Younger applicants are granted additional points due to their perceived potential to make a longer-term contribution to the workforce.
- 18-24 years: 25 points
- 25-32 years: 30 points (highest)
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-44 years: 15 points
- 45-49 years: 0 points (ineligible for points)
2# English Language Proficiency
Demonstrating proficiency in English through an approved test (such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL) can earn you valuable marks, as English is the primary language in Australia.
- Competent English (IELTS score of 6 or equivalent): 0 points
- Proficient English (IELTS score of 7 or equivalent): 10 points
- Superior English (IELTS score of 8 or equivalent): 20 points (highest)
3# Skilled Employment Experience
Work experience in your nominated occupation is a significant contributor to your points tally. You are awarded points based on the number of years you have worked in your field, either inside or outside Australia.
Experience in Australia:
- Less than 1 year: 0 points
- 1-2 years: 5 points
- 3-4 years: 10 points
- 5-7 years: 15 points
- 8 years or more: 20 points
Experience Outside Australia:
- Less than 3 years: 0 points
- 3-4 years: 5 points
- 5-7 years: 10 points
- 8 years or more: 15 points
4# Educational Qualifications
Your overall score is considerably influenced by your level of education. In general, higher qualifications, such as a doctorate or master’s degree, garner more points.
- Doctorate (PhD) from an Australian institution or a recognized foreign institution: 20 points
- Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree: 15 points
- Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
- Australian award or an equivalent qualification (Certificate III or IV): 10 points
5# Australian Study Requirement
If you have completed your studies in Australia, you are eligible to receive additional points, provided that you satisfy the two-year minimum study requirement.
- 2 academic years of study in Australia: 5 points
6# Partner Skills
Your points may also be enhanced by having a skilled partner or spouse. Your associate must satisfy the following criteria: English proficiency, age, and skilled occupation.
- Partner with skills and qualifications: 10 points
- Partner with competent English: 5 points
- Single applicants: 10 points
7# Specialist Education Qualifications
If you have completed a specialist education qualification in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), you may be eligible to receive additional points.
- Specialist education qualification (Master’s or Doctorate in STEM fields): 10 points
8# Professional Year in Australia
Extra points may be awarded for completing a professional year in Australia in fields such as accounting, IT, or engineering. A Professional Year is a program of learning that is structured and based on labor.
- Completion of a Professional Year: 5 points
9# State or Territory Nomination
Additional points may be obtained by applying for a visa that necessitates nomination by a state or territory. If you are willing to establish yourself in a particular region of Australia, this is an exceptional method for enhancing your score.
- Nomination by a state or territory (subclass 190 visa): 5 points
- Regional nomination (subclass 491 visa): 15 points
10# Study in a Regional Area
Completing your study in a regional area of Australia adds to your points total. This initiative encourages skilled migrants to reside in less densely populated regions of the country.
- Study in a regional area: 5 points
11# Accredited Community Language
If you are proficient in a language that is recognized by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) of Australia, you may gain additional points.
- Accredited in a community language: 5 points
12# Combinations of Work and Study in Australia
A combination of Australian work experience and qualifications can result in a higher aggregate score. For instance, your points will be enhanced by possessing both an Australian qualification and employment experience in the country.
Benefits of Australian Work Visa
- Route to Permanent Residency: The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) are among the numerous Australian work visas that offer prospects for permanent residency (PR). This entitles bearers to the advantages of permanent residency, including the ability to reside and work in Australia indefinitely.
- Employment Opportunities in a Strong Economy: Australia’s economy is both secure and prosperous, offering a variety of opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, IT, construction, engineering, and education. Competitive salaries, favorable working conditions, and robust employee protections are available to individuals with work visas.
- Superior Quality of Life: Australia’s quality of life is consistently ranked high due to its exceptional healthcare, education system, safety, and environmental integrity. Cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth provide a dynamic lifestyle that is a harmonious combination of work and leisure.
- Access to Public Healthcare (Medicare): Certain Australian visas, such as PR visas, provide access to Medicare, the public healthcare system of Australia. Medicare provides coverage for a variety of essential medical services, hospital visits, and subsidized medication.
- Dependents are provided with access to world-class education: The family of the visa holder is frequently permitted to accompany them on work visas, and the children are granted access to high-quality public education. Tertiary education is more affordable for individuals on permanent residency pathways, and children may be eligible for domestic student fees.
- The ability to switch employers and work locations with ease: Flexibility in terms of employer choice and geographic location within Australia is a feature of certain visas, such as the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190). In other instances, visa holders may transfer employers under specific conditions, thereby expanding their career opportunities.
- Benefits for Permanent Residents (PR): PR holders are permitted to reside and work in any location within Australia, travel freely within and outside of the country, and sponsor eligible family members. Holders of a PR are also eligible to petition for Australian citizenship after a few years, which will grant them access to voting rights and other benefits.
- Supportive Community and Multicultural Society: Australia is renowned for its inclusive society and multiculturalism. Professional associations, community groups, and social services are among the numerous support networks that assist immigrants in adjusting to life in Australia.
- Retirement Savings and Tax Benefits: Public services and infrastructure are funded by the tax system of Australia, which benefits laborers. Employees are required to contribute to superannuation (retirement funds), which enables visa holders to accumulate retirement savings during their tenure in Australia. Upon departing the country, certain transitory visa holders are also permitted to withdraw their superannuation.
- Prospects for Skill Enhancement: Australia is an excellent location for professional development, as it promotes ongoing skill development through on-the-job training, industry certifications, and government-sponsored programs. Furthermore, possessing an Australian work visa enhances an individual’s professional profile on a global scale.
Where to Calculate Your Points?
Utilize the official points calculator available on the Department of Home Affairs website to determine your eligibility for an Australian Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). Additionally, you may verify your eligibility by consulting registered migration agents or employing self-assessment tools from reputable immigration websites.
Example of Point Calculation
The following profile will provide you with an understanding of the process by which points are computed:
- Age: 29 (30 points)
- Proficient English (IELTS 7): 10 points
- 5 years of work experience outside Australia: 10 points
- Bachelor’s degree: 15 points
- State or territory nomination (subclass 190): 5 points
In total, there are 70 points. This candidate is likely to be invited to apply for an Australian work visa, as they meet the minimum scoring requirement of 65 points.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is 65 points enough for Australia?
To qualify for an invitation from the Federal Government to apply for these visas, you must achieve a minimum of 65 points. However, it’s important to note that achieving 65 points or more does not guarantee an invitation.
Can I get an invitation with 65 points?
It depends on the state you are in, your profession, and your priority attributes. I got a nomination for 491 with just 65 points, within just a week of submitting EOI and ROI, and was invited to accept the invitation within 5 days of submitting requirements for nomination.
How many points do I need to work in Australia?
Applicants must score a minimum of 65 points to gain a visa under the General Skilled Migration program. Try our free online Australian general Skilled Migration points test to see if you score enough points for your visa.
