What is an Australian points-based system?
Australia has a program known as General Skilled Migration, where immigrants applying for a visa are typically selected based on ‘economically relevant characteristics’ such as education, language skills and work experience.
This does not apply to refugees and asylum seekers and there are other visas available with different requirements, like travel or holiday visas.
Why does Australia have a points-based immigration system?
An Australian-style points-based system does limit and controls the number of people coming into the country, but still welcomes much-needed professionals such as nurses, IT professionals, accountants etc. according to the Australian Government.
How does it work?
The exact waypoints are allocated changes depending on the policy and the labour market but typically an applicant picks a ‘skilled occupation’ from a list and needs to score a minimum number of points.
The visa application is submitted online after a series of checks and requires personal, financial and contact details, identity documents, as well as education, employment, health and travel history.
For example; currently, an Australian visa for a skilled independent migrant needs a minimum of 65 points.
There are many characteristics that attract points; however, some of them include:
- Aged 25-32 years (30 points)
- A ‘superior’ level of English (up to 20 points)
- Five or more years of ‘skilled work experience’ (In Australia + 20 points, overseas + 15 points)
- Formal educational qualifications (up to 20 points for a PhD with more to gain if you have studied in Australia).
- Extra points could be granted for translators, interpreters or other things such as applicants whose partners meet the age, English and occupation requirements.
How much does it cost?
Fees vary depending on the visa, but a skilled independent visa application fees are AUD $4,045 at the moment.
What is the processing time?
Most visas are processed within 18 months and allow applicants to permanently work and study anywhere in Australia, as well as sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence and if eligible eventually obtains Australian citizenship.
If you would like to know more about the Australian points-based system, please don’t hesitate to contact us…