How to Calculate Your Points for an Australian PR Visa

Australia’s strong economy continues to attract skilled professionals, many of whom must secure an appropriate visa to remain in the country and continue to work. Generally, this will be either an employer-sponsored visa or a skilled independent visa.

Australia’s migration system includes skilled workers to support national economic objectives. However, some visa subclasses operate under an invitation-only system administered by the Department of Home Affairs, using the Australian PR points system to determine eligibility for an invitation. This article outlines how the points system operates and how applicants may assess their potential eligibility.

What Is the Australia PR Points System?

Formally known as the 'SkillSelect' model, the Australian PR points system is the framework used to assess your eligibility to become a permanent resident in a skilled occupation. This system is applicable for those wanting to migrate with any of the following visas:

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 491)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

Points are allocated based on criteria such as age, qualifications, English language ability, and other attributes recognised by the Department. The Department may invite eligible individuals to apply for a skilled visa based on their overall points score. It is important to note that meeting the minimum threshold does not ensure a visa grant; it only makes you eligible to be invited to lodge an application.

The process begins with the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI), wherein the applicant nominates an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List, which includes occupations that are in demand. You must calculate your points based on the claims you make in your EOI. If the Department determines that your EOI meets the current invitation threshold, you may receive an invitation to apply.

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If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.

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Key Factors That Influence Your Points

Several key factors determine your score in the points assessment, including the following:

Age

Your age is one of the first metrics in the points test, and the eligible age range is between 18 and 45. Applicants may claim points based on their age, with individuals between 25 and 32 years old being eligible for the most points.

English Language Proficiency

English language proficiency is vital for almost any Australian visa, including the skilled visas. The Department decides your score here based on where you fall under their three categories for English language skills: Competent, Proficient, or Superior English.

Skilled Employment

This refers to your skilled employment experience, which the Department categorises into overseas skilled employment and Australian skilled employment. Experience, whether undertaken in Australia or overseas, must align with a nominated or closely related occupation to be eligible for points.

Education

Educational qualifications also form a key component of the points assessment. Points are awarded based on criteria such as:

• A doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution or another recognised educational institution.
• A bachelor's degree or higher qualification from an Australian educational institution, or at least a bachelor's qualification from another recognised educational institution.
• A trade qualification or a diploma from an Australian educational institution.

Partner Skills

If your de facto partner or spouse is not an Australian citizen or resident and you include them in your visa application, additional points may be awarded if they meet age, English proficiency, and skills assessment requirements. You can only claim these points if your partner has also applied for the same visa subclass and is not already an Australian permanent resident or citizen.

Other Factors

Additional criteria may also contribute to your total points score. These include the following categories that, if fulfilled, can be added for a higher score:

• Specialist Education Qualification: A doctorate or master's degree from an Australian educational institution with at least 2 years of study in relevant fields. These are natural and physical sciences, information and communication technology (ICT), engineering, and mathematics.
• Study Requirement: At least one diploma, degree, or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution that meets the Australian study requirement.
• Regional Study Requirement: At least one diploma, degree, or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution in a designated regional area that meets the Australian study requirement, while residing in an eligible regional Australia area.

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How to Calculate Your Points

The following steps explain how to calculate your potential points score under the skilled migration framework:

Step 1 – Review Eligibility Factors

Start by reviewing your eligibility for each factor listed on the points table for your desired visa. For example, if you do not meet the eligibility requirements for partner skills or regional study, you will not be eligible to claim points under those categories.

Step 2 – Add Your Points Together

Tally the points from each category you are eligible for to determine your total score.

Step 3 – Compare With the Current Threshold

After adding your score, compare it with the current threshold set by the Department.

Tips to Improve Your PR Points

If your score falls below the required threshold, there are several strategic steps you can take to improve your points score. These mainly include:

Enhance English Proficiency

Achieving a “Superior” English language proficiency score awards more points. Accordingly, applicants may consider retaking an approved English test to obtain a higher classification.

Gain More Skilled Work Experience

Additional years of skilled employment may contribute to a higher points total. If your current points score does not meet the required threshold, you could consider applying once you have gained more experience.

Pursue Further Education

As mentioned earlier, higher educational qualifications, like a doctorate or master's degree, or even a diploma from an Australian institution, may increase your total points score.

Leverage Partner Skills

If your partner has the required skills and meets the EOI's criteria for age, a positive skills assessment, and English language ability, you can claim more points to increase your total.

Explore State or Regional Sponsorship

Nomination by a state or territory government may provide additional points, depending on the visa subclass. This can include:

• A State Migration Plan nomination for a provisional visa subclass 491 application.
• A State Migration Plan nomination for a skilled nominated visa application (subclass 190).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes is always essential to ensure a smooth visa process. The following are common issues that may adversely affect your application:

Using Outdated Calculators

Always check the current points threshold, and verify whether the PR points calculator you are using is up to date. The Department's criteria can change frequently, and an outdated calculator will provide inaccurate results based on previous requirements.

Overestimating Points

It is essential to not overestimate points when self-assessing eligibility. Always be realistic and conservative when calculating your score, ensuring you have the evidence to support every point you claim.

Ignoring Professional Advice

Navigating the EOI process can be challenging, especially since it involves accurately meeting the eligibility criteria to achieve a high score. In these circumstances, advice from a qualified migration lawyer can help you accurately assess eligibility.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

At Australian Migration Lawyers, our team has the experience to explain complex immigration processes clearly and help you navigate them confidently. Given the complexity of the points system, applicants may benefit from strategic legal advice tailored to their circumstances.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to calculate points for PR in Australia is a crucial first step to set yourself on the best possible path for a skilled visa. At Australian Migration Lawyers, our qualified immigration professionals provide strategic guidance to gain clarity on the EOI process and identify areas to strengthen the application.