Points guide for the General Skilled Migration visas
How to calculate points for an Expression of Interest
Do you qualify to submit an Expression of Interest under one or more of the points-tested General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas?
Skilled Migration Visa (GSM)
What are the requirements?
Before you even qualify for points under the GSM category, you must be aware that there are, like for other visas, requirements of:
- good health
- good character
- good English language capabilities
- being 44 years old or under
.brxe-mrcdab{
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}Age Points at least 18 but less than 25 years 25 at least 25 but less than 33 years 30 at least 33 but less than 40 years 25 at least 40 but less than 45 years 15 English Points Competent English 0 Proficient English 10 Superior English 20 We have more information on English language competency requirements
Overseas skilled employment – (outside Australia)
Number of years Points Less than 3 years 0 At least 3 but less than 5 years 5 At least 5 but less than 8 years 10 At least 8 years 15 Australian skilled employment – (in Australia)
Number of years Points Less than 1 year 0 At least 1 but less than 3 years 5 At least 3 but less than 5 years 10 At least 5 but less than 8 years 15 At least 8 years 20 Requirement Points A Doctorate (PhD) from an Australian educational institution or a Doctorate from another educational institution, that is of a recognised standard. 20 At least a Bachelor degree from an Australian educational institution or at least a Bachelor qualification, from another educational institution, that is of a recognised standard. 15 A diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution. 10 Attained a qualification or award recognised by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation as being suitable for that occupation 10 Specialist education qualification (in certain fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics or specified information and communication technology (ICT)):
Requirement Points A Masters degree by research or a Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution that included at least 2 academic years study in a relevant field. 10 Australian study requirement (at least 2 years of study in Australia)
Requirement Points Meet the Australian study requirement 5 Study in regional Australia
Requirement Points You must have at least 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution that satisfies the Australian study requirement obtained while living and studying in an eligible area of regional Australia 5 Professional Year in Australia (in Accounting, ICT/Computing or Engineering)
Requirement Points Completion of a Professional Year in Australia 5 Requirement Points Successful passing of the Credentialed Community Language Test (CCL) 5 Requirement Points Your spouse or de facto partner must also be an applicant for this visa and meet age, English and skill criteria OR 10 Your spouse or de facto partner must also be an applicant for this visa and has competent English For you to be eligible for the award of these points your partner must be an applicant for the same visa subclass and must not be an Australian permanent resident or an Australian citizen. OR 5 You are single or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident 10
What happens if I do not reach the minimum point score of 65?
You may be eligible for a temporary work visa (Sc 482) which may provide a pathway to residence. Or there are other visa/pathway to residence under different instructions. Ask our Registered Migration Agents for a free Assessment. They will provide you with options for your particular situation.
There may also be ways you can increase your points total.
Am I guaranteed selection at 65 points?
Every quarter the Department of Home Affairs selects the Expressions of Interest starting from those with highest ranking.
Your EOI can stay in the pool for 2 years, thus there is a fairly good chance it may be selected within this timeframe, and the higher your points are, the more likely it is to happen.
If selected, you will be Invited to Apply (ITA) for Sc 189 visa and will need to submit your visa application within 2 months from the date of ITA. This is when you will submit supporting information (qualifications, transcripts, work references, English certificates, etc.).
It may take several months for your file to be allocated to an immigration officer and up 28 months for the decision to be made. We as migration agents will act on your behalf and will respond to any queries raised during the process.
Not sure what visa is right for you?
Take our online eligibility assessment or get in touch with our team!
