The PR point system in Australia
Australia is considered as one of the most desired destinations to migrate to because of its high standard of living and potential growth opportunities. Being disproportionately less populated compared to its vast area, it has been welcoming immigrants to fulfill the prevailing skill gaps across many industries, capping around 1,60,000 Permanent Residency (PR) Visas per year. These are generally granted to the skilled workers, their family members and foreign investors who invest in businesses in Australia.
It is mandatory to know how the PR point system works if you are aspiring to migrate to the country. Simple and transparent are the two most perfect words for it and you can check out your eligibility online based on your current educational, English skill and employment background.
Total PR points determine how soon you can get invited to apply for PR. The minimum score is 65 for you to lodge an Express of Interest (EOI) for an application of PR and having a score of 90 or above means you would be invited in a short period of time. You could apply for one of the following visas as an skilled individual:-
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) (permanent visa)
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) (permanent visa)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) (Temporary Visa, pathway to Permanent visa SC 191)
Points are awarded for one’s age, qualification, language skills, employment and partner’s qualifications, language and skills. It is designed in a way that the immigrant possesses the skill, character and a potential to contribute to the country for a long term.
The 11 criteria for which PR points are awarded are as follows-
1.Age
Age Group Points
Above 18 but below 25 25
At least 25 but below 33 30
At least 33 but below 40 25
At least 40 but below 45 15
2.English language
Level Points
Competent English 0
Proficient English 10
Superior English 20
- IELTS score of 6 or more in all 4 sections refers to Competent English
- IELTS score of 7 or more in all 4 sections refers to Proficient English
- IELTS score of 8 or more in all 4 sections refers to Superior English
The following widely accepted English tests can also be taken-
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- OET
- Cambridge C1 Advanced Test
3.Skilled Employment Experience
Work experience in the last 10 years for which maximum points one could claim is 20.
Years Overseas In Australia
(Less than 1 year) 0 0
(At least 1 but 0 5
less than 3)
(At least 3 but 5 10
less than 5)
(At least 5 but 10 15
less than 8)
At least 8 years 15 20
4.Educational Qualification
Qualification Points
Doctorate 20
Master’s/ Bachelor’s 15
Australian Diploma/
Trade Qualification 10
Award/Qualification
for Nominated Occupation 10
Educational qualification must be from an Australian institution or of a recognized standard if it is from overseas.
5.Specialist Educational Qualification
A Doctorate from an Australian institution that includes two academic years of study in a relevant field or a Master’s degree by research will award you with 5 points.
6.Australian study requirement
A successful completion of a CRICOS-registered course for two years in Australia will earn you 5 points.
7.Professional year in Australia
Professional year completed in Australia will earn you 5 points.
8.Credentialed Community Language
National Accreditation Authority of Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) conducts a test for fluency in languages spoken by international communities living in Australia. Clearance of NAATI’s Credentialed Community Language at the paraprofessional level or above will earn you 5 points.
9.Study in Regional Australia
At least one Diploma or Degree or Trade Qualification completed from an institution in Regional Australia will earn you 5 points.
10.Partner points
If you have a partner and he/she has competent English and has a positive skill assessment for a nominated skilled occupation which is on the same skilled occupation list as your nominated skilled occupation then you will receive 10 points. On the other hand, if your partner has competent English and is not an Australian citizen or an Australian PR Holder then you will receive 5 points.
11.Nomination or Sponsorship
In this case-
- Nominated by a state or territory government (SC 190) – 5 points
- Nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative (SC 491) – 15 points
These are all the 11 criteria that will earn you the PR points in Australia.
Surprisingly, 25000 positions are reserved for regional migration in Australia out of the 160000 permanent residency visas granted every year. Skilled immigrants willing to migrate to the regional areas of the country will have exclusive access to these 25000 positions. If you are keen enough to obtain PR in Australia, calculate your PR points using the information provided above. As already mentioned, a total score of 90 is good. If you fall short of a good score and want to improve it, seek support from different accredited institutions in finding the best ways to accumulate PR points. Expert consultants can suggest study options through which you can acquire the required skills, PR points and better career opportunities in Australia.
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