Permanent Residency

Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia is similar to the Green Card in USA where a person can retain ones nationality to live and work in the country.

For this purpose Australia has adopted Points Test for Certain Skilled Migration Visas. The points test is a mechanism used to help select skilled migrants who offer the best in terms of economic benefit to Australia. The points test creates a selection process that is transparent and objective, awarding points to the skills and attributes considered to be in need in Australia. The points test is designed to select the best and brightest skilled migrants who will make the optimum economic contribution to Australia.

From July 2011 points will no longer be awarded for specific occupations (bonus points for Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL). All applicants must still nominate an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and have their skills assessed in their nominated occupation.

The pass mark is the total amount of points needed to be eligible for grant of a visa and will be set at 65 points.

Summary of points awarded
 


Factor

Description

Points

Age

18–24

25

25–32

30

33–39

25

40–44

15

45–49

0

English language * or equivalent standard in a specified test)

Competent English - IELTS 6*

0

Proficient English - IELTS 7*

10

Superior English - IELTS 8*

20

Australian or overseas skilled employment in nominated occupation or a closely related occupation undertaken in the past 10 years
Note: Maximum points that can be awarded for any combination of Australian or overseas skilled employment is 20 points

One year in Australia

5

Three years in Australia

10

Five years in Australia

15

Eight years in Australia

20

Three years overseas

5

Five years overseas

10

Eight years overseas

15

Qualifications (Australian or recognized overseas)

Australian Diploma or trade qualification or other qualification recognized by a relevant Assessing Authority

10

At least a Bachelor degree

15

Doctorate

20

Australian study requirement

Minimum two years full-time (Australian study requirement)

5

Study in a regional area

Must meet the Australian Study Requirement while studying in a regional area

5

Professional Year

Completion of a recognized Professional Year

5

Credentialed Community language

NAATI accreditation

5

Partner skills

Primary applicants partner meets threshold requirements for skilled migration visa

5

Nomination by state/territory government (subclass 176 or 886 visa)

Nomination by a state or territory government under a state migration plan

5

Designated area sponsorship or nominated by state/territory government (subclass 475 or 487 visa)

Sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated area or nomination by a state or territory government under a state migration plan

10