Moving to Australia: assessing your eligibility

If you are applying for a General Skilled Migration visa, you will be evaluated through a points system. Points are awarded for occupation, experience, education, English language ability, age, sponsorship and various other minor qualifications.

If you achieve the pass mark (120 points for independent applicants, and 100 for applicants with family sponsors), you will still have to satisfy health and character criteria.

This table shows current pass and pool marks for the points-tested visas in the General Skilled Migration category.

Increasing your score

Age

Your age is the only the factor relevant to the scoring process that is outside of your control. The younger you are, the higher the number of points you score.

Language

You score points based on your English ability. It may be worth taking the International English Testing System exam even if you qualify under the English passport rules. You can increase the number of points you earn by achieving a high score (seven or more on all four competencies) on this test.

Fluency in one of Australia’s community languages, together with proven qualifications in that language, could gain you extra points.

Training and study

You can score points for most professions where training is specific to that qualification and it is on the current skilled occupations list. If your career does not fall into this category, make sure you include relevant completed qualifications to increase your score.

If you achieve nomination by a state or territory, you can add points to your score. Some occupations and visa applications must be supported by this nomination. You can also gain points if you have completed a two-year study period in one of Australia's low population growth areas.

Work experience

If you can add Australian work experience to your application, you can add more points to your score.

Additional relevant study may also help you reach your desired pass mark, particularly if the qualification is conferred by Australian universities or examining bodies.

Partner’s skills

Finally, you may also qualify for points based on your partner's skills, provided he/she is included on your visa application and is not already an Australian citizen or permanent resident.