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🇦🇺 Australian Work Visa: How to Easily Score 65 Points and Above

Australia is one of the top destinations for skilled professionals aiming to work abroad. The country’s immigration system is designed to attract individuals who can contribute to its economy, using a point-based system to evaluate candidates for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). To qualify for an Australian work visa, applicants must score at least 65 points on this system.

The points system takes into account various factors such as age, education, work experience, English proficiency, and more. Each factor holds a certain weight, and knowing how to maximize your points in each area can significantly improve your chances of success.

Let’s explore how you can accumulate points in each category to meet or exceed the minimum eligibility threshold for the Australian work visa.

Table of Contents

How to Earn Points for the Australian Skilled Independent Visa

Below is a breakdown of the categories and the points you can earn to help you reach the minimum 65 points required for eligibility.

1. Age

Age is one of the most significant factors in the points system, with younger applicants receiving higher points for their potential contribution to the workforce.

  • 18-24 years: 25 points
  • 25-32 years: 30 points (highest)
  • 33-39 years: 25 points
  • 40-44 years: 15 points
  • 45-49 years: 0 points (ineligible for points)

2. English Language Proficiency

English proficiency is essential for working in Australia. You can earn points by demonstrating your language skills through approved tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.

  • Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent): 0 points
  • Proficient English (IELTS 7 or equivalent): 10 points
  • Superior English (IELTS 8 or equivalent): 20 points (highest)

3. Skilled Employment Experience

Your work experience in your nominated occupation can contribute significantly to your points total. Points are awarded based on the number of years you’ve worked either inside or outside Australia.

  • Experience in Australia:
    • Less than 1 year: 0 points
    • 1-2 years: 5 points
    • 3-4 years: 10 points
    • 5-7 years: 15 points
    • 8 years or more: 20 points
  • Experience Outside Australia:
    • Less than 3 years: 0 points
    • 3-4 years: 5 points
    • 5-7 years: 10 points
    • 8 years or more: 15 points

4. Educational Qualifications

Your highest level of education can also earn you points. More advanced degrees will yield higher points.

  • Doctorate (PhD): 20 points
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: 15 points
  • Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
  • Australian award or equivalent qualification (Certificate III or IV): 10 points

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5. Australian Study Requirement

If you have completed at least two academic years of study in Australia, you can earn additional points.

  • 2 academic years of study in Australia: 5 points

6. Partner Skills

If you have a skilled partner or spouse, their qualifications can contribute to your points tally.

  • Partner with skills and qualifications: 10 points
  • Partner with competent English: 5 points
  • Single applicants: 10 points

7. Specialist Education Qualifications

If you have completed a qualification in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), you may be eligible for additional points.

  • Specialist education qualification (Master’s or PhD in STEM fields): 10 points

8. Professional Year in Australia

Completing a Professional Year in Australia in fields like accounting, IT, or engineering can help you earn extra points. A Professional Year is a structured, work-based learning program.

  • Completion of a Professional Year: 5 points

9. State or Territory Nomination

You can earn additional points if you apply for a visa that requires state or territory nomination, such as the subclass 190 or 491 visas.

  • State or territory nomination (subclass 190): 5 points
  • Regional nomination (subclass 491): 15 points

10. Study in a Regional Area

If you completed your studies in a regional area of Australia, you can earn extra points, as the country encourages skilled migrants to settle in less populated regions.

  • Study in a regional area: 5 points

11. Accredited Community Language

You can earn points if you are fluent in a language recognized by Australia’s National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).

  • Accredited in a community language: 5 points

12. Combination of Work and Study in Australia

Having a combination of Australian work experience and qualifications can help increase your points. For example, holding both an Australian qualification and work experience will significantly strengthen your application.

Where to Calculate Your Points

To assess your eligibility for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), you can use the official points calculator provided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This tool will help you calculate your points and determine your visa eligibility.

Check your points here: Australian Points Calculator.

Example of Point Calculation

Here’s an example of how points are calculated:

  • Age: 29 (30 points)
  • English proficiency: Proficient (IELTS 7) – 10 points
  • Work experience outside Australia: 5 years – 10 points
  • Bachelor’s degree: 15 points
  • State or territory nomination (subclass 190): 5 points

Total: 70 points – This applicant meets the minimum 65 points and has a good chance of receiving an invitation for an Australian work visa!

This guide helps you navigate the Australian Skilled Independent visa process by breaking down the point system and highlighting how you can maximize your score. For further assistance, consult a registered migration agent or use the official points calculator to check your eligibility.

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