How Points are Allocated for Australian Permanent Residency (PR)

In Australia, points are allocated for Permanent Residency (PR) through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which includes the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

Points are awarded for various factors that assess an applicant's skills and suitability for migration. Age is a crucial factor, with younger applicants (18-24 years) receiving the highest points, which gradually decrease as applicants get older. For example, those aged 25-32 years receive 30 points, while individuals aged 45-49 receive none. English language proficiency is another significant factor. Applicants who demonstrate competent English receive no points, while those with proficient or superior English can earn 10 or 20 points, respectively.

Work experience in a skilled occupation also plays a vital role, with points awarded based on the number of years of employment within the last ten years. For instance, having 1 to 2 years of skilled employment earns 5 points, while 8 or more years can provide up to 20 points. Educational qualifications are considered as well, with points given for Australian qualifications such as diplomas or higher degrees. A bachelor’s degree earns 15 points, whereas a master’s or doctorate can earn up to 20 points.

Additional points can be earned through meeting the Australian study requirement (5 points), having a specialist education qualification like a doctorate (10 points), or completing a professional year in Australia (5 points). Those who have studied in a regional area of Australia can also gain 5 points. Moreover, if an applicant’s partner is skilled and meets specific requirements, they can receive an extra 10 points. For certain visa subclasses, nomination or sponsorship by a state or territory can influence the points score as well.

Here's a clear and concise tabular format for how points are allocated for Australian Permanent Residency (PR), particularly under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program:

Notes:

• Minimum Points Required: To receive an invitation to apply for PR, you typically need to score at least 65 points, though the exact requirement can vary based on the occupation and the specific visa subclass.
• Visa Subclasses: Different subclasses (189, 190, 491) have specific requirements and points might be awarded differently depending on state or regional nominations.

You can use this table to understand how different factors contribute to your points score for Australian PR applications.

Conclusion

Understanding how points are allocated for Australian Permanent Residency (PR) is crucial for navigating the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program effectively. The points-based system evaluates various factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, educational qualifications, and other criteria. By maximizing points in these areas, you can enhance your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for PR.