The points test for Australian skilled migration and Australian visa applications are under review.
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19 February 2010
Australian general skilled migration program points test review
A discussion paper has been released by the Australian Government to seek public comment on a review of the points test used to assess General Skilled Migration applicants.
Currently under the points test, skilled migration applicants who are not sponsored by an employer need to attain up to 120 points to be eligible for an Australian visa.
Points are based on qualifications, skills and proficiency in English, however, the application of the current points test has not always led to outcomes that are consistent with the objectives of selecting skilled migrants with high value skills to meet Australia's economic needs, the Australian immigration minister Chris Evans has said.
The points test review will consider issues including whether:
- Some occupations should warrant more points than others;
- Whether sufficient points are awarded for work experience and excellence in English; AND
- Whether there should be points for qualifications obtained from high quality overseas universities.
The discussion paper has been developed on the basis of initial discussions with key Commonwealth, State and Territory Government, industry and union stakeholders, and it is now available for public comment.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship will report to Government on the outcomes of the review in May 2010.
Further information about the general skilled migration program points test review, including a copy of the discussion paper, is available through the Visa Bureau Blog.
The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people lodge their Australian visa with the Australian High Commission.
