Skilled Migration to Australia is the largest component of Australia's intake of migrants.
Applicants with professional, business or trade skills usually have the highest level of employment and personal / professional achievement.
Pass mark and pool mark
You must score sufficient points to reach the pass mark. If your score is below the pass mark but equal to or above the pool mark, your application will be held in reserve (in the pool) for up to 2 years after assessment.
If the pass mark is lowered at any time in that 2 year period, and your score is equal to or higher than the new pass mark, your application will be processed further. If not, your application would be refused at the end of the 2 year period.
The current pass marks and pool marks are:
Category |
CurrentPass Mark |
Current Pool Mark |
Skilled–Independent |
120 |
70 |
Skilled–Independent Regional (Provisional) |
110 |
110 |
Skilled–Australian sponsored |
110 |
105 |
Skilled–Independent Overseas Student |
120 |
120 |
Skilled–Australian sponsored Overseas Student |
110 |
110 |
Skilled–Onshore Independent New Zealand citizen |
120 |
120 |
Skilled–Onshore Australian sponsored New Zealand citizen |
110 |
110 |
Changes to the passmark for general skilled migration
From 1 April 2005, the pass mark for applications for Skilled–Independent Overseas Student (subclass 880) visas is 120.
If your application for subclass 880 is received on or after 1/4/05 you must meet the 120 point requirement to be granted the visa.
Estimating your points score
This information may help you estimate your points score. However, it is essential to read Booklet 6, General Skilled Migration, for more detailed information. Please note: The department will not provide individual advice to applicants regarding their likelihood of success or confirmation of eligible points allocation.
Points for skill
The occupation you nominate must be on Skilled Occupations List (SOL), current at the time of application, and should be one which fits your skills and qualifications.
See:Form 1121i (PDF file, 125kb) - Skilled Occupations List (SOL), Sydney and Selected Areas Skilled Shortage List (SSASSL), and Employer Nominations Scheme Occupation List (ENSOL)
If you are applying for a Skilled–Australian Sponsored visa (class BQ subclass 138) and your sponsor is living in Sydney, Gosford, Newcastle or Wollongong, then your nominated occupation must also be listed on the Sydney and Selected Areas Skilled Shortage List (SSASSL).
You receive the points allocated for your nominated occupation after the relevant assessment authority for your nominated skilled occupation determines that your skills are suitable.
Skill |
Points |
For most occupations where training is specific to the occupation |
60 |
For more general professional occupations |
50 |
For other general skilled occupations |
40 |
Points for age
Points are allocated for your age at the time of application.
Age |
Points |
18 to 29 years |
30 |
30 to 34 years |
25 |
35 to 39 years |
20 |
40 to 44 years |
15 |
Points for English language ability
English language ability |
Points |
Competent English - a generally effective command of the language, and the ability to use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations . |
20 |
Vocational English - a reasonable command of the English language, coping with overall meaning in most situations and the ability to communicate effectively in nominated field of employment. |
15 |
Points for specific work experience
Work Experience |
Points |
If your nominated occupation is worth 60 points under Skill, and you have worked in your nominated occupation, or a closely related occupation, for at least 3 of the 4 years immediately before you apply.
Note: If you are applying for applying for a Skilled–Australian Sponsored visa (class BQ subclass 138) and your sponsor lives in Sydney, Gosford, Newcastle or Wollongong, your work experience must be in an occupation listed on the Sydney and Selected Areas Skilled Shortage List (SSASSL)
|
10 |
If your nominated occupation is worth 40, 50 or 60 points under Skill, and you have worked in any occupation on the Skilled Occupations List for at least 3 of the 4 years immediately before you apply.
Note: If you are applying for applying for a Skilled–Australian Sponsored visa (class BQ subclass 138) and your sponsor lives in Sydney, Gosford, Newcastle or Wollongong, your work experience must be in an occupation listed on the Sydney and Selected Areas Skilled Shortage List (SSASSL)
|
5 |
Points for occupation in demand/job offer
A number of occupations/specialisations have been identified as being in demand in Australia. They are listed on the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL).
You may receive points if your nominated occupation is on the MODL that is current at the time your application is assessed.
For occupation in demand, with job offer |
20 |
For occupation in demand, but no job offer |
15 |
Points for Australian qualifications
Applicants with Australian qualifications have a greater chance of employment in Australia.
Points may be awarded for only one of the following Australian qualifications completed whilst present in Australia and where all the instruction was in English:
Qualification |
Points |
You have completed an Australian doctorate at an Australian educational institution after a period of at least 2 years full time (2 academic years) while in Australia |
15 |
You have completed an Australian Masters or Honours degree (at least upper second class level) at an Australian educational institution while in Australia, and prior to completing the Masters or Honours degree, you were awarded an Australian bachelor degree as a result of at least 1 year full time study while in Australia.
The total period of full time study in Australia was at least 2 years (2 academic years) |
10 |
You have completed full time study in Australia for a total of at least 2 years (2 academic years) towards the award of a degree, diploma or trade qualification |
5 |
Points for regional Australia/low population growth metropolitan areas
Applicants who can claim points for Australian qualifications may also be eligible to claim points for having lived and studied for at least 2 years in regional Australia or low population growth metropolitan areas.
Having lived and studied for at least 2 years in one or more areas in regional Australia or low population growth metropolitan areas |
5 points |
"Regional Australia or a low population growth metropolitan area" means anywhere in Australia except Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, the NSW Central Coast, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne or the ACT.
Points for spouse skills
Points may be awarded if your spouse if they are also able to satisfy the basic requirements of age, English language ability, qualifications, nominated occupation and recent work experience and has obtained a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation.
Bonus points
Points may be awarded for one only of the following:
Capital investment in Australia (a minimum of A$100,000);
or
Australian work experience (an applicant must have legally worked in Australia in any occupation on the Skilled Occupations List for at least 6 months in the 4 years before lodging an application);
Note: If you are applying for applying for a Skilled–Australian Sponsored visa (class BQ subclass 138) and your sponsor lives in Sydney, Gosford, Newcastle or Wollongong your work experience must be in an occupation listed on the Sydney and Selected Areas Skilled Shortage List (SSASSL)
or
Fluency in one of Australia 's community languages (other than English)(see Booklet 6 for details) |
5 points |
Points for relationship (for applicants for the Skilled–Australian sponsored category only)
Points for relationship may be awarded if an applicant or their spouse has a relative who is an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen, and who is willing to sponsor them.
The applicant or their spouse must be related to the sponsor as either a non-dependent child, a parent, a brother or sister, or a niece or nephew.
