Minimum Points Required for Australian PR: Your Guide to Migration

kshitiz June 21, 2021

Minimum Points Required for Australian PR: Your Guide to Migration

Are you considering migrating to Australia and becoming an Australian Permanent Resident (PR)? With its stunning landscapes, high standard of living, and diverse opportunities, Australia has become an attractive destination for individuals seeking a new home. However, obtaining Australian PR requires meeting specific criteria, including a minimum point requirement. 

The minimum point required for getting Australian PR is 65. Suppose you’re considering moving to Australia and want to learn more about the minimum points needed for permanent residency. In that case, this blog will address the minimum point required for Australian PR, factors influencing their allocation, and the procedure to apply for Permanent Residency.

Points table for Australian Permanent Residency

Australian Permanent Residency allows individuals to live and work in Australia indefinitely. It provides multiple benefits, such as access to healthcare, education, social security, and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship. As a permanent resident, you can enjoy most rights and privileges similar to Australian citizens, except for the right to vote.

The Australian immigration system operates on a points-based system, determining an applicant’s PR eligibility. To qualify for Australian PR, you must meet the minimum point requirement. The points get awarded based on various factors, including age, English language proficiency, education, work experience, and other relevant attributes.

Before looking at the minimum score needed for Australia PR, you need first to understand the different parameters and sub-parameters on which your eligibility gets evaluated and the number of associated points.

Minimum Point Required for Australian PR

For an Australian PR, a minimum score of 65 is necessary. However, keep in mind that this is the lowest possible score. The higher your score, the more likely you will get invited to apply for Australian permanent residency. If your score is between 80 and 85, you have a reasonable probability of being invited within one to two months.

Eligibility for an Australian Visa

You can use the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect online system to determine the number of points you are eligible for. The system allows you to enter your details and calculates your points automatically based on the information provided.

Below are some Australian Visa for getting Australian PR:

Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

This visa allows nominated skilled professionals to work, study, and live permanently anywhere in Australia. It requires that you receive an application invitation and that you have,

1. An occupation on the skilled occupation list
2. Score 65 points
3. English test scores
4. Have suitable skills assessment for the occupation
5. Receive an invitation for the application

Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

This visa is for foreign workers who have been invited to Australia and possess the government’s required skills. It allows the visa holder to live and work in Australia forever. There is no need for a nominator or a sponsor. The applicant must be under 45 years old and eligible to apply. Furthermore, a person can only apply for this visa after receiving a formal invitation.

The Processing Time for Subclass 189 and 190 visa

Learn More: Who is eligible to apply CDR for skilled visa migration? 🧑🏽‍✈️🏆

Factors Affecting Points Allocation

Let’s explore the key factors that contribute to the allocation of points for Australian PR:

1. Age

Age plays a significant role in the points calculation. Individuals between 25 and 32 years receive the highest points, while those above 45 do not accept any points for age.

2. English Language Proficiency 

Language proficiency gets assessed through determined language tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). Higher scores in these tests lead to more points.

3. Educational Qualifications

The highest educational qualification completed by the applicant gets considered for points allocation. Doctorate degrees receive the highest points, followed by master’s, bachelor’s, and diploma or trade qualifications.

4. Work Experience

Relevant work experience in a nominated occupation also gets considered. Points are awarded based on years of work experience, with more points granted for knowledge gained in Australia than overseas.

5. Nominated Occupation

Applicants must nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). Different occupations have varying points assigned to them, and some occupations may have additional requirements or assessments.

6. State or Territory Nomination

If an applicant receives a state or territory government nomination, additional points get awarded. This nomination applies to the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491).

7. Partner Skills

If the applicant’s spouse or de facto partner meets specific requirements related to age, English language proficiency, and skills assessment on the skilled occupation list, additional points can get claimed.

8. Professional Year

Completing a Professional Year in Australia in a nominated occupation can provide additional points. Professional Year programs are available in accounting, engineering, and information technology.

9. Other Factors

Additional points can get awarded for factors such as studying in regional Australia, meeting specific Australian study requirements, or holding an accredited Ph.D. in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field.

Learn More: Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)  📖📖

How to Apply for Australian Permanent Residency?

Obtaining Australian Permanent Residency (PR) is an exciting and life-changing goal for many individuals. Once you have determined that you meet the minimum point requirement and have gathered all the necessary documentation and evidence, the next step is understanding the application process.

In this chapter, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of applying for Australian PR.

1. Selecting the Appropriate Visa Subclass

Before you begin the application process, it is crucial to determine the most suitable visa subclass for your circumstances. Australia offers various visa subclasses for skilled migrants, including the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491).

Each visa subclass has specific requirements and benefits, so choosing the one that aligns with your goals and eligibility is essential.

2. Gathering Documentation and Evidence

To support your application, you must gather comprehensive documentation and evidence. These documents typically include your passport, birth certificate, educational certificates, English language test results, employment references, and proof of relevant work experience.

Additionally, you may need to provide evidence of your skills assessment, state or territory nomination (if applicable), and health and character checks. Ensuring that all documents are up to date, certified, and meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements is crucial.

3. Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect

SkillSelect is an online platform operated by the Department of Home Affairs that allows individuals to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Australian PR. To proceed with your application, you must create an account on SkillSelect and provide accurate information about your skills, qualifications, work experience, and other relevant details.

It is essential to ensure that the information you provide in your EOI is accurate and consistent with the supporting documents you will later submit.

4. Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Once your EOI is submitted, it enters a pool of candidates, and the Department of Home Affairs conducts regular invitation rounds to select applicants for PR. The selection process gets based on the highest points scores in each visa subclass.

If you have a high enough score and meet the specific requirements for a particular visa subclass, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Australian PR. It is important to note that receiving an ITA does not guarantee the grant of a visa, but it is a significant step forward in the application process.

5. Lodging the Visa Application

After receiving an ITA, you will have a specified period to lodge your visa application. It is crucial to carefully read and understand the instructions provided in the ITA and gather all the required documents for the visa application.

The visa application process involves completing the relevant forms, providing supporting documents, and paying the application fee. It gets recommended to double-check all the information and ensure the application is accurate and complete before submission.

6. Completing Medical and Character Checks

As part of the visa application process, you must undergo medical examinations and obtain police clearances to satisfy the health and character requirements. The medical examinations must get conducted by authorized panel doctors, and the police clearances should get accepted by the relevant authorities in each country where you have lived for a significant period.

It is essential to follow the Department of Home Affairs guidelines to ensure that the examinations and clearances meet their requirements.

7. Waiting for Visa Grant and Confirmation of Australian PR

Once you have submitted your visa application, the processing time will vary depending on various factors, such as the visa subclass, the volume of applications, and the complexity of your case.

It is essential to be patient during this waiting period, as it can take several months for a decision to get made on your application. The Department of Home Affairs will notify you of your application’s outcome; if successful, you will get granted Australian PR. This grant will get followed by a visa notice confirming your permanent resident status.

Learn More: Become an Australian Permanent Resident ✈️✈️

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the minimum points required for Australian Permanent Residency (PR) is crucial for individuals aspiring to migrate to Australia. The minimum point threshold is a benchmark for eligibility under skilled migration visas, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190).

Applying for Australian Permanent Residency is a multi-step process that requires careful preparation, attention to detail, and adherence to the Department of Home Affairs guidelines and requirements.

By selecting the appropriate visa subclass, gathering all the necessary documentation and evidence, submitting an accurate EOI through SkillSelect, and diligently completing the visa application process, you can increase your chances of obtaining Australian PR. 

Meeting or exceeding the minimum points requirement is essential to secure an invitation to apply for PR. Factors such as age, English language proficiency, education, work experience, and other relevant criteria contribute to the overall points calculation.

By familiarizing themselves with the minimum point requirements and carefully assessing their eligibility, individuals can strategically plan their pathway to Australian PR and increase their chances of a successful migration outcome.

Seeking professional advice and staying informed about any updates or changes to the points system can further enhance their preparation and ensure a smooth migration process. Ultimately, achieving the minimum point threshold is a significant milestone on the journey to realizing the dream of migrating to Australia and building a prosperous future there.