Skilled Visas Australia: Essential Guidance
When applying for skilled visas like the 189, 190, or 491, it’s essential to meet several key requirements and provide accurate documentation. Sydney Translation Services offers NAATI-certified translations to help ensure that your application process is smooth and error-free.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Expression of Interest (EOI):
- Submit an EOI through SkillSelect, detailing your skills and qualifications.
- Ensure you meet the minimum points requirement (usually 65 points) based on factors such as age, English proficiency, skilled employment experience, and education.
- Skills Assessment:
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
- This assessment must be submitted with your visa application.
- State/Territory Nomination (for 190 and 491 visas):
- If applying for the 190 or 491 visa, secure a nomination from a state or territory government.
- This requires meeting specific criteria set by the nominating region.
- English Language Proficiency:
- Demonstrate competent English skills through recognised tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
- Health and Character Requirements:
- Pass health examinations and provide character evidence, such as police certificates from all countries where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
- Age Limit:
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
Minimum Points Requirement
To be eligible for an invitation under Australia’s skilled visa program, applicants must score a minimum of 65 points. This score is based on factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience, qualifications, and more. While 65 points is the threshold, higher scores significantly enhance your chances of receiving an invitation to apply. It’s essential to accurately calculate your points and explore opportunities to boost your score for a successful application.
Common Documents Requiring Translation:
Sydney Translation Services specialises in translating the following documents to meet visa application standards:
- Birth Certificates: Essential for verifying identity and age.
- Academic Transcripts and Diplomas: To prove educational qualifications.
- Employment References: Required to substantiate work experience claims.
- Professional Licenses/Certificates: Necessary for skills assessments in specific occupations.
- Marriage Certificates (if applicable): For applications that include a spouse.
- Police Clearance Certificates: To satisfy character requirements.
- Passports and Identity Documents: To confirm citizenship and personal details.
Points System for Skill Visas
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Age | |
| 18-24 years | 25 points |
| 25-32 years | 30 points |
| 33-39 years | 25 points |
| 40-44 years | 15 points |
| English Language Proficiency | |
| Competent English | 0 points |
| Proficient English | 10 points |
| Superior English | 20 points |
| Skilled Employment (Outside Australia) | |
| Less than 3 years | 0 points |
| 3-4 years | 5 points |
| 5-7 years | 10 points |
| 8+ years | 15 points |
| Skilled Employment (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 | 20 points |
| Educational Qualifications | |
| Doctorate | 20 points |
| Bachelor’s/Master’s degree | 15 points |
| Diploma or trade qualification | 10 points |
| Specialist Education Qualification | 10 points |
| Australian Study Requirement | 5 points |
| Professional Year in Australia | 5 points |
| Community Language Skills | 5 points |
| Partner Skills | |
| Partner with skills assessment | 10 points |
| Partner with competent English | 5 points |
| Partner is an Australian citizen/PR | 10 points |
| State/Territory Nomination | |
| Nomination for 190 visa | 5 points |
| Nomination for 491 visa | 15 points |
Australia Visa – English Language Proficiency Points
English language proficiency is assessed through tests like IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT. The points awarded depend on your proficiency level:
Competent English (IELTS 6.0, PTE 50, TOEFL iBT 12-18) earns 0 points;
Proficient English (IELTS 7.0, PTE 65, TOEFL iBT 24-29) grants 10 points; and
Superior English (IELTS 8.0, PTE 79, TOEFL iBT 30) provides 20 points.
These levels reflect your ability to use English effectively in various contexts, which is critical for your visa application.
Additional Points Opportunities for Skilled Visas
To maximise your points for an Australian skilled visa, consider these additional opportunities:
- Qualifications: Earn points for recognised qualifications, including Australian and overseas trade qualifications, bachelor’s degrees, and higher degrees.
- Regional Study: Gain extra points if you’ve completed two years of study in regional Australia.
- Community Language Proficiency: If you’re proficient in a community language, you can earn additional points, especially if you hold a NAATI certification.
- Including Family Members: Eligible family members can be included in your application, potentially affecting your points calculation.
These factors can help boost your overall points, increasing your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.
Employment Points for Skilled Visas
To claim points for employment under Australia’s skilled visa points system, the employment must be in your nominated or closely related skilled occupation, within the 10 years before your invitation to apply. Employment must be for at least 20 hours per week and in compliance with your visa conditions.
What is considered Closely Related Occupations?
- Must be in the same ANZSCO Unit Group.
- Should align with a career advancement pathway.
- Recognised as closely related by a skills assessment authority.
Points Cap for Employment Experience
The maximum points you can earn for employment experience is capped at 20, even if your combined score exceeds this.
Specialist Education Qualification
The postgraduate degree by research (doctorate or masters) must be awarded from an Australian education institution after at least two academic years of study in the following science, technology, engineering, mathematics or specified information and communication technology (ICT) fields:
Why Choose NAATI-Certified Translations?
NAATI-certified translations are mandatory for all documents not originally in English, as the Australian Department of Home Affairs requires certified translations for visa processing. Using Sydney Translation Services ensures that your translations are accurate, compliant, and professionally handled, minimising the risk of delays in your visa application.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance only. While we strive to ensure that the content is accurate and current, immigration laws and requirements can change frequently. We recommend consulting with a qualified migration agent or legal advisor for personalised advice and to verify the latest visa requirements. Sydney Translation Services is not responsible for any reliance on the information provided herein.