Australia, known for its high quality of life and diverse employment opportunities, attracts immigrants from around the globe seeking Permanent Residency (PR). However, navigating the Australian immigration system can be complex, especially concerning the PR point system.
The Australian government employs a points-based system to assess the eligibility of applicants for PR visas. This system plays a crucial role in determining who gets the coveted residency status.
This blog uncovers everything about Australia’s PR Point System. First, let’s understand:
The Significance of the PR Points System
The point system for permanent residency in Australia serves as a fair and transparent method to evaluate the suitability of candidates for residency in Australia. It considers various factors such as age, language proficiency, work experience, education, and ties to Australia. This ensures that individuals who possess the skills and attributes deemed valuable by the Australian economy are granted PR, thereby contributing to the country’s growth and development.
PR Visa Categories
Thinking about how to apply for PR in Australia? There are three primary categories of PR visas in Australia:
Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa (Provisional):
This visa allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years.
Skilled Nominated 190 Visa (Permanent):
Highly skilled workers nominated by an Australian Territory or State can obtain permanent residency through this visa.
Skilled Independent 189 Visa (Permanent):
Skilled workers who are not sponsored by an Australian State or Territory, employer, or family member can apply for permanent residency under this visa category.
Eligibility for Australian PR
To get eligibility for Australian PR, applicants must meet certain criteria:
Age:
Applicants aged between 25 to 32 years gain maximum points, with a maximum age limit of 45 years.
English Language Skills:
Points are allocated based on the applicant’s proficiency in English, assessed through tests like IELTS.
Skilled Employment Experience:
Points are awarded for relevant work experience both in and outside Australia.
Educational Qualification:
Points are assigned based on the level of education attained.
Australian Study Requirement:
Points are awarded if the applicant completes a course registered under CRICOS that stands for Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.
Professional Year in Australia:
Applicants gain points for having worked in a nominated occupation in Australia for 12 successive months.
Credentialed Community Language:
Points are awarded for fluency in certain languages spoken by international communities in Australia.
Study in Regional Australia:
Additional points are given for obtaining a qualification from an institution in Regional Australia.
A total score of 90 Australian permanent residency points is deemed desirable to obtain a PR visa in Australia.
PR Points Calculation
Here is a detailed breakdown of the PR points allocation for each criteria.
1. Age
| Age | Maximum Points |
| 18-24 | 25 |
| 25-32 | 30 |
| 33-39 | 25 |
| 40-44 | 15 |
2. English Language Skills
| IELTS Score | Maximum Points |
| 8 and above | 20 |
| 7 | 10 |
| 6 | 0 |
3. Skilled Employment Experience
Work Experience Outside Australia
| No. of Years | Maximum Points |
| 8+ years | 15 |
| 5-7 years | 10 |
| 3-4 years | 5 |
Work Experience in Australia
| No. of Years | Maximum Points |
| 8+ years | 10 |
| 5-7 years | 15 |
| 3-4 years | 10 |
| 1-2 years | 5 |
4. Educational Qualification
| Level of Education | Maximum Points |
| Doctorate | 20 |
| Bachelor’s or Master’s | 15 |
| Diploma or Trade Qualifications from Australia | 10 |
| Awards/Qualifications recognised by the relevant authorities for your nominated skill occupation | 10 |
| Specialised Education Qualification | 10 |
| Niche Skills | 5 |
5. Australian Study Requirement
If an applicant fulfils the Australian study requirement, they are awarded 5 PR points.
6. Professional Year in Australia
If an applicant has worked in Australia for 12 successive months, they will receive 5 PR points.
7. Credentialed Community Language
If an applicant takes the test for one of the 48 listed languages spoken by international communities living in Australia and they qualify, 5 PR points will be awarded.
8. Study in Regional Australia
If an applicant lives and studies in Regional Australia, they will receive 5 PR points.
PR Points Australia for International Students
If you’re an international student in Australia, you have distinct advantages in scoring more Australian permanent residency points. Points are awarded for Australian qualifications, study in regional areas, and other relevant factors. When choosing PR courses in Australia, students must leverage these points to enhance their prospects for permanent residency.
Additionally, for most international students, a high IELTS score is already a prerequisite for enrolling in top colleges and institutes. Because of this, student applicants often find it easier to get higher points on the IELTS score for Australia PR.
Conclusion
The point system for permanent residency in Australia serves as a gateway for skilled individuals seeking permanent residency in the country. By understanding the criteria and point allocation, applicants can assess their eligibility and take necessary steps to enhance their chances of success.
Whether it’s gaining relevant work experience, improving language proficiency, or pursuing higher education in Australia, every effort counts towards unlocking the door to a new life in this vibrant country.
Want to know more about PR courses and RPL courses in Australia? Contact us today.
