Australia's permanent residency points system has undergone a major strategic shift.
Australian PR
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Australian Permanent Residency Points System Gets Major Update
Australia's permanent residency points system has undergone a major strategic shift. The minimum score needed stands at 60 points, and your age alone can earn you up to 30 points. The Australian government has set a cap of 160,000 applicants for its 2022-2023 migration program.
Getting Australian PR now depends on understanding the updated points system. The skilled visa category offers 109,900 spots over two years to address staff shortages. Strong English skills are key-IELTS 8 gives 20 points, while 7 gives 10. Skilled visas take around 6 months; partner visas may take over 18 months.
How Do the New PR Points Affect Different Applicant Types?
Australia's permanent residency points system has changed. These changes affect different applicant categories in unique ways. You should know how these changes affect your migration strategy based on your situation.
What changes mean for international students
International students who want Australian permanent residency now face new challenges and opportunities. Students can get 5 points when they meet the Australian study requirement by completing a degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution. Students can get more points through Professional Year programs in Accounting, ICT/Computing, or Engineering after completing the program over a 12-month period.
What Are the New Rules for Earning PR Points?
Australia has made major changes to its permanent residency points system. Anyone applying for General Skilled Migration visas needs 65 points at a minimum. Meeting this baseline doesn't guarantee success, though - higher scores give you better chances at getting an invitation.
Updated scoring for age, education, and English
Your age plays a key role in the points system. People aged 25-32 can get the highest score of 30 points. Those between 18-24 and 33-39 receive 25 points, while applicants from 40-44 get 15 points. People over 45 don't get any age points.
English language skills carry more weight now. You'll get 20 points for Superior English (IELTS 8 in each component). Proficient English (IELTS 7) adds 10 points. Competent English (IELTS 6) doesn't add any extra points.
How to Maximize Your Score Under the New System
You can boost your score under Australia's revised permanent residency points system with proper planning. A good understanding of scoring areas and skilled migrant programs will help you maximize your points.
Tips for boosting your points with work experience
Your work experience is a valuable asset when applying for Australian permanent residency. You can get up to 20 points for employment experience. This is a big deal as it means that your calculated total can go beyond this cap. Your employment must meet these criteria to claim these points:
- The work must be in your nominated skilled occupation or something closely related.
- Experience should be from the last 10 years before an invitation.
- You need at least 20 hours of paid work weekly.
- A valid visa is needed for Australian work experience
Working overseas can get you 5 points for 3-4 years, 10 points for 5-7 years, and 15 points for 8+ years. Australian experience carries more weight, which encourages you to get local employment before applying.
How to make use of state nomination and professional year programs
State nomination is a straightforward way to boost your points. The subclass 190 (State Nominated) visas give you 5 additional points. Regional nominations (subclass 491) are even better with 15 points.
Professional Year Programs (PYPs) are a great chance for international graduates to increase their points. These 12-month programs add 5 points to your application. Your PYP must meet these requirements:
- Choose from Accounting, ICT/Computing, or Engineering
- Match your nominated occupation
- Complete it within four years before an invitation
- Take it through authorized organizations like the Australian Computer Society, CPA Australia, or Engineers Australia
What Does This Mean for Your Path to Citizenship?
Your experience from getting permanent residency to becoming an Australian citizen involves several vital timeframes and requirements that vary by visa type. You need to understand these timelines to plan your future in Australia.
How long does it take to get Australian permanent residency now?
Processing timelines for PR visas vary by a lot across different subclasses. The Skilled Independent (189) visa takes about 8 to 9 months to process. You can get State-sponsored (190) PR visas faster, usually within 6.5 to 8 months. Regional visas (489/491) need 12 to 14 months to process.
Your timeline depends on several factors:
- Completeness of your application and supporting documents
- Response time to requests for additional information
- Time required for external checks (health, character, security)
- Available places within the migration program quotas
The Australian government has set permanent Migration Program planning levels at 185,000 places for 2024-25. The skill stream gets 132,200 positions, which makes up 71% of the program.
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