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The PR point system in Australia : Complete Guide 2024

Written by  Vishesh Chogtu

Published on Tue, May 31, 2022 10:01 AM   Updated on Tue, February 13, 2024 4:26 AM   5 mins read

Permanent migration to Australia is subject to stringent regulations. Annually, Australia grants approximately 1,90,000 permanent visas, with a significant portion allocated to skilled migration.

PR Points system in Australia is very simple. Australia for long has been one of the most sought-after migration destinations due to its high level of life and potential for expansion. The multicultural country is sparsely populated in comparison to its enormous size, and it has welcomed immigrants to fill skill gaps in a variety of industries.

These Permanent Residency visas primarily fall under two broad categories: Independent Skills Visas and Employer Sponsored visas. In the absence of an employer to sponsor your visa, you may consider applying for an independent skilled visa.

The overall number of PR points you have determines how quickly you will be called to apply for PR. A score of minimum  65 points is required to submit an Express of Interest (EOI) for a PR application, and a score of 90 or more indicates that you will be invited in a short amount of time. As a skilled worker, you may be eligible for one of the following visas.

  • Permanent visa- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
  • Permanent Visa- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)  
  • Provisionalvisa- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) (Temporary Visa, pathway to Permanent visa Sc 191)

The point system is set up in such a way that the immigrant has the ability, character, and capacity to make a long-term contribution to the country. As a result, their age, qualification, language skills, employment, and partner’s qualifications, language, and abilities are all given points.

Criteria on PR point system in Australia:

1. English Language Proficiency

LevelPoints
Competent English0
Proficient English10
Superior English20

Competent English – IELTS score of 6 or more in all 4 sections (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)

Proficient English – IELTS score of 7 or more in all 4 sections

Superior English  – IELTS score of 8 or more in all 4 sections Additionally you should know that you can also take the following widely accepted English tests

  • TOEFL iBT
  • PTE Academic
  • OET
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced Test

2. Experience in Skilled Employment 

Years of experienceWork experience overseasWork Experience in Australia 
Less than 1 year00
At least 1 but less than 305
At least 3 but less than 5510
At least 5 but less than 81015
At least 8 years1520

3. Educational Qualifications

QualificationPoints
Doctorate20
Master’s/ Bachelor’s degree15
Australian diploma or trade qualification10
Awards10

Your educational qualification must be from an Australian institution or of a recognized standard if it is from overseas.

4.  Specialist educational qualification

A research master’s degree or a doctorate from an Australian university that involves two academic years of study in a relevant discipline.5 points

5. Australian educational requirements

Completion of a professional year in Australia5
points

6. Australia’s professional year

Completion of a professional year in Australia5
points

7. Age

Age groupPoints
Above 18 but below 2525
At least 25 but below 3330
At least 33 but below 4025
At least 40 but below 4515

8. Community language certification

You have cleared NAATI’s Credentialed Community Language at the paraprofessional level or above5
points

The National Accreditation Authority of Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) administers a proficiency test for languages spoken by overseas communities in Australia. You will be rewarded 5 points if you pass the test for one of the 48 languages listed.

9. Research in remote Australia

Completed at least one diploma or degree or trade qualification from an institution in Regional Australia5

You gain 5 PR points if you get a qualification from a Regional Australia institution while living and studying there.

10. Partner points

You are single or your partner is an Australian citizen or an Australian PR holder10
Your partner has competent English and has a positive skill assessment for a nominated skilled occupation which is on the same skilled occupation list as your nominated skilled occupation10
Your partner has competent English and not an Australian citizen or an Australian PR Holder5

11. Sponsorship Or Nominations

You are nominated by a state or territory government (Sc 190)5
You are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative  (Sc 491)15

FAQs

How to Become an Australian Permanent Resident?

Ans: Seek a permanent visa to reside, study, and work indefinitely in Australia. The primary avenue for obtaining a permanent visa is through Australia’s Skilled Migration program. Upon application submission, it is imperative to meet Australia’s visa requirements. Delve into the eligibility criteria for each visa category to understand the specific requirements.

How does the point system work in Australia?

Ans: The points exam considers the applicant’s age, work experience, English language skills, and, if applicable, the credentials of their spouse. A score of 65 or above is required to pass the Australian immigration points test. Different components of the test contribute more to the overall score.

Is it hard to get PR in Australia?

Ans: According to experts, obtaining a PR in Australia has become more difficult. This shift is primarily due to Australia’s recent immigration policy reforms. In 2018-19, Australia granted the fewest permanent residency visas in a decade, with 160,023 granted under the Permanent Migration Program’s 190,000 cap.

Can we buy PR in Australia?

Ans: In Australia, purchasing citizenship is a legal and government-approved method of acquiring citizenship. The path to citizenship through investment in Australia is to get Permanent Residency status on particular visa classifications.

About the Author & Expert

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Vishesh Chogtu

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