New Points Test for General Skilled Migration

26-Nov-2010 The New Points Test for General Skilled Migration has been designed to complement the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) that came into effect on 1 July, the Points Test is "proposed to take effect from 1 July 2011, subject to passage of supporting legislation through the Parliament. It will apply to anyone lodging an application from 1 July 2011."

Amongst its features:

• Distinction between 40/50/60 point occupations abolished, those points removed from test
• Age points adjusted to reflect productive working years rather than youth
• Additional 10 point differential introduced for “Superior English” language ability (IELTS 8)
• Additional points for extended periods of employment in Australia
• Additional points for longer periods of professional experience generally
• Considerable additional points for university graduates, particularly for applicants with PhDs
• Relative advantages of trade and degree qualified occupations have been reversed
• Regional nomination and family sponsorship points reduced
• No indication of difference between independent and sponsored pass marks at this stage
• Pass mark of 65

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