How to score higher points and increase your chance for an invitation to apply for the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa
If you find yourself scoring less than 65 points or simply want to boost your points to increase your chance of receiving an invitation for the Subclass 189 visa, here are some tips below.
Each circumstance is unique and these tips serve as a general guide only. For more specific advice tailored to your situation, and how you can best claim more points under the current regulations, get in touch with us for a free initial consultation.
The subclass 189 visa is a permanent resident visa and is a very popular visa pathway for skilled migrants. The subclass 189 visa does not require sponsorship from an employer or State/Territory. Applicants do not need to commit to live and work in a regional Australia and can include their families in the permanent residence application.
-
Simply holding a passport from certain English-speaking countries, such as the UK or the Republic of Ireland, will automatically qualify as evidence of Competent English, which is the minimum requirement for the Subclass 189 visa. However, no points will be rewarded for Competent English.
To receive points for the English language, applicants must sit a test and be assessed to have at least a Proficient or Superior level of English. Applicants who have Proficient or Superior English will receive 10 or 20 points, respectively.
Only approved English tests will be accepted by the Department. Applicants can take these tests even if they are from an English-speaking country.
Applicants who can obtain a Credentialled Community Language (CCL) qualification from NAATI can also claim an additional 5 points.
There may be additional requirements to ensure that the English test result will be accepted for the points test. For more information about the English test or points for English, feel free to ask us.
-
The longer you have worked in your occupation, the more points you can claim.
Applicants can claim these points if they can demonstrate the following relevant work experience in the last 10 years:
3 years - 5 points
5 years - 10 points
8 years - 15 points
The skills assessing body will determine how many years can be counted as relevant work experience. Therefore, it’s worth going back and see how much of your work experience can be claimed and ensure they are adequately included in your skills assessment. For guidance on maximising your chance or help to get a positive skills assessment, get in touch with us for a free initial consultation.
-
Spouses or partners can be included in the Subclass 189 visa and generally have to demonstrate Functional English language ability.
Simply holding a passport from certain English speaking countries such as the UK or the Republic of Ireland will automatically qualify as evidence of Functional English. However, no points will be rewarded for Functional English.
You can claim these points if your spouse or partner have:
Competent English: 5 points; or
not turned 45, have competent English and a positive skills assessment in a certain skilled occupation: 10 points
For more specific guidance on claiming points for your spouse or partner, feel free to ask us.
-
The higher the level of education an applicant can demonstrate, the more points they will receive under the points system.
For example, applicants who have an overseas qualification that has been accepted by the skills assessing authority can claim 10 points, whereas holding a recognised Bachelor or Doctorate degree can be worth 15 and 20 points, respectively.
Studying and obtaining certain qualifications in Australia can also increase the points score. For more guidance on how furthering your qualification or studying the right course in Australia can increase your points, get in touch with us.
-
Being in Australia on a certain visas can potentially increase the chance of receiving an invitation to apply for a Subclass 189 visa as more opportunities may be available to applicants to claim more points, such as:
Australian employment experience - applicants who have worked in Australia in a skilled occupation, while holding certain visas, can receive up to 20 points, depending on the length of their work experience
Australian Professional Year - applicants who studied in Australia in certain fields and who completed a Professional Year Program with an approved body after their studies can receive 5 points
Australian qualification - applicants who completed their studies in Australia in an approved course can receive 5 points
Specialist educational qualification - applicants who completed a Master's degree by research or doctoral degree in a specified area of study can receive 10 points
Study in a regional area - applicants who undertook studies in an approved course while living in a specified regional area can receive 5 points
These additional points can make a significant difference in an applicant’s overall points score, potentially increasing the chances of receiving an invitation to apply for the Subclass 189 visa.
We can provide expert advice and guidance on how you can strategically plan to study or work in Australia and set you on the right pathway toward permanent residency. For more information on how any of the above tips can apply to you, feel free to ask us.
-
A registered migration agent can provide expert advice and guidance on how to maximise your chances of receiving an invitation for the Subclass 189 visa. They can also assist you with the Subclass 189 visa application process, ensuring that your documentation is complete and meets the relevant criteria.
Open Visa Migration can help you at any stage of your visa application process. If you are applying for a Subclass 189 visa and would like guidance or support before submitting your skills assessment, EOI or visa application, contact us to see how we can help.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended to serve as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as legal or professional advice. It is advisable to seek the guidance of a registered migration agent for tailored advice that is specific to your individual circumstances. We do not accept any liability for any reliance on the information contained on this website.