Points Test Visa Changes

April 11, 2019 in Information , News , subclass 189 , subclass 190 , subclass 489

Recently published legislation introduces changes to the Points Test for

General Skilled Migration visas commencing 16 November 2019.

These changes are relevant to existing Subclass 489,189 and 190 and

the new Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa, which

will also commence in 16 November 2019.

The changes to the points test will include:

 10 points for Specialist Educational qualifications. Currently 5 points.

 10 points for applicants with a skilled spouse or de facto partner (under

45 with Competent English, suitable skills assessment and with an

occupation on the same skilled occupation list). Currently 5 points.

 10 points for applicants who do not have a spouse or de facto partner

or who have a spouse or de facto partner who is an Australian citizen or

a Permanent resident (New)

 5 points for applicants with a spouse or de facto partner who has

competent English (New)

 15 points for applicants who are nominated by a State or Territory

government, or who are sponsored by a suitable family member. These

points are relevant to applicants for a Subclass 489 visa or the new

Subclass 491 visa. Currently 10 points.

When all points except partner qualifications are equal, invitations will be

ranked in the below order:

 First: applicants with a skilled spouse or de facto partner.

 Equal First: applicants without a spouse or de facto partner.

 Second: applicants with a spouse or de facto partner who demonstrates

Competent English but who does not have the skills to obtain skilled

partner points.

 Third: Applicants with a spouse or de facto partner who is ineligible for

either competent English or Skilled partner points.

References:

https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2019L00578

https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2019L00578/Explanatory%20State

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