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Tag Archives: skilled migration

EMK Global Australia   →  News   →  skilled migration
October 11, 2025
October 11, 2025

How to Improve Your Points for Skilled Migration Visas to Australia 

Author By Shaleem Danish Categories News

Australia is one of the most desirable destinations for skilled professionals around the world. With its strong economy, diverse culture, and demand for global talent, the country continues to attract thousands of migrants each year through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. 

The GSM program operates on a points-based system, meaning applicants must achieve a minimum number of points to be invited for a visa. For 2025, the minimum invitation threshold remains at 65 points, but in reality, competitive occupations often require 80+ points to secure an invitation. 

This article explains how the points system works and provides practical strategies to improve your points for skilled migration visas such as Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa), and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa). 

Understanding the Points Test 

The Department of Home Affairs assesses applicants on factors such as: 

  • Age 
  • English language proficiency 
  • Skilled employment experience 
  • Educational qualifications 
  • Australian study experience 
  • Specialist education qualifications 
  • Credentialed community language skills 
  • Regional study or work 
  • Partner skills 
  • State or territory nomination / family sponsorship 

Skilled Migration Points Calculator

Below is a simplified table of the points test categories and their maximum points available: 

Category Description Maximum Points 
Age Points based on age bracket (max at 25–32 years) 30 
English Language Proficiency IELTS/PTE/TOEFL (Competent, Proficient, Superior) 20 
Overseas Work Experience 1–8+ years of skilled employment overseas 15 
Australian Work Experience 1–8+ years of skilled employment in Australia 20 
Educational Qualifications Doctorate, Bachelor’s/Master’s, Diploma/Trade 20 
Australian Study Requirement 2+ years of CRICOS-registered study in Australia 5 
Specialist Education Qualification (STEM) Master’s by Research or PhD in STEM field in Australia 10 
Credentialed Community Language (CCL) Extra points for bilingual applicants with NAATI accreditation 5 
Regional Study or Residence Study or work in designated regional areas of Australia 15 
Partner Skills Partner’s skills, English, and occupation assessment 10 
State or Territory Nomination (190/491) State nomination = +5 points; Regional nomination = +15 points 15 

Minimum Points Required

  • 65 points = minimum to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI). 
  • 75–85 points = competitive range for most popular occupations. 
  • Higher points = faster invitations in SkillSelect rounds. 

Ways to Improve Your Points

1. Age (Maximum: 30 points) 

  • Highest points for 25–32 years (30 points). 
  • Apply early before losing points with age. 

2. English Language Proficiency (Maximum: 20 points) 

  • Competent → 0 points (minimum requirement). 
  • Proficient (IELTS 7 in each band) → 10 points. 
  • Superior (IELTS 8 in each band) → 20 points. 
    Tip: Retake English tests to boost your score. 

3. Skilled Employment Experience 

  • Overseas: Up to 15 points. 
  • Australian: Up to 20 points (valued higher than overseas). 

4. Educational Qualifications 

  • Doctorate → 20 points. 
  • Bachelor’s/Master’s → 15 points. 
  • Diploma/Trade → 10 points. 

5. Australian Study Requirement (5 points) 

  • Complete at least 2 years of CRICOS-registered study. 

6. Specialist Education in STEM (10 points) 

  • Master’s by Research or PhD in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, or IT. 

7. Credentialed Community Language (5 points) 

  • NAATI accreditation for bilingual applicants. 

8. Regional Study/Residence (5–15 points) 

  • Study or work in regional Australia. 
  • Subclass 491 visa gives +15 points. 

9. Partner Skills (Up to 10 points) 

  • Skilled partner with positive skills assessment = 10 points. 
  • Partner with English only = 5 points. 

10. State or Territory Nomination 

  • Subclass 190 = +5 points. 
  • Subclass 491 = +15 points. 

2025 Updates 

Graduate Work Stream skills requirement reinstated. 
English requirements tightened (IELTS 6.5 overall minimum). 
Priority given to health, IT, teaching, aged care, and renewable energy roles. 

2026 Migration Strategy – What’s Coming?

  • More regional incentives for study and work. 
  • Extra recognition for STEM and healthcare graduates. 
  • Revised partner skills system to encourage dual-skilled families. 

Example Points Calculation 

Applicant Profile Example: 

  • Age: 29 → 30 points 
  • English: IELTS 8 → 20 points 
  • Overseas Experience: 5 years → 10 points 
  • Bachelor’s + Master’s in Australia → 30 points 
  • State Nomination (190) → 5 points 
  • Total = 95 points (Highly competitive for invitation). 

Conclusion

Improving your points for skilled migration visas in Australia is about strategy and planning. While age and qualifications may be fixed, areas like English proficiency, regional study, state nomination, and partner skills offer big opportunities to boost your score. 

The Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas remain highly competitive, but with the right approach, securing permanent residency is within reach. 

For skilled professionals aiming to build their future in Australia, maximising points is the first and most important step towards a successful migration journey. 

December 10, 2024
December 10, 2024

Smoother road to permanent residence for skilled sponsored workers

Author By Shaleem Danish Categories News

Skilled migrants in occupations of national shortage now have a smoother path to stay in Australia permanently.

From 7 December 2024, changes have been made to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.

The changes relate to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) and Direct Entry (DE) streams. They deliver on the Government’s commitment to offer clearer pathways to permanent residence, as outlined in the Migration Strategy.

Changes to Temporary Residence Transition stream

  • Applicants can count all periods of sponsored employment towards their 2-year work experience requirement. This does not just apply to employment with their sponsor.
  • Applicants who have been employed in a related field or received a promotion can count this work towards the work experience requirement.
  • Applicants are required to provide evidence they meet the work experience requirement, rather than the nominating employer.
  • The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) replaces the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). This is the same amount of AUD73,150, indexed annually.
  • Age exemptions under the Temporary Skill Shortage visa still apply under the Skills in Demand visa. These include exemptions for regional medical practitioners and high income applicants. Without an exemption, applicants need to be younger than 45 at the time of application.
  • Changes to the Temporary Residence Transition stream do not extend to the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187). This visa closed in 2019, except for certain transitional groups who can access the program in limited circumstances. This access continues for those eligible.

Changes to Direct Entry stream

A modernised single Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) applies to this stream. This replaces the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List. The CSOL is based on labour market analysis and Jobs and Skills Australia stakeholder consultation. It includes occupations in sectors such as:

  • construction
  • cyber security
  • agriculture
  • health and education.

Find the entire CSOL at New Core Skills Occupation List to target the skills Australia needs​.

The CSIT also applies to this stream. It will replace the TSMIT at the same amount of AUD73,150, indexed annually.

December 3, 2024
December 3, 2024

Australia Launches Core Skills Occupation List to Streamline Skilled Migration Program

Author By Shaleem Danish Categories Australia, News

he Department of Home Affairs has released the following information on the news section of its website: On 3 December 2024, the Australian Government announced the release of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). The new CSOL fulfils the Government’s commitment to replace complex, out of date and inflexible occupation lists in our temporary skilled visa program. The CSOL is a single consolidated list, informed by labour market analysis and stakeholder consultations by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) that provides access to temporary skilled migration for 456 occupations. The CSOL will apply to the Core Skills stream of the new Skills in Demand visa, which will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa on 7 December 2024. The CSOL will also apply to the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa. More details on other reform taking place on 7 December 2024, including the Skills in Demand visa and National Innovation visa, will be announced shortly. Members can access this information and the Core Skills List on the Department’s website.

Migrate-to-Australia-with-General-Skilled-Migration-in-Australia-2024
April 18, 2024
April 18, 2024

How to Successfully Apply for an Australian Skilled Migration Visa in 2024

Author By Shaleem Danish Categories Australia, News

Introduction

The Australian Skilled Migration Program is a pathway designed by the Australian Government to attract skilled individuals who can contribute to the country’s economy and fill skill gaps in various sectors. This article will guide you through the process of applying for an Australian Skilled Migration Visa in 2024, including eligibility criteria, visa types, application steps, and associated costs.

Understanding Australian Skilled Migration Visa

An Australian Skilled Migration Visa allows skilled workers to live, work, and potentially gain permanent residency in Australia for up to five years. The visa operates under a points-based system, where applicants must score a minimum of 65 points to qualify.

Types of Australian Skilled Migration Visa

  1. Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): A permanent visa for skilled workers not sponsored by Australian employers.
  2. Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): Allows skilled professionals nominated by Australian states or territories to gain permanent residency.
  3. Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa (subclass 491): Designed for skilled workers willing to work in regional Australia.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for an Australian Skilled Migration Visa in 2024, applicants must meet specific requirements:

  • Occupation listed in Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
  • Proficiency in English language
  • Positive skills assessment from recognized Australian authorities
  • Minimum score of 65 points based on age, skills, qualifications, and work experience
  • Meeting health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs

Application Process

  1. Check Eligibility: Determine eligibility for a specific visa stream.
  2. Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment relevant to the nominated occupation.
  3. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect.
  4. Invitation to Apply: Wait for an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs based on your points score.
  5. Submit Application: Fill out the application form and attach necessary documents.

Fee Costs

The fee for an Australian Skilled Migration Visa varies based on the subclass and additional charges:

  • Subclass 189: AUD 4,640 for the primary applicant, AUD 2,320 for additional applicants
  • Subclass 190: Same fee structure as Subclass 189
  • Subclass 491: Similar fee structure as Subclass 189

Additional charges may apply for English language tests, skills assessments, medical examinations, and police clearance certificates.

Conclusion

Navigating the Australian Skilled Migration Visa process requires careful attention to eligibility, documentation, and fees. By understanding the criteria and following the steps outlined, you can increase your chances of a successful visa application and embark on a new journey in Australia.

FAQs

  1. Can I apply for multiple types of Australian Skilled Migration Visas simultaneously?
    • No, you can only apply for one type of visa at a time.
  2. Is there an age limit for applying for these visas?
    • No, but age factors into the points calculation.
  3. Do I need a job offer to apply for these visas?
    • Not necessarily, but it can add points to your application.
  4. What happens if my points score is below 65?
    • You will not qualify for the visa and may need to reevaluate your eligibility.
  5. Can family members be included in my visa application?
    • Yes, certain visas allow for including family members in the application.
state-and-territory-nominations-skillselect-round-2024
March 11, 2024
March 11, 2024

SkillSelect Invitation Rounds: Navigating Australia’s Skilled Migration Pathway

Author By Shaleem Danish Categories Australia, News

Are you considering relocating to Australia for work and exploring the SkillSelect Invitation Rounds? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential aspects, from the expression of interest to the intricacies of invitation rounds, shedding light on why Australia is a prime destination for skilled migrants.

Overview of SkillSelect

Expression of Interest

Before delving into the specifics, understanding the Expression of Interest (EOI) process is crucial. SkillSelect operates on a points-based system, where individuals submit their qualifications, skills, and experience. This creates a pool of potential migrants from which the Department invites candidates based on their ranking.

Why Australia?

Discover the allure of Australia as a destination for skilled migration. From its diverse landscapes to a robust economy, explore the factors that make Australia an attractive choice for professionals seeking new opportunities.

Invitation Rounds: A Deep Dive

Previous Rounds

To gain insights into the invitation process, it’s valuable to review the data from previous rounds. Understanding trends and patterns can provide an edge in preparing your EOI.

Occupation Ceilings

Navigate the concept of ‘occupation ceilings’ and how it influences the number of invitations issued for independent and skilled regional visas. Learn how these ceilings contribute to the balance of the skilled migration program.

Invitation Process and Cut Offs

Unravel the intricacies of the invitation process. High-ranking individuals receive invitations before those with lower scores. In case of tied scores, a tie-breaker based on the date of effect comes into play.

Current Round – December 2023

Get real-time information on the latest invitation round, issued on 18 December 2023. Understand the number of invitations, tie-break months, and occupations included in this round.

Occupations included in 18 December 2023 Invitation Round

Here is the table representing the occupations and their respective minimum scores for the SkillSelect Invitation Rounds:

OccupationSubclass 189 ScoreSubclass 491 Score
Audiologist6570
Child Care Centre Manager65N/A*
Chiropractor65N/A*
Clinical Haematologist65N/A*
Clinical Psychologist7090
Dermatologist80N/A*
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist65N/A*
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher6565
Educational Psychologist70N/A*
Emergency Medicine Specialist65N/A*
Endocrinologist95N/A*
General Practitioner65N/A*
Intensive Care Specialist65N/A*
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer6565
Medical Laboratory Scientist6575
Medical Oncologist65N/A*
Medical Practitioners nec6575
Medical Radiation Therapist65N/A*
Midwife6570
Neurosurgeon80N/A*
Nuclear Medicine Technologist65N/A*
Nurse Practitioner65N/A*
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist65N/A*
Occupational Therapist6570
Ophthalmologist80N/A*
Optometrist65N/A*
Orthopaedic Surgeon65N/A*
Orthotist or Prosthetist65N/A*
Osteopath65N/A*
Paediatrician65N/A*
Pathologist80N/A*
Physiotherapist6565
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon70N/A*
Podiatrist65N/A*
Psychiatrist65N/A*
Psychologists nec6565
Registered Nurse (Aged Care)6565
Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)65N/A*
Registered Nurse (Community Health)65N/A*
………

Note: N/A indicates that the specific subclass score is not applicable for that occupation.

Invitations Issued During 2023-24 Program Year

Track the progress of invitations throughout the program year for both Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 visas. Stay informed about the trends and plan your migration journey accordingly.

State and Territory Nominations

Overview

Delve into the role of State and Territory Governments in the skilled migration process. Understand the total activity in terms of nominations and get insights into specific visa subclasses.

Nominations by State and Territory – 2023-24

Explore the numbers as different regions nominate individuals for visas. From the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to Western Australia (WA), grasp the regional distribution of skilled nominations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SkillSelect Invitation Rounds serve as a gateway to Australia’s skilled migration program. Navigating this process requires a strategic approach, from optimizing your EOI to understanding occupation ceilings and the intricacies of the invitation process.

——————————————————————————————————-

FAQs

How often are SkillSelect Invitation Rounds conducted?

  • SkillSelect Invitation Rounds for various visa subclasses are run periodically throughout the program year.

Do occupation ceilings apply to all skilled migration visas?

  • Occupation ceilings are typically applied to independent and skilled regional visas, ensuring a balanced migration program.

What happens if there is a tie in points scores during an invitation round?

  • In the case of tied scores, individuals with earlier dates of effect in their Expression of Interest are invited first.

Can State or Territory government nominations be impacted by invitation rounds?

  • No, State or Territory government nominations for skilled visas remain unaffected by the Department’s invitation rounds.

Are there specific occupations that may not receive invitations during certain rounds?

  • Yes, the results table indicates that some occupations might not receive invitations based on availability or not meeting specific parameters.
Australian-Government-New-Priority-General-Skilled-Migration
March 8, 2024
March 8, 2024

General Skilled Migration | Australian Government New Priority

Author By Shaleem Danish Categories Australia, News

If you are considering migrating to Australia through the General Skilled Migration visa streams, understanding the visa refusal or cancellation rates is crucial. Surprisingly, only 46.1% of the 89,063 visa applications for the General Skilled Migration stream in 2021–2022 were accepted by the Government. Before you worry, let’s explore the positive side – the Australian Government’s prioritization of General Skilled Migration.

Australian Government Prioritization of General Skilled Migration

The Australian Government has shifted its focus to the General Skilled Migration visa streams to address the skills shortage in the country. This shift opens doors for positive outcomes if you navigate the eligibility requirements and application process carefully. Professional assistance is crucial, as evident from our company’s success in obtaining seven visa grants within a month.

Understanding General Skilled Migration Visas

What is a General Skilled Migration Visa?

The General Skilled Migration program aims to attract skilled workers globally to address specific talent shortages in Australia. Divided into three categories – Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491) – each category has unique requirements. Eligibility hinges on factors such as occupation listed in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and compliance with Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Latest News on Skilled Occupation List

Changes in occupation conditions for certain visa streams will occur as of November 25, 2023, affecting the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa. The nominated worker must continue working in the nominated occupation, listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).

Requirements for General Skilled Migration

To be eligible for General Skilled Migration, candidates must meet age requirements, possess strong English language skills, have relevant work experience, and meet health and character standards. Additional points can be earned through a credentialed community language. With 39 skilled migration assessment authorities evaluating skills for 650 professions, the Australian Government is implementing new guidelines to maximize benefits for employers and immigrants.

Latest Updates on General Skilled Migration

The Department of Home Affairs Australia’s new migration strategy for 2024 emphasizes major reforms in eight key sections, including general skilled migration. Key elements include clear guidelines for labor agreements, prioritized visa processing for regional areas, streamlined citizenship for long-term New Zealand residents, and stricter student visa requirements.

Three Pathways for Temporary Skilled Migration System

The focus on General Skilled Migration aims to meet the skills shortage through three pathways: Specialist Skills Pathway, Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) for the Core Skills Pathway, and Essential Skills Pathway. The government will regularly update the Core Skills Occupation List, ensuring new jobs are considered.

NSW-Invitation-round-2024-for-skilled-migration
February 28, 2024
February 28, 2024

NSW Invitation Round 2024: Latest News and Updates For skilled Migration

Author By Shaleem Danish Categories Australia, News

Are you considering a move to the thriving state of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia? The NSW invitation round for 2024 is a crucial program that facilitates skilled immigrants in obtaining the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) and the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). Understanding the intricacies of the invitation process is essential for a successful migration journey.

What is an Invitation Round?

An invitation round is a process employed by the Australian government to identify and select skilled immigrants who can contribute to filling current labor market gaps in the country. In the context of NSW, this process is a pivotal component of the nomination process.

Key points regarding the NSW invitation round 2024 include:

  • The NSW Government exclusively decides when to send out invitations for NSW nominations.
  • The date of SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) submission does not impact the chances of being invited.
  • Invitation rounds occur throughout the year, with dates not pre-determined or announced in advance.
  • Factors such as points score, English language proficiency, and professional background influence the selection of EOIs, with priority given to those in NSW target industries.

NSW Target Sectors

NSW prioritizes EOIs for occupations in the following major industry areas:

  • Health
  • Education
  • Agriculture
  • Infrastructure
  • Information & Communication Technology

While EOIs from other industries are accepted, only highly ranked candidates will be considered.

NSW Invitation Round 2024 Updates

For the 2024 round, the NSW Government received:

  • 2,650 nominations for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).
  • 600 nominations for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).

The first round of invitations ran from July 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, with detailed statistics provided for each visa category.

Eligibility Criteria for NSW Nomination

To qualify for NSW nomination, applicants must meet criteria such as being under the age of 45, passing an English language proficiency test, and residing in NSW for at least the previous six months.

Things to Consider Before Submitting an EOI

Applicants must pay attention to details such as the validity of the EOI, specifying the state and visa, and providing evidence of claims when submitting an Expression of Interest.

Common Reasons for Application Refusal

Understanding potential reasons for application rejection is crucial, including strict policies on EOI modifications, residency requirements, and claims for skilled employment.

Cost for NSW Nomination

The non-refundable application fee for NSW nomination is A$330 for both onshore and offshore candidates, determined by each Regional Development Association.

Navigating the NSW invitation round requires careful attention to detail and adherence to strict eligibility criteria. Seeking professional assistance is advisable to ensure accurate application submission and avoid the risk of rejection or refusal.

Are you ready to embark on your migration journey to NSW? Ensure you have all the necessary information and meet the criteria for a successful nomination process.

Skillselect-State-Territory-nomination
February 19, 2024
February 19, 2024

SkillSelect and State/Territory Nominations in Australia’s Skilled Migration Program

Author By Shaleem Danish Categories Australia, News

Introduction

Australia’s skilled migration program, facilitated through the SkillSelect system, plays a crucial role in attracting skilled professionals to contribute to the country’s workforce and economic development. In this article, we will analyze the most recent SkillSelect invitation round held on 18 December 2023, including the number of invitations issued, minimum scores required, and the occupations targeted. Additionally, we will explore State and Territory nominations for various visa subclasses during the 2023-24 program year.

SkillSelect Invitation Rounds

The SkillSelect invitation rounds are conducted periodically throughout the program year for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored. The number of invitations issued can vary based on the volume of applications being processed by the Department of Home Affairs.

Occupation Ceilings

To maintain a balanced skilled migration program, occupation ceilings are applied to invitations issued under the independent and skilled regional (provisional) visas. These ceilings set an upper limit on the number of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) that can be invited for skilled migration from specific occupation groups. Occupation ceiling values are determined as a percentage of stock employment figures for each occupation, provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Invitation Process and Cut Offs

The invitation process prioritizes individuals with higher points scores. In case of equal points, a tie-break mechanism considers the date at which applicants reached their points score for that subclass, giving preference to earlier dates of effect.

Current Round (18 December 2023)

In the most recent invitation round on 18 December 2023, a total of 8,300 invitations were issued for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), with a tie-break in November 2023. For the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored, 79 invitations were issued, with a tie-break in December 2023. The table provided includes a list of occupations, their minimum scores for both subclasses, and indicates cases where no candidates were available to be invited.

Invitations Issued in 2023-24 Program Year

The table outlines the number of invitations issued for both visa subclasses in the current program year (up to December 2023). It is important to note that these figures exclude invitations issued for State and Territory Government nominated visa subclasses.

State and Territory Nominations for January 2024

The article also provides insights into State and Territory nominations during the 2023-24 program year. The table displays the number of intending migrants who received nominations from each region for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) State and Territory Nominated. Notably, nominations for the Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) visa (subclass 188) were not reported during this period.

Conclusion

Australia’s SkillSelect system continues to play a pivotal role in managing skilled migration, ensuring a diverse and qualified workforce. The analysis of recent invitation rounds and State/Territory nominations provides valuable insights for prospective applicants and stakeholders involved in the country’s migration program.