Info visa

The English language threshold will be raised from vocational (IELTS level 5.0) to competent (IELTS level 6.0) and the points allocation for English proficiency will change.

Currently, 20 points may be claimed for possessing native English, or a good level of English. This will be reduced to 15 points and may decrease your overall points score.

However, for the first time, you will also be able to claim 25 points, if you sit the IELTS exam and score 7.0 in all four categories (even if you are a Native English speaker).

Remember, you must score at least 120 points to meet the pass mark for a Skilled Independent visa.

Please Note: Tradespeople will require vocational level English. Native English speakers will not be required to sit IELTS to achieve competent level English.

Family sponsorship pass mark will be reduced, but no bonus points allocated.

Applicants claiming points under family sponsorship currently receive 15 points. After 1 September, you will no longer receive these points.

Also, the pass mark is being reduced from 110 to 100 points. Thus, the net effect is 5 points less overall.

SSASSL to be eliminated.

For applicants with sponsors living in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong or the News South Wales Central Coast, your occupation currently has to be on a special, restrictive list. This list will be removed and revert to the general Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

Recent work experience requirements will be simplified.

From 1 September, applicants need to prove they have 12 months work experience out of the last 24 in order to apply for skilled migration.

This is simpler than current requirements: 12 out of 18 months for 60 point occupations, or 24 out of 36 for 40 or 50 point occupations.

Recent, related work experience critical in claiming MODL points.

From 1 September 2007, applicants can only claim MODL points if they have been employed in that occupation, or a closely related occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), for at least 12 of the last 48 months.

However, it will be slightly easier to get points for an Australian job offer, as companies will no longer be required to have 10 full time staff.

Please note: if you are currently claiming MODL points, but don’t have 12 months experience in a MODL occupation, be sure to apply before September 1. If you don’t apply before then, you must wait until you have 12 months experience before you can apply.

No more points for capital investment.

After 1 September 2007, there will no longer be 5 bonus points for capital investment in Australia.

Five more points available for applicants with 12 months Australian work experience.

Currently, five points can be claimed where six months’ skilled work experience has been completed in Australia, in the past 48 months.

After 1 September 2007, 10 points can be claimed for completing a total of at least 12 months’ skilled work experience in Australia, in the last 48 months.

Therefore, applicants may receive an extra 5 points, or 5 points less, depending on their situation.

Advanced study in Australia will allow applicants to claim more points.

If you complete advanced studies in Australia you will be awarded more points after 1 September 2007: Doctorate 25 points (currently 15), Masters or Bachelor with honours 15 points (currently 10).

Pass mark reduced for living in a regional area.

Applicants are currently required to score 110 points for a Skilled Independent Regional visa. After 1 September, this will be reduced to 100 points.

10 bonus points will be added for nomination by a state government.