Following the announcement of a new points test intended to come into operation from 1 July 2011, the debate has begun over the advantages and disadvantages of the new points test compared to the current system.

We have put together a brief summary of the pros and cons of the new skilled migration points test so you can make up your own mind about the proposed changes.

• Australian Immigration Age limit increased from 45 years of age to 49 under new points test
• New points test targets Australian visa applicants aged 25 to 32 by awarding maximum age points for that age bracket (currently 18 -29 get maximum points)
• Australian Family members can no longer sponsor skilled relatives for a permanent skilled Australian immigration visa under the new points test – permanent sponsorship only available from a State Government under new points test
• Australian Family members sponsoring skilled relatives for a temporary Australian immigration visa will be awarded less points (points reduced from 25 currently, down to 10)
• Additional points available if hold superior English language skills (8.0 in all 4 sections of IELTS)
• Community language points no longer awarded based on an overseas qualification taught in a community language – must now possess NAATI interpreter/translator qualifications to be awarded points for having community language qualifications under new points test
• Requires more overseas work experience to get equivalent points under current points test (3 years work experience will be increased to 5 years work experience under new points test to be awarded the equivalent 10 points)
• Australian work experience points reduced (currently 10 points for 1 years Australian work experience, new system only awards 5 points for 1 years Australian work experience)
• Australian work experience now requires 1 year in last 2 years (currently 1 year in last 4 years)
• No points awarded for Competent English under new points test (currently 15 points). 
• No points for occupation but pass mark required will be reduced to take this into account and all occupations therefore of equal value
• Points awarded for overseas qualifications (no points awarded under current points test)

If you are considering applying for a skilled migration visa from overseas, you can use our FREE Visa Eligibility Assessment to find out more about the basic visa criteria and your likely points award under the new points test. 

If you are considering applying for a State sponsored skilled migration visa from overseas, you can use our FREE 176 State Sponsorship Search Tool to find out instantly if your nominated occupation is included on any of the available State or Territory Migration Plans.

Other Related Points Test Articles:

• Points Test for Skilled Migration 
• Future Trends in Australian Immigration Policy & Procedure
• Australian Skilled Migration Visas | New Points Test
• Australia Migration and the New Points Test for U.K. Residents
• New Points Test Table Summary | Australian Skilled Migration
• No Permanent Australian Family Sponsorship Under New Points Test
• General Skilled Migration (GSM) New Points Test Review