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Commencing in the 2022-23 program year, people residing overseas are now eligible to be considered for Western Australia (WA) State nomination. Receiving state nominations from WA can fetch additional points under the Immigration Points System to receive Australia PR.
The invitations to apply for WA state nomination will be decided via the ranking system. The regional government will give preference to applicants who are:
- International graduates from any institution in Western Australia, OR
- with work experience in over 330 occupations, AND
- currently residing in WA, followed by those residing in Australia, and then those residing overseas.
Sue Ellery, Minister for education and training, explained that the move could reduce skill shortages and help the region’s economic growth. She said that the state had been made a safe place to live, study, and work in Australia by providing world-class education, health management, and job opportunities.
| 194 occupations are added to the Graduate Occupation List to attract students to study in Western Australia. Students who graduate in Western Australia may qualify directly to apply for Australian permanent residence. |
How to Apply for an Australia PR?
Australia PR is applied through the Skillselect system. A Skillselect system is points-based to express interest by interested foreign skilled workers or business people for immigration to Australia.
Various criteria on which interested candidates are awarded scores under the Australia PR points system are age, language proficiency, work experience, educational qualification, regional study, community language skill, spouse skill & qualification, nominations & sponsorships, etc.
Age
The points allocation under the Australia PR points system clearly reveals that the country is looking for well-qualified but young skilled immigrants to contribute positively to their economy. Note the maximum Australia PR points you can gain under the Age criteria.
| Age | Points |
| 18-24 years | 25 |
| 25-32 years | 30 |
| 33-39 years | 25 |
| 40-44 years | 15 |
| 45-49 years | 0 |
English language proficiency
The maximum points are allotted under the Australia PR points system for English proficiency through the IELTS exam with a score band 8 or above. It indicates the country’s preference for well-qualified English-speaking workers to immigrate to Australia.
| IELTS score | Points |
| Superior (IELTS score 8 or more) | 20 |
| Proficient (IELTS score 7 or more) | 10 |
| Competent (IELTS score 6 or more) | 0 |
Work experience
Interested applicants are awarded points for their work experience in the relevant field. The total number of work experience within Australia or elsewhere will add up to the overall score under the Australia PR points system.
WITHIN Australia in the last 10 years
| 1 year | 5 |
| 3 years | 10 |
| 5 years | 15 |
| 8 years | 20 |
OUTSIDE Australia in the last 10 years
| 3 years | 5 |
| 5 years | 10 |
| 8 years | 15 |
Points from both tables can be combined, but the maximum points awarded for skilled employment are 20 points under the Australia PR points system.
Educational qualification
The importance attached to higher educational qualifications under the Australia PR points system only shows the country’s intent to invite highly qualified, skilled foreign workers. Note the maximum Australia PR points you can gain under the educational qualification criteria.
| Qualification | Points |
| Doctorate | 20 |
| Bachelor’s or Master’s degree | 15 |
| Australian diploma or trade qualification | 10 |
| Award or a qualification recognized by assessing authority in the assessment of skilled occupation | 10 |
Spouse/Partner skills and qualification
| Australia PR points for the spouse’s skills, age, and English criteria, who is included in the visa application and not an Australian resident/citizen | 10 |
| Australia PR points for applicants with a spouse or de facto partner with competent English (IELTS individual 6). | 5 |
| Australia PR points for applicants who do not have a spouse or de facto partner, or who have a spouse or de facto partner and are Australian citizens or a Permanent resident | 10 |
To be eligible under the General Skilled Migration program, one must score the required minimum of 65 Australia PR points to secure a visa. The below points table is for Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189).
Additional Criteria to Qualify for Australia PR
Additional points are awarded for various other categories, such as
- Study in regional areas in Australia– 5 points if applicants meet the 2-year study requirement while studying and living in Australia.
- Community Language skills– 5 points are awarded to the applicants if they have language skills as a translator-interpreter in one of the Australian community languages.
- Meet the Australian study requirement- Get an additional 5 Australia PR points if you completed at least 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution that meets the Australian study requirement.
- Professional Degree- 5 points are awarded to the Australian immigration applicants if they have completed a 4-year professional degree course in Australia, provided the Australian Government approves it.
- Nomination and sponsorship – Subclass 190 and Subclass 489 only)- Applicants under this visa subclasses can be awarded up to 10 points.
Apply for Immigration with CanApprove
In April 2022, the Morrison Government called for increasing permanent skilled migration numbers. The cause to increase immigration to Australia post-pandemic is reflected well in Australia’s federal budget for 2022-23. The Australian government has fixed the 2022-23 permanent migration program ceiling at 160,000 places.
While countries like Canada and Australia are poised to welcome more skilled immigrants to boost post-pandemic recovery, you can book a free appointment with CanApprove and consult an expert before deciding.
CanApprove is a certified consultant for Canada and Australia immigration services and overseas education counselling. With a rich experience of 20+ years in the industry, CanApprove has had major successes in fulfilling the dreams of thousands of migrating abroad!
