If you’re aspiring to settle and work in Australia on a permanent basis, obtaining a high Australia PR points score is essential. The Australian points-based immigration system aims to determine your eligibility for permanent residence on the basis of your age, work experience, qualifications, and proficiency in English.
The higher your score, the greater your prospects of being invited to apply for permanent residence under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. But don’t panic, it is entirely possible to improve your score with the right approach. In this blog, we will guide you through the best methods to enhance your Australia PR points score so you can get one step closer to turning your Australian dream into a reality.
Optimize Your English Language Proficiency
One of the easiest things to increase your Australia PR points is by enhancing your English language score. The Department of Home Affairs gives points according to your result in acknowledged English tests such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or CAE. For instance:
- Proficient English: 10 points
- Superior English: 20 points
If you obtained your score in the proficient band but desire to have an additional 10 points, then it would be worthwhile taking the test again. Test preparation will take a considerable amount of time but will pay off on your overall PR points.
Earn Additional Work Experience
Your Australia and international work experience adds up to your Australia PR points score. Points are granted for how many years you’ve worked in an occupation considered skilled:
- Overseas work experience: Up to 15 points
- Australian work experience: Up to 20 points
If you’re close to reaching the next points bracket, it might make sense to continue working in your field for a little longer before applying for PR.
Pursue Higher Education in Australia
Studying in Australia not only provides you with access to top-notch education but can also boost your Australia PR points. Points are given according to your highest qualification:
- Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
- Bachelor’s degree: 15 points
- Master’s or PhD: 20 points
If you’re thinking of studying, selecting a regional Australian university might also provide you with an additional 5 points!
Obtain a State or Territory Nomination
If you are applying for a subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) or subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa), a state or territory nomination can award you a significant points gain:
- State/Territory nomination (subclass 190): 5 points
- Regional nomination (subclass 491): 15 points
Study state-specific skill shortages and check whether your occupation is in demand — this can significantly increase your Australia PR points.
Partner Skills and Points
If your partner possesses skills and qualifications that are in line with Australia’s needs, they may be able to add to your overall score:
- Partner’s skills assessment and proficient English: 10 points
- Partner with proficient English only: 5 points
Single applicants or those whose partners are Australian citizens or PR holders can also claim additional points, so this is a versatile option to enhance your Australia PR points.
NAATI Accreditation or Credentialed Community Language (CCL) Test
If you are well-versed in another language besides English, you may gain an extra 5 points through successful completion of the NAATI CCL test. This is a fairly easy method to increase your Australia PR points.
Finish a Professional Year Program
For overseas graduates in IT, accounting, or engineering, finishing a Professional Year Program in Australia earns you an additional 5 points. These programs allow you to acquire work experience and industry-specific skills, making you a better PR candidate.
Age Matters
Although you cannot alter your age, it’s useful to know how it will impact your Australia PR points. The system offers the highest number of points for those between the ages of 25-32 (30 points), with diminishing points as you move further out from this. If you’re nearing the beginning of a new age group, it might be worth applying ahead of time in order to keep your score high.
Specialist Educational Qualifications
If you finish a master’s by research or a doctorate in a specific STEM stream, you might gain an extra 10 points. Australia rewards skilled scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians with points, so studying a qualification in these subjects can significantly benefit your PR points.
Keep Track of Immigration Policy Updates
Australia’s immigration policies can change, sometimes impacting how points are calculated or which occupations are in demand. Keeping up to date with these changes ensures you’re always aware of new opportunities to increase your Australia PR points.
Getting permanent residency in Australia can seem daunting, but with strategic measures and proper planning, you can enhance your Australia PR points and increase your chances of success. By improving your English, accumulating additional work experience, or benefiting from state nominations, each additional point gets you nearer to your target. Begin with these steps today, and you’ll be half way to Australia being your forever home!
