Top Tips for Increasing Your Skilled Migration Points

Increasing your skilled migration points can significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation for skilled migration to Australia. Understanding how points are calculated and where you can gain extra points is essential for a successful application.

Age Requirement

Your age at the time of application affects your points:

Age	Points
18 – <25 years	25
25 – <33 years	30
33 – <40 years	25
40 – <45 years	15

Applying between 25 and 32 years gives the maximum age points, so planning your application timing can be crucial.

Improve Your English Test Score

English proficiency can add significant points to your skilled migration application:

English Level	Points
Proficient	10
Superior	20

Approved tests include PTE, IELTS, TOEFL, and other tests recognised by the Department of Home Affairs.

Skilled Employment Experience

Both overseas and Australian skilled work experience contribute points. Work must be in your nominated or closely related occupation, at least 20 hours/week, paid, and within the last 10 years before invitation.

Overseas Skilled Employment:

Years	Points
Less than 3 years	0
At least 3 years – less than 5 years	5
At least 5 years  – less than 8 years	10
8 years and more	15

Australian Skilled Employment:

Years	Points
Less than 1 year	0
At least 1 year – less than 3 years	5
At least 3 years  – less than 5 years	10
At least 5 years – less than 8 years	15
8 years and more	20

Ensure you hold the correct visa for Australian work and comply with visa conditions.

Education Requirements

Education qualifications can add a substantial number of points:

Qualification	Points
PhD (Australia or recognised overseas)	20
Master’s or Bachelor’s (Australia or recognised overseas)	15
Diploma / Trade qualification (Australia and recognised by assessing authority )	10
Specialist STEM Master’s by research or PhD (Australia, ≥2 yrs)	+10
Australian study requirement	+5

Points are only awarded for your highest qualification, and overseas qualifications require recognition from the relevant assessing authority. Note that professional “Doctor” titles like GP or dentist do not count as PhD points.

Professional Year in Australia

Completing a professional year in Australia can earn +5 points:

• Must be in Accounting, ICT/Computing, or Engineering

• Match your nominated or closely related occupation

• Duration: 12 months

• Completed in Australia within the last 4 years

• Must be from an approved provider:

• Australian Computer Society

• CPA Australia

• Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

• Institute of Public Accountants

• Engineers Australia

Study in Regional Australia

Studying in a regional area can provide +5 points:

• Hold one degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian institution

• Study must meet the Australian study requirement (≥2 academic years)

• Must be on-campus in a designated regional area (distance education does not count)

Partner Skills or Single Applicant

Points can also be added depending on your partner’s skills and English proficiency:

Situation	Points
Partner with nominated skilled occupation & competent English	10
Partner with competent English only	5
Single applicant or have Australian citizen partner	10

Skilled Migration Points: Book A Consultation

Maximizing your skilled migration points requires strategic planning across age, English proficiency, work experience, education, professional year, regional study, and partner skills. Each category can significantly impact your total points and your likelihood of receiving an invitation.

Book A Consultation with RACC Australia for tailored advice on increasing your skilled migration points and selecting the best visa pathway

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