This post is a continuation of my previous post regarding the new points test by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) which is set to apply to permanent residency applicants from 1 July 2011. If you are a current international student looking to apply after this date, this post should shed some light on whether you can count yourself in the running.

I am going to take into account only 5 (FIVE) criteria that are likely to form the basis of your eligibility. The proposed pass mark for the new points test is 65, however, there is no guarantee that this will not change in the future.

You may download the original forms here.

Age

(max: 30 points)

The new points test is designed to benefit people within the age group of 25-32 years old, as this group is deemed the most contributive to the economic development of Australia. The points breakdown is as follows:

• 18-24 years old: 25 points
• 25-32 years old: 30 points
• 33-39 years old: 25 points
• 40-44 years old: 15 points
• 45-49 years old: 0 points

English language

(max: 20 points)

As outlined in my previous post, the DIAC is introducing Superior English—a new classification of English language ability—which is equivalent to an IELTS score of 8.0 in each of the four bands (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). This opens up the opportunity for applicants with exceptional English language skill to claim the necessary points to obtain permanent residency. The full breakdown of points attainable in this criterion is as follows:

• 6.0 in each band: 0 points
• 7.0 in each band: 10 points
• 8.0 in each band: 20 points

Australian work experience

(max: 15 points)

This needs to be an occupation closely related to the new SOL.

• 1 year or more: 5 points
• 3 years or more: 10 points
• 5 years or more: 15 points

Note: There is no mention that this needs to be full-time. However, based on Form 1119 currently in use, work experience is only considered if full-time and I suspect the same will apply on the new system as well.

Overseas work experience

(max: 15 points)

This similarly needs to be an occupation closely related to the new SOL.

• 3 years or more: 5 points
• 5 years or more: 10 points
• 7 years or more: 15 points

Note: Again, no mention of this having to be full-time.

Qualifications

(max: 20 points)

The major change is that both Bachelor and Masters degrees are now awarded the same number of points.

• Australian diploma, AQFIII/IV or recognised offshore apprenticeship: 10 points
• Bachelor, Bachelor w/ Honours or Masters degree: 15 points
• PhD: 20 points

Recognition of Australian Study

(max: 5 points)

A candidate is automatically awarded 5 points after studying 2 years full-time in Australian institution.

Other points

You may claim additional points if you happen to meet the requirements for the following criteria. More information may be found on Form 1119.

• Designated language (5 points)
• Partner skills (5 points)
• Professional Year (5 points)
• State/territory government sponsorship (5 points)
• Family or state/territory government to regional Australia (10 points)
• Study in a regional area (5 points)

Possible scenarios of a candidate passing the points test

The new rules are undoubtedly penalising many applicants, but you still stand a chance of passing the 65-point mark if you are one of the following:

• a Bachelor/Masters graduate (15 points) with a minimum of 2 years study (5 points) aged 18-24 (25 points) with an IELTS score of 8.0 in each band (20 points).
• a Bachelor/Masters graduate (15 points) with a minimum of 2 years study (5 points) aged 25-32 (30 points) with an IELTS score of 7.0 in each band (10 points) and at least 1 year of Australian work experience in a closely nominated occupation (5 points).
• a PhD graduate (20 points) with a minimum of 2 years study (5 points) aged 25-32 (30 points) with an IELTS score of 7.0 in each band (10 points)

Of course, other combinations exist which you may work out from the information above.