Fact Sheet 25 - Skilled Categories
Australian Qualifications
Fifteen points for applicants who have completed an Australian doctorate at an Australian educational institution after a period of at least two years full-time study while in Australia or
Ten points for applicants who have completed an Australian Masters or Honours degree (at least upper second class level) at an Australian educational institution while in Australia and have studied full time in Australia for a total of at least two years and have previously been awarded an Australian Bachelor degree as a result of at least one year full-time study while in Australia; or
Five points for applicants who have completed an Australian degree, diploma or trade qualification while in Australia and have studied full time in Australia for a total of at least two years towards the award of a degree, diploma or trade qualification.
Regional Australia
Five points for applicants who have lived and studied for at least two years in one or more areas in regional Australia or low population growth Metropolitan areas
Spouse Skills
Five points for applicants whose spouse is able to satisfy the basic requirements of age, English language ability, qualifications, nominated occupation and recent work experience and has obtained a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation
Bonus Points
Five points for applicants who satisfy at least one of the following:
- six months work experience in Australia in a skilled occupation in the four years before application or
- minimum investment of $100,000 in an approved government investment for a term of at least 12 months or
- fluency in one of Australia's community languages (other than English)
Relationship (applies only to applicants under the Skilled - Australian Sponsored categories)
Fifteen points if applicant (or spouse) is sponsored by a relative (parent, non-dependent child, brother or sister, aunt or uncle) who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Pass Mark and Pool Mark
The current pass and pool marks (subject to change) are as follows.
| Pass Mark | Pool Mark | |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled - Australian Sponsored | 110 | 105 |
| Skilled - Independent | 120 | 70 |
| Skilled - Onshore Australian Sponsored New Zealand Citizen | 120 | 120 |
| Skilled - Onshore Independent New Zealand Citizen | 120 | 120 |
| Skilled - Australian Sponsored Overseas Student | 110 | 110 |
| Skilled - Independent Overseas Student | 115 | 115 |
- from 1 April 2005, the pass mark for applications for Skilled-Independent Overseas Student visas will be 120.
Note: The pass mark changes from time to time. Check the department's website www.immi.go.au/skilled/index.htm for the current pass mark.
Further information is available on the department's web site.
See: http://www.immi.gov.au
The department also operates a national telephone service inquiry line on 131 881 Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm (recorded information available outside these hours) for the cost of a local call anywhere in Australia.
Fact Sheet 25. Produced by the National Communications Branch, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Canberra.
Revised 30 January 2007.
© Commonwealth of Australia 2007.