Australian PR Points Calculator 2024: Your Key to Success

Australia is a place of dreams for many, with its beautiful landscapes, high quality of life, and strong economy. As a result, numerous individuals aspire to become permanent residents in Australia. 

To transform your dream of obtaining an Australian Permanent Resident into a reality, the Australian PR Points Calculator 2024 plays a vital role. This tool evaluates multiple factors that influence your eligibility for Australian permanent residency. Therefore, it is a crucial and necessary step on your path to living in this desirable destination.

Australia PR Visa

A permanent resident (PR) visa is for those who are not Australian citizens but wish to live in Australia. People who get PR in Australia can live there. The most common PR visas are for skilled workers and family members. An Australian PR visa is valid for five years set by the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA). After working for four years, an individual can become an Australian citizen.

Benefits of an Australia PR Visa

There are several advantages to holding an Australian PR visa, such as:

1. Freedom to Choose Courses: PR visa holders can study any course.
2. Access to Free Education and Healthcare: People with permanent residency (PR) can receive free education and government healthcare services.
3. Family Sponsorship: PR holders can support their family members in getting temporary or permanent residency in the country.
4. Social Security Benefits: PR visa holders can access social security benefits.
5. Work Flexibility: PR holders have the right to work in any job under any employer.
6. Path to Citizenship: If PR visa holders meet specific requirements, they can become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

Getting an Australia PR Visa in 2024

Australia welcomes skilled professionals and business entrepreneurs from other countries. Your skills, work experience, and education can determine if you’re eligible. You can check your chances with the self-assessment test with Australian PR points for general skilled migration.  

To qualify for Australian immigration, it’s better if you’re under 50 years old and can speak English well. It also helps if you have the right work experience in a job listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

AUSTRALIAN PR POINTS CALCULATOR

Australia employs a points-based system for individuals seeking Permanent Residency (PR) visas via skilled migration programs. To calculate Australian PR points, the Australian government has created the Australian PR Points Calculator, a tool that assesses the key prerequisites and offers an estimate of your potential point score. 

This calculator is helpful for those aspiring to determine their eligibility for Australian permanent residency. 

Visa Types for getting PR in Australia

The primary pathway for skilled workers is the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which includes different visa types:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

This visa category uses a points system to assess eligibility, and you don’t need an Australian employer or family member to sponsor you. To be eligible for this visa, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

This visa needs nomination from an Australian state or territory government. To be eligible, you must get a nomination from a government agency in that state or territory and meet their specific requirements.

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)

A state or territory government or a family member living in a particular regional area can nominate you. 

To apply for any of these visas, you must meet the basic eligibility requirements and earn enough points on the points test. The points test considers your age, English skills, work experience, education, etc.

💡Learn more: Top 10 Facts of Australia’s VETASSESS Skills Assessment.

Critical Factors for Points Calculation

Below are some critical factors for Australian PR points calculation:

1. Age

Your age is a critical factor in the calculation of Australian PR points. They award points based on your age at the time of application, giving younger applicants more points.

Below are points based on age:

• Between 18 and 24 years: 25 points
• Between 25 and 32 years: 30 points
• Between 33 and 39 years: 25 points
• Between 40 and 44 years: 15 points

These points highlight the importance of starting your immigration journey at a younger age.

2. English Proficiency

Your English language skills are essential. They assign points based on your performance in English language tests like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or CAE. The better your score, the more points you’ll get. Here’s how they assign Australian PR points for English skills:

• Competent English: 0 points
• Proficient English: 10 points
• Superior English: 20 points

3. Skilled Employment Experience

They value your work experience, both in Australia and abroad. Candidates get points based on the years of relevant work experience in their chosen occupation. Below are Australian PR points based on skilled employment experience: 

• Less than three years: 0 points
• At least three but less than five years: 5 points
• At least five but less than eight years: 10 points
• At least eight years: 15 points

Remember that to get points for employment, your work should be in a nominated skilled occupation or a related skilled occupation. It would be best if you had worked for the specified periods within the ten years before getting the invitation to apply.

Also, there’s a limit on how many points you can get for employment experience. The most points you can receive for employment experience is 20. So, even if you earn more than 20 points for your work experience, you will only get 20 points.

4. Educational Qualifications

Remember that to get Australian PR points for employment, your work should be in a nominated skilled occupation or a related skilled occupation.

• Doctorate from an Australian educational institution or a recognized institution: 20 points
• Bachelor’s degree from an Australian educational institution or a recognized institution: 15 points
• Diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution: 10 points
• A qualification recognized by the assessing authority for the nominated skilled occupation: 10 points

It is important to note that candidates get points-based migration for the highest qualification only.

🔔 Don’t Miss: Certifying documents for Migration.

Recognition of Qualifications

The skills assessing authority decides if your qualifications match Australian qualifications. It would be best to have this recognition when you get the invitation to apply for a visa.

If the assessing authority didn’t assess your qualification at the bachelor level or higher, you can contact VETASSESS. They can help compare your qualifications to the Australian system. Include VETASSESS advice with your application to claim these points.

1. Doctoral Requirements (PhD)

You can only get Australian PR points for a doctoral degree if it’s a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Other qualifications that give you the title of Doctor, like a general practitioner, dentist, or vet, don’t count for points.

2. Specialist Education Qualification

To get points for a special education qualification, you need a Master’s degree in research or a Doctorate from an Australian school. It should involve at least two years of study in a related field. This degree must be from an Australian school. Also, it should include at least two years of study in specific fields like science, technology, and engineering.

3. Australian Study Requirement

To earn points for meeting the Australian study need, you should have at least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification. It must come from an Australian educational institution that fulfills this rule.

4. Professional Year in Australia

You can get points for finishing a Professional Year in Australia in Accounting, ICT/Computing, or Engineering. The Professional Year must meet the following criteria:

• Completed over at least 12 months
• Completed in Australia in the four years before the invitation to apply for a visa
• Provided by one of these organizations:  

You can complete a Professional Year with :

• The Australian Computer Society, CPA Australia, 
• Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, 
• the Institute of Public Accountants, or 
• Engineers Australia.

You could have started the Professional Year within 48 months before getting the invitation to get clear. The date you “finished” is on your official Record of Completion from the authorized body or program partner.

5. Credentialled Community Language

If you have a recognized qualification in a community language, you can earn points.  

To qualify, it should receive accreditation at the paraprofessional level or higher or certification at the certified provisional level. To meet this requirement, you must hold a community language credential for interpreting or translating from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.

6. Study in Regional Australia  

Your education should meet the Australian study requirements to earn points for studying in regional Australia. You should have obtained it while living and studying at a college in a designated regional area. Studying online or by distance education doesn’t count.

7. Partner Skills

You can earn extra Australian PR points if your partner applies for the same visa and meets specific conditions.   

For your partner’s skills to count, they should be under 45, have good English, pick a job like yours, and have the right skills assessment. It shouldn’t be for a Subclass 485 visa.

• Partner under 45 years old, with competent English, and a nominated skilled occupation on the same list: 10 points
• Partner with competent English: 5 points
• Single applicant or partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident: 10 points

8. Nomination or Sponsorship 

You can earn points through Nomination or Sponsorship.  

If someone recommended you for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) and their nomination is still valid, you can get points. Points are also available when a family member sponsors you for this visa. The Minister must approve this sponsorship for you to earn points.

• Nominated applicants provided the nomination remains in effect: 15 points
• Applicants with an approved sponsorship will qualify.: 15 points

Australian PR Points Calculator

The Australian government has made it easier to check if you can get an Australian Permanent Residency. They created a tool called the Australian PR Points Calculator. This tool considers all the essential requirements and gives you an idea of how many points you might get. It’s helpful for people who want to know if they can become permanent residents in Australia.

How Many Points Do You Need for PR?

You need at least 65 points to apply for PR through the Skill Select program in Australia. But having the most minor points doesn’t guarantee you’ll get PR. The number of points needed for PR can vary as the Australian government adjusts its immigration policies. The exact points you need can vary depending on the type of visa and your situation. As such, it’s crucial to aim for the highest possible score to enhance your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for PR.

Tips to Improve Your Australia PR Score

There are common areas where applicants can enhance their Australian PR points:

1. Boost English Proficiency

Retaking the language skill test before applying can earn you up to 20 points.

2. Gain More Work Experience

If you have more years of work experience in your chosen skilled job, you can get up to 5 extra points, with a max of 20 points possible.

3. Post-Study Work Program:  

International students in Australia can apply for the Post-Study Work Program if they study a skilled occupation. This program allows them to stay and work in Australia for 2-4 years. If you take a vocational course approved by the Australian government, it can improve your qualifications.

4. Age Matters

Age is a significant factor in gaining Australian PR points. Individuals aged 25-32 score the highest points, while those aged 45 or above receive no points.

5. State Nomination

If a state or territory government nominates you for a skilled visa, you can get an extra 5 points.

6. Regional Study

International students who have studied in a regional area of Australia for at least two years can get an extra 5 points.

7. Community Language Skills

Knowing a community language can add five more points to your Australia PR application.

8. Professional Year Completion  

Completing a professional year in Australia in one of the nominated skilled occupations can earn you an extra 5 points. You need at least one year of experience before receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Learn More: Statutory Declarations and Affidavits for VETASSESS Skill Assessment. 💪💪

More Ways to Improve Australian PR Points

• State Nomination Holder

Being a State Nomination holder under a skilled visa can grant you an extra 5 points.

• Completed Professional Year:  

If you’ve completed a professional year in Australia in one of the nominated skilled occupations, you can earn an extra 5 points. This program requires at least one year of experience before receiving an ITA.

Steps to Apply for Australia PR

The application process for Australian PR involves these simple steps:

1. Check Eligibility

Verify your eligibility for a specific pathway or program (Subclass 189/Subclass 190/Subclass 491) and ensure you meet the mandatory criteria.

2. English Proficiency  

To prove your English skills, take approved tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL from authorized organizations.

3. Skill Verification

Verify your education and work documents through an accredited institution following Australian standards.

4. Expression of Interest (EOI)

Use the ‘SkillSelect’ Australian PR platform to create an Expression of Interest (EOI). Include the required documents and a Statement of Purpose (SOP) when you submit it.

5. ITA and Final Application

Once you’ve made your profile, Australian immigration authorities will send an Invitation to Apply (ITA). When you get the ITA, send in your final PR application along with clearance certificates and conduct certificates.

Read More: Requirements you need to know for VETASSESS Skills Assessment. 💡💡

Conclusion

For highly qualified individuals with relevant education and job experience, Australian immigration is the top choice. Australia is the preferred destination for families and individuals looking to migrate to Australia due to its exceptional quality of life, education, and job opportunities.

It’s crucial to grasp the PR process and check your eligibility to move to Australia with permanent residency. It begins with having your occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.  

To be eligible for Australian immigration, you should aim for at least 65 points. More points increase your chances of getting an invitation to apply for a skilled visa like the 189 visa for Australia.