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Point-Based Immigration Types for Australia

Overview of Point-Based Immigration

Australia's point-based immigration system is designed to select skilled migrants based on criteria such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and education. The system awards points based on various factors to determine eligibility for different immigration streams. Applicants must reach a minimum number of points to qualify for visas under this system, which generally aims to attract skilled professionals who can contribute to the country's economy.

Key Streams and Details

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

  • Description: This visa is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. It allows applicants to live and work anywhere in Australia.

  • Eligibility Criteria:

    • Age: Must be under 45 years at the time of invitation.

    • English Proficiency: A minimum IELTS score of 6 in each band (or equivalent in other tests) is required.

    • Skills Assessment: Must pass a skills assessment for an occupation listed on Australia's Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

    • Points Requirement: Minimum of 65 points on the points test.

Points Factors:

  • Age: Up to 30 points.

  • English Language Skills: Up to 20 points.

  • Skilled Employment (in Australia and overseas): Up to 20 points.

  • Qualifications: Up to 20 points.

  • Other Factors: Points for partner skills, study in Australia, etc.

Costs:

  • Application Fee: AUD 4,240 (Primary applicant).

  • Dependent Applicants: Additional charges apply.

  • Other Costs: Skills assessment fees, English testing fees (AUD 300-400), medical exam costs (AUD 300-500).

  • Processing Times: Generally, 8-12 months.

  • Additional Requirements: Health and character checks are mandatory.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

  • Description: This visa requires a nomination from an Australian state or territory. It provides a pathway for skilled workers to live and work permanently in the nominating state.

  • Eligibility Criteria:

  • Age, English Proficiency, and Skills Assessment: Same as Subclass 189.

  • Nomination: Must be nominated by a state/territory government.

  • Points Requirement: Minimum 65 points, with state nomination providing additional 5 points.

Costs and Timelines:

  • Application Fee: AUD 4,240.

  • Additional Costs: Similar to Subclass 189.

  • Processing Times: 9-14 months.

  • Additional Requirements: Some states may have their specific nomination requirements, such as commitment to living in the state or specific occupation demands.

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

  • Description: This is a provisional visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible family member in a designated regional area. It provides a pathway to permanent residency.

  • Eligibility Criteria:

  • Age, English Proficiency, and Skills Assessment: Similar to Subclass 189 and 190.

  • Points Requirement: Minimum of 65 points, with sponsorship adding points.

  • Regional Requirement: Must live and work in a designated regional area for at least 3 years to be eligible for permanent residency.

  • Points Factors: Similar to other subclasses but with additional points for regional sponsorship.

Costs:

  • Application Fee: AUD 4,240.

  • Processing Costs: Skills assessment fees, English testing, health checks, etc., are similar to other visas.

  • Processing Times: Typically, 12-16 months.

  • Other Conditions: Obliged to live, work, and study in designated regional areas.

Costs and Additional Fees Across All Streams

  • Biometric Fees: Around AUD 50-100.

  • Medical Examination: Approximately AUD 300-500 per applicant.

  • Insurance: Not mandatory for most skilled streams but recommended.

  • Total Costs Estimate: Ranges from AUD 5,000 to 8,000 for a single applicant, including visa application, English tests, medicals, and skills assessment.

Wait Times

  • Initial Expression of Interest (EOI) Response Time: Variable based on demand and state/territory nomination if applicable.

  • Visa Processing Times: Vary by subclass but typically range from 8-16 months.

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