Australia has a well-organized point-based immigration system. To qualify for permanent residency (PR), most skilled applicants need to score at least 65 points under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. But what if your score is below that mark? The good news is you can improve it!
In this blog, we will explain how to increase your Australia PR points, improve your eligibility, and make your dream to immigrate to Australia a reality. With the expert guidance of Cross Border Education, you can explore practical and proven ways to boost your score and secure an ITA.
Understanding the Australia PR Points System
The point test evaluates factors such as your age, English language skills, educational qualifications, work experience, partner’s profile, and more. If you don’t meet the minimum points right now, there are multiple ways to enhance your application.
1. Improve Your English Language Proficiency
One of the fastest ways to increase your score is by improving your IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL results. If you have already achieved a ‘competent’ level, aim for a ‘proficient’ or ‘superior’ level. A higher score can add up to 20 valuable points to your application. English proficiency is crucial not only for points but also to integrate easily into Australia’s workforce and society.
2. Gain Additional Skilled Work Experience
If you have more years of experience in your nominated occupation, either inside or outside Australia, your points can increase accordingly. The longer you've worked in a relevant field, the more points you will earn.
3. Pursue Higher Educational Qualifications
If you have a diploma or undergraduate degree, pursuing a master's or doctoral degree can add more points to your profile. Moreover, completing a course in Australia itself gives you an additional advantage. Studying in a regional area of Australia also brings bonus points, making this option worth exploring.
4. Apply for State or Territory Nomination
Each Australian state has its own list of high-demand occupations. If your occupation appears on one of these lists and you meet the requirements, you can apply for nomination. This adds extra points to your application and strengthens your chances of being invited.
5. Consider the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
The Subclass 491 visa is a great alternative for candidates with low points. It offers a pathway to PR and awards additional points if you are sponsored by a regional state or family member living in a regional area. It’s a smart move to widen your options by considering regional Australia.
6. Complete a Professional Year Program
If you are an international graduate in accounting, IT, or engineering, completing a Professional Year Program in Australia can help you gain additional points. It also enhances your employability, builds professional networks, and familiarizes you with Australian workplace culture.
7. Claim Partner Skills Points
If your partner is also skilled, you may be eligible for additional points. These are awarded if your partner meets certain criteria like age, language proficiency, and skill assessment in a nominated occupation. Even if your partner only has competent English, that alone may still earn you extra points.
8. Take the NAATI Community Language Test
Being certified in a community language by NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) can help you gain additional points. If you’re fluent in languages like Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, or Mandarin, this is a great way to increase your total.
9. Keep an Eye on Skilled Occupation Lists
The Australian government updates its Skilled Occupation Lists frequently. If your occupation was recently removed or is about to be added, that change can affect your PR eligibility. Stay informed and consider other related occupations that could make you eligible.
10. Seek Professional Guidance
The Australian immigration process can be complex, especially when it comes to optimizing your profile for points. At Cross Border Education, we help you assess your current score, identify areas for improvement, and build a tailored action plan. Whether it's language training, regional nominations, or state sponsorship, our team can guide you through every step.
Conclusion
Let’s say your current score is 60. You can boost your points by improving your English test results, gaining an extra year of work experience, and applying for regional sponsorship. These combined efforts can easily push your score beyond the 65-point threshold.
Not meeting the required Australia PR points can feel discouraging, but it’s not the end of the road. With the right strategies and expert guidance from Cross Border Education, you can transform your profile and increase your chances to immigrate to Australia successfully.
