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Reforming Point-tested Visas




In a groundbreaking move, the Scanlon Foundation has been acknowledged for its invaluable support towards a project aimed at enhancing the selection process for skilled migrants in Australia.


The proposed reforms to the points-tested visa system could potentially revolutionize the country's immigration landscape, driving up productivity growth and injecting a staggering $171 billion into government budgets over the next 30 years. By prioritizing highly-educated applicants and individuals with strong English language skills, the revamped system seeks to attract top talent from around the globe while phasing out state and regional points-tested visas.


The details about the proposed criteria for reforming points-tested visas in the report "It all adds up: Reforming points-tested visas" by the Grattan Institute are as follows:


  • Points Allocation Criteria:

- Offer more points to applicants with higher degrees, excellent English language skills, and/or skilled spouses.

- Abolish bonus points for Australian study, regional study, a professional year, and specialist education qualifications.

- Offer points for any high-skilled employment experience, especially for high-paying Australian work experience.

- Make points-tested visas available to applicants who can satisfy a skills assessment for any skill level 1, 2, or 3 occupation.

- Set the minimum points floor for qualifying for a points-tested visa to 300 points.

- Guarantee an invitation to apply for a visa to applicants with at least 400 points.

- Apply ranked choice selection to the allocation of all permanent points-tested visas.


  • Skills Recognition Process:

- Commission a review of the skills assessment and occupational licensing processes.


  • Investment in Attracting Skilled Migrants:

- Federal, state, and territory governments should invest more in attracting skilled migrants to choose Australia and help them settle and thrive in the country.


  • Strengthening the Evidence Base:

- Review the points test regularly, including through an independent analysis of the outcomes of skilled migrants in Australia using linked administrative data.

- Boost analytical resources within the Department of Home Affairs to better inform migration policy design.

- Establish a new body, similar to the UK’s Migration Advisory Committee, to offer independent advice to the government on visa policy changes.

- Review visa charges every two years.





The specific points awarded for various applicant characteristics in the proposed reform for points-tested visas, as outlined in the report "It all adds up: Reforming points-tested visas" by the Grattan Institute, include:


1️⃣ Age:

Assign points according to age, with decreasing points after age 30:

- 18-20: 95 points

- 21-29: 100 points

- 30:95 minutes

- 31:90 minutes

-... Under 45 years old :0 points


2️⃣ English Proficiency:

Excellent (IELTS 8+):90 points

Very good (IELTS 7):45


3️⃣ Education:

- Doctor :60 points

- The top 20 universities in the world with a bachelor's degree or above :45 points

- Bachelor degree or above :30 points

- Junior College or above :15 points


4️⃣ Occupation:

In Australia, different salaries correspond to different scores: 7w-12w corresponds to 30-90 points


5️⃣ Spouse Skills:

Single: 90 points

Spouse English 8:60 points

Spouse English 7:40 points

Spouse bachelor degree or above: 30 points

Spouse degree or above: 15 points


6️⃣ Work experience:

Points are earned for any highly skilled work experience and high earning Australian work experience (2 + years of work experience)

SL1 job: 50 points

SL2 jobs: 15 points


7️⃣ Global University graduates:

Extra points for graduates from the world's top universities!



This strategic overhaul is projected to not only benefit the economy but also streamline the visa application process for skilled migrants, paving the way for a more efficient and effective immigration system in Australia.


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