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On July 1, 2011, Australia will introduce a new points-based system for the
> General Skilled Migration (GSM) category, which includes several of the
> country's permanent residence programs that do not require employer
> sponsorship. GSM applicants who file applications on or after July 1 will be
> judged against the new points-based test, which generally focuses on
> selecting highly skilled individuals to meet labor market demand. The
> Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship announced the new
> system on November 11, 2010.
>
> The most relevant changes to the points-based system are:
>
> The pass mark for the points-based test is expected to be lowered to 65
> points from the current 120 points.
> Points will no longer be awarded based on occupation. However, applicants
> must still nominate an occupation listed in the Skilled Occupations List and
> applicants will still have to provide a satisfactory occupational skills
> assessment from the relevant Australian authorities.
> Greater weight will be placed on higher level educational qualifications.
> Under the new system, applicants will be able to earn points for overseas
> educational qualifications, provided they are from approved and recognized
> universities. Under the current system, only Australian educational
> qualifications can earn points.
> Applicants who have completed tertiary studies in Australia will be eligible
> to claim additional points. Further points may be earned if the applicant's
> studies were completed at regional campuses.
> Greater weight will be given to accumulated work experience and higher
> levels of English language skills.
> The maximum age of principal applicants for the GSM will be raised to 49
> years old, from the current 44 years old.
> Family sponsorship will only be available to applicants with families who
> live in specified regional areas.
>
> Note that the new points-based test will apply to the GSM category only;
> other skilled migration visa categories are not affected. The new
> points-based system is the final stage of the GSM reforms that began earlier
> this year. The GSM category is used by foreign nationals who are not
> sponsored by an employer but who have skills in occupations that are in high
> demand in Australia. The GSM category includes the Skilled Independent,
> Skilled Sponsored, Skilled Regional Sponsored, and the Provisional Skilled
> Regional Sponsored visa programs.
>
> The Australian government is expected to promulgate legislation to support
> and implement the new points-based test policy closer to July 1, 2011.
> Fragomen will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as
> necessary.
> General Skilled Migration (GSM) category, which includes several of the
> country's permanent residence programs that do not require employer
> sponsorship. GSM applicants who file applications on or after July 1 will be
> judged against the new points-based test, which generally focuses on
> selecting highly skilled individuals to meet labor market demand. The
> Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship announced the new
> system on November 11, 2010.
>
> The most relevant changes to the points-based system are:
>
> The pass mark for the points-based test is expected to be lowered to 65
> points from the current 120 points.
> Points will no longer be awarded based on occupation. However, applicants
> must still nominate an occupation listed in the Skilled Occupations List and
> applicants will still have to provide a satisfactory occupational skills
> assessment from the relevant Australian authorities.
> Greater weight will be placed on higher level educational qualifications.
> Under the new system, applicants will be able to earn points for overseas
> educational qualifications, provided they are from approved and recognized
> universities. Under the current system, only Australian educational
> qualifications can earn points.
> Applicants who have completed tertiary studies in Australia will be eligible
> to claim additional points. Further points may be earned if the applicant's
> studies were completed at regional campuses.
> Greater weight will be given to accumulated work experience and higher
> levels of English language skills.
> The maximum age of principal applicants for the GSM will be raised to 49
> years old, from the current 44 years old.
> Family sponsorship will only be available to applicants with families who
> live in specified regional areas.
>
> Note that the new points-based test will apply to the GSM category only;
> other skilled migration visa categories are not affected. The new
> points-based system is the final stage of the GSM reforms that began earlier
> this year. The GSM category is used by foreign nationals who are not
> sponsored by an employer but who have skills in occupations that are in high
> demand in Australia. The GSM category includes the Skilled Independent,
> Skilled Sponsored, Skilled Regional Sponsored, and the Provisional Skilled
> Regional Sponsored visa programs.
>
> The Australian government is expected to promulgate legislation to support
> and implement the new points-based test policy closer to July 1, 2011.
> Fragomen will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as
> necessary.
.
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