Immigration help and FAQs

What is the points test?

For General Skilled Migration visas, your application will be assessed against a points test. You can claim points under a range of different factors (i.e age, occupation, work experience, Australian qualifications, English language skills).

What are the pass marks for General Skilled Migration visas?

Category	Pass Mark
Skilled – Independent (Migrant) visa (subclass 175)	120
Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176)	100
Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 475)	100
Skilled – Independent (Residence) visa (subclass 885)	120
Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (subclass 886)	100
Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 487)	100

Please note that changes to the pass marks may occur to address Australian labour market needs.

Can I have the requirement to sit an English test waived for my skilled visa application?

Applicants who hold a passport from the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, the United States of America and the Republic of Ireland are not required to provide the results of an accepted English language test as evidence they meet the English language threshold of competent English.

I have recently completed my studies in Australia. Am I eligible for a General Skilled Migration visa?

Students who have been studying a government registered course in Australia for at least two years, may be eligible for a general skilled visa if they can obtain the pass mark (120 points, or regional sponsored visas 100 points).

What is a Graduate - Skilled visa?

If a student is unable to obtain the appropriate pass mark for a general skilled visa, he or she may be eligible for a temporary Graduate – Skilled visa. This 18-month temporary visa allows the graduate student to find relevant full-time work experience in the nominated occupation or to improve English language skills in order to gain extra points towards a general skilled visa.

I am in a de facto or interdependent (same-sex) relationship. Am I eligible to apply for a partner visa?

You must be sponsored by your partner who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen and be able to show that you are in a genuine and continuing relationship with your partner.

For more information please contact the professional team at Australian Migration Lawyers.

Disclaimer: This site has been prepared to provide general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Australian immigration laws, regulations and policies are subject to frequent changes. Australian Migration Lawyers can only give complete and up-to-date advice on application by a client.