New General Skilled Migration (GSM) Points Test to apply from 1 July 2011 - The Minister for Immigration the Hon Chris Bowen MP has today announced a new General Skilled Migration (GSM) Points Test to apply from 1 July 2011 with a new Pass Mark of 65 points.

This change will not affect every type of skilled migration visa and only applies to applicants for the following visas:

1. Subclass 885 Skilled Independent
2. Subclass 886 Skilled Sponsored
3. Subclass 487 Skilled Regional Sponsored
4. Subclass 175 Skilled Independent
5. Subclass 176 Skilled Sponsored
6. Subclass 475 Skilled – Regional Sponsored.

The new points test will not change the generous transitional arrangements in place until 31 December 2012 for former international students.
 

The new points test will continue to award points for study in Australia, including regional study, community languages, partner skills and completing an approved Professional Year. Points will no longer be awarded on the basis of an applicant’s occupation, but all applicants must still nominate an occupation on the applicable Skilled Occupation List.

 Other features of the New Points Test include:

• Distinction between 40/50/60 point occupations abolished. Whilst you must still nominate an occupation from the relevant Skilled Occupation List; points for "Occupation"/"Skill" are no longer awarded removed from test.

• Age points adjusted to reflect productive working years rather than youth. Applicants between the ages of 45 years and less than 50 years will be able to apply - although unable to score any points for Age if in that age bracket. The maximum age requirement will not be increased until the new points test comes into effect on July 1st 2011.

• Additional 10 point differential introduced for “Superior English” language ability (IELTS 8). Applicants will no longer be able to claim points for "Competent English" (IELTS 6) and only 10 points will be awarded for "Proficient English" (IELTS 7). 

• Additional points for extended periods of employment in Australia - experience in nominated occupation or a closely related occupation.

• Additional points for longer periods of professional experience generally including outside Australia - overseas work experience in nominated occupation or a closely related occupation.

• Considerable additional points for university graduates, particularly for applicants with PhDs or Bachelor Degrees.

• Relative advantages of trade and degree qualified occupations have been reversed

• Regional nomination and family sponsorship points reduced

Applicants with higher level qualifications, English language proficiency or more extensive skilled work experience may benefit under the new Points Test.