New Points Test

The new points test has finally been released and it is scheduled to take effect from 1 July 2011 (at least there is some notice this time).

As a service to its members the MIA (www.mia.org.au) provided the following summary of it:

• Distinction between 40/50/60 point occupations abolished, those points removed from test
• Age points adjusted to reflect productive working years rather than youth
• Additional 10 point differential introduced for “Superior English” language ability (IELTS 8)
• Additional points for extended periods of employment in Australia
• Additional points for longer periods of professional experience generally
• Considerable additional points for university graduates, particularly for applicants with PhDs
• Relative advantages of trade and degree qualified occupations have been reversed
• Regional nomination and family sponsorship points reduced
• No indication of difference between independent and sponsored pass marks at this stage
• Pass mark of 65

There is a fact sheet explaining how it works on the DIAC website - click here.

There is already some criticism that it is "underweight" for trade occupations and places too much emphasis on the IELTS score. See for example the press release from the Australian Industry Group.

Like all new things we will have to see how this goes - is the criticism warranted? Is it out of balance .... only time will tell.

Creative commons attribution for the photograph.