New Points Test

Effective from 1 July 2011 the new points test has come into effect. The passmark is now 65 points and the "bias" is in favour of high levels of english and high levels of education (degrees rate higher then trades). Easiest way is to set out the email from DIAC in full:

As of 1 July 2011, the following changes to Australia’s skilled migration program have come into effect:
- introduction of a recalibrated points test for certain skilled migration visas, - an updated Skilled Occupation List, - new priority processing arrangements.
Since 2010, the Australian Government has introduced a series of reforms to skilled migration to ensure the program is more responsive to Australian market demand. The following changes outlined above support the strategic reform direction towards a labour-market demand driven program.

**1 July 2011 Points Test**
Australia’s points test is an objective assessment tool used to select skilled migrants with the skills and attributes most needed to contribute to Australia’s future. Information about the 1 July 2011 points test is available on the Department’s website see: www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/points-test.pdf
For detailed information outlining transitional arrangements see: www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/points-test-transitional.pdf
For information about recognition of qualifications and employment in the 1 July 2011 points test see:www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/quals-skilled.pdf
Information about the 1 July 2011 points test has been made available on the Agents Gateway. Www.immi.gov.au/gateways/agents/resources/points-test-useful-links/
Due to a delay in updating the 1 July stack of LEGEND, a copy of PAM 3:Sch6C - General points (General Skilled Migration visas) is being made available on the Agents Gateway:www.immi.gov.au/gateways/agents/pdf/sch6c-pam.pdf 

Creative commons attribution for the photograph.