Are you considering applying for permanent residency in Australia through the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)? This pathway allows you to gain permanent residency through state or territory nomination based on your in-demand skills. Your points score remains a critical element in your visa application process. Your chances of obtaining a state nomination and receiving an invitation to apply for the visa grow as your points score increases.
This article offers practical strategies to help you, as a potential Australian resident, elevate your points score for the 190 visa. Every single point counts towards providing you with an advantage in this competitive environment.
The points test heavily weighs your English language proficiency as a crucial element. Scored using the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), a ‘Competent’ level (around IELTS 6.0 on each band and overall) fulfills the minimum language requirement, but candidates who achieve ‘Proficient’ (IELTS 7.0 on each band and overall) or ‘Superior’ (IELTS 8.0 on each band and overall) positions can receive more points.
Plan to retake your English proficiency test if your first score was at the competent level. Determine which skills you need to improve (listening, reading, writing, or speaking) and direct your study plan to these areas by employing online resources and practice tests together with language exchange partners. When one test format proves difficult for you repeatedly, then explore other accepted tests because certain structures better match different people’s strengths.
Skilled employment earns points whether you work domestically in Australia or internationally. Recent skilled work experience that is relevant to your job increases your potential points.
Your employment references need to show your job title along with your duties and work schedule, including start and end dates and weekly hours worked. Your job responsibilities must match precisely with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) classification code assigned to your nominated position. Staying employed in your skilled occupation enables you to accumulate additional points as time goes by. Just an extra year or two of experience can create significant changes. Your nominated occupation will benefit from direct job experience because employers place high value on this.
Australian study points become claimable once you complete approved qualifications within Australia. Educational qualifications registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) include degrees, diplomas, and trade qualifications.
Additional Australian study that matches your skills or fills a skills gap will significantly raise your points if you qualify and have the necessary resources. Look into postgraduate degrees or vocational qualifications. When selecting a study program, verify that it satisfies the minimum duration of two academic years, which equals 92 weeks of registered study. Confirm your claim for points on all Australian qualifications you have earned.
Utilise the benefits provided by the Professional Year Programme. Graduates who have completed a Professional Year (PY) programme in engineering, accounting, or IT-related occupations in Australia can secure valuable points. Determine if your occupation qualifies within eligible areas before researching and applying. Professional Year programmes generally span 44 weeks and integrate formal education with internship experiences. You must complete all parts of the programme through active participation to qualify for the points.
You can earn partner points when you have a skilled partner who satisfies specific conditions. Assess your partner’s skills, determining if they are under 45 years old, have competent English, and have a positive skills assessment in an occupation that is on a relevant skilled occupation list (though it doesn’t need to be your nominated occupation). Consider your partner undertaking skills assessment and English testing if they meet the basic criteria to potentially claim those valuable partner points.
To strategically target your application, understand that each state and territory has specific nomination requirements beyond the standard points test. Their websites detail in-demand occupations, eligibility criteria, and preferences for factors like work experience, regional commitment, or prior ties to the area. When lodging your Expression of Interest (EOI), specify only those jurisdictions whose criteria you meet.
Achieving a higher points score for the 190 visa needs careful planning and consistent effort. Find which sections offer the greatest opportunity for additional points accumulation and create an actionable plan to reach those achievements. You can improve your chances for Australian permanent residency by committing to additional English studies or gaining relevant work experience, and exploring Australian study programs or Professional Year options. Your dedication to improving your points score is a direct investment in your Australian future. Make it count! Streamline your Skilled Nomination (subclass 190) visa journey with Heenan & Browne Visa and Migration Services—trusted migration agents Australia-wide. As a leading provider of migration services in Australia, we deliver expert guidance and prompt support to help applicants successfully navigate the complexities of state-nominated visas.
