Olympr Blog
The Australian skilled migration system is competitive, with many applicants vying for limited invitations. Maximizing your points is crucial for success. Here are ten proven strategies to boost your score.
1. Improve Your English Score
English language ability offers up to 20 points:
- Competent: 0 points (minimum requirement)
- Proficient: 10 points
- Superior: 20 points
Action: If you're scoring competent, study for proficient or superior. Consider switching from IELTS to PTE - many find PTE easier to score higher.
2. Gain Australian Work Experience
Australian work experience is worth more than overseas experience:
- 1-3 years: 5 points (Australian) vs 5 points (overseas)
- 3-5 years: 10 points (Australian) vs 10 points (overseas)
- 5-8 years: 15 points (Australian) vs 15 points (overseas)
- 8+ years: 20 points (Australian) vs 15 points (overseas)
Action: Consider a working holiday visa or temporary work visa to gain Australian experience.
3. Complete a Professional Year
A Professional Year Program in Australia gives you:
- 5 additional points
- Australian work experience
- Professional network building
- Improved employment prospects
Available for accounting, IT, and engineering graduates.
4. Obtain a Higher Qualification
Educational qualifications offer:
- Bachelor's degree: 15 points
- Master's degree: 15 points
- Doctorate: 20 points
Action: If you're close to finishing a higher degree, prioritize completion before submitting your EOI.
5. Partner Skills Points
Your partner can contribute points if they:
- Are under 45 years old
- Have competent English
- Have a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation
Points available:
- Partner with skills assessment: 10 points
- Partner with competent English only: 5 points
- Single or partner is Australian citizen/PR: 10 points
6. State or Territory Nomination
- Subclass 190: 5 additional points
- Subclass 491: 15 additional points
Action: Research which states are nominating your occupation and apply for nomination.
7. Study in Regional Australia
Studying in a designated regional area gives you:
- 5 additional points for qualification
- Eligibility for regional visas (491)
- Potential state nomination priority
8. Specialist Education Qualification
A Master's by Research or Doctorate in specific STEM fields gives you:
- 10 additional points
Fields include science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and specific ICT areas.
9. Age Factor
Age points decrease as you get older:
- 25-32 years: 30 points (maximum)
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-44 years: 15 points
Action: Apply as early as possible in your eligible age bracket.
10. NAATI Credentialled Community Language
If you speak a community language at a professional level:
- 5 additional points
Common languages include Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Cantonese, and many others.
The Magic Numbers
Current invitation trends show:
- 189 visa: Minimum 85 points for most occupations
- 190 visa: 65-80 points depending on state
- 491 visa: 65-75 points
When to Submit Your EOI
Don't wait for the perfect score. Submit your EOI when you have:
- Minimum 65 points for eligibility
- Realistic chance based on current trends
- Valid skills assessment and English test
You can update your EOI anytime to add more points as you achieve them.
Final Tips
- Monitor invitation rounds - trends change monthly
- Keep documents current - skills assessments expire
- Consider multiple pathways - don't rely on just one visa subclass
- Be patient but persistent - the process takes time
Remember, every point counts in this competitive system. Focus on what you can control and work systematically to maximize your score.
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