In her media release issued 23 April 2024, Minister for Home Affairs the Honourable Clare O’Neil declared that there are strong intentions for the Australian Government to reform the current Points Test system. The hinted-at revisions have stirred much anticipation and debate amongst prospective migrants and stakeholders alike, projecting what this change may look like for the skilled visa program.
The Current Points Test System
The Points Test system for the skilled visa program is a method of evaluating the level of contribution that a visa applicant can make to the Australian economy in a particular occupation at that point in time. This system has been unchanged since 2012, being 12 years prior where, since then, much has changed.
The Points Test provides for a method to assess candidates’ eligibility based on various factors including their age, level of English language proficiency, whether they have other language credentials, relevant qualifications and work experience, their relationship status and if partnered, the contribution that their partner can make to the Australian economy. These attributes each have a unique points value, and the higher the value of points that are accumulated, the higher the value they are to the economy and more likely to be invited to apply for a visa.
Changes to Come
In an effort to review the current migration system and identify weaker areas that require update and improvement, a final report titled ‘Review of the Migration System’ prepared by related academics and stakeholders concluded in their review that the Points Test is “not designed to identify applicants with the best potential to contribute to Australia over the long term.” The anticipated alterations to the points-test system currently in place will likely involve the reallocation of points across the abovementioned criteria. This reallocation is likely to favour attributes that reflect current market demands and skill shortages, with a move away from outdated views on eligibility.
One notable aspect under review is the weight of a visa applicant’s age in the points assessment. While age has traditionally held influence in gatekeeping eligibility favouring youth, there’s a growing recognition of the value that skilled migrant cohorts within older age brackets can bring to the economy, naturally, being more experienced in their fields. A revised system affording greater significance to skills and experience over youth seems a logical step, and one that has alluded the Australian Government for quite some time. Hopefully, it will extend to other visa programs, such as the sponsored work visa program.
Moreover, the proposed reforms are expected to place a heightened emphasis on regional migration, aiming to deliver skilled workers more evenly across Australia’s diverse geographic landscape. By incentivizing settlement in regional areas, the government aims to address the labour shortages that exist outside major cities, fostering economic growth and community development in these regional areas that tend to experience a higher challenge in attracting and retaining talent.
The Government is currently receiving submissions with respect to this subject until May 2024. Hopefully an announcement is to follow soon after.
If you would like advice on the skilled migration program, feel free to contact our office below. We can help you calculate your points and walk with you on your Australian visa journey.
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