Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton says the government’s move to increase the points threshold for skilled migration will enhance the quality of migrants coming to Australia.
The Federal Government has raised the minimum score on Skilled Migration points Test required to apply for skilled visas to Australia, Subclass 189, Subclass 190 and Subclass 489.
The minimum points score has been jacked up to 65 compared to 60 before 1 July 2018, a requirement many prospective visa applicants will struggle to meet.
Ramandeep Singh, an Indian national, moved to Canberra last year to get extra points. But this change has put a spanner in his plans to permanently settle in Australia.
“I can’t believe it. I applied as a skilled migrant after I secured 60 points. But now I understand that it’s still not sufficient,” he told SBS Punjabi.
“I am in Canberra from last year [for a visa nomination]. But following [the] announcement, I understand that I can’t do that anymore."
closeup of australian visa in passport Source: Public Domain
But Mr Dutton said a higher point threshold would enhance the integrity of Australia’s skilled visa system.
"Whether it's through tax reform or migration policy, the Government will always put Australian workers first," he said.
"But where an Australian worker cannot be found, we need to ensure that businesses can get the skills they need to continue to grow and prosper. Raising the points test mark will help to ensure we get migrants with valued skills and strong prospects for integration."
The Points Test was reviewed by the former Labor Government in 2011. Labor's review set the pass mark at 65 points, but was again reverted to 60 points a year later.
The Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said Australia’s visa programs need to work in our national interest.
Minister for Citizenship, Alan Tudge Source: AAP
"Restoring the points test level will help to ensure that Australia continues to attract the best and brightest talent from around the world," Mr Tudge said.
"We want to enable talented workers to come to Australia, to create stronger businesses and more wealth and opportunity for all Australians."
The change will affect applicants for Independent Skilled (permanent), Skilled nominated (permanent) and Skilled (provisional) Regional visas. Applicants who lodged their expression of interest before 1 July 2018 but do not meet the minimum points requirement will not be invited to lodge a visa application.
