Australia’s Ministry for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs will soon be implementing five key changes to their immigration point system.

The amendments to the point system form part of adjustments to the Migration Act 1958. The stated intention of the amendments is to focus on the distribution of skilled migrants to regional Australia (the whole country except Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and the Gold Coast), as well as maximising the contributions of these immigrants.

Australian visas and permanent residencies are tested for on a point system. The new changes make adjustments to five areas of the point system to encourage the migration of workers to the regions. The revisions are as follows:

1. 15 points for nomination by State or Territory government or sponsorship by a family member residing in regional Australia, to live and work in regional Australia
2. 10 points for a skilled spouse of a de facto partner
3. 10 points for certain STEM qualifications
4. 5 points for a de facto partner with ‘competent English’
5. 10 points for applicants without a spouse or de facto partner

Essentially, these additional revisions to how and where points are awarded offer additional benefits to applicants that fit any of the criteria. The goal is to put skills in the regions. 

What this means is that, if you are a skilled worker moving with a skilled spouse or on your own, you are now able to add significantly more points onto your visa application.

Tri-Nations can guide you through every step of the Australian visa and emigration process. Contact us for help with your emigration paperwork.