Skilled Migration Points Terms Explained
This guide explains common skilled migration terms used in Australian visa assessments, points-tested migration pathways and employer-sponsored visa planning.
Quick Navigation
- Skills Assessment
- Skilled Employment
- Australian Work Experience
- Overseas Work Experience
- Australian Study Requirement
- Professional Year Program
- NAATI Credentialed Community Language
- Specialist Education Qualification
- Regional Australia
- State & Territory Nomination
- Eligible Relative in Regional Australia
- Partner Points
- English Language Requirements
Skills Assessment
A Skills Assessment is an assessment conducted by an authorised assessing authority to determine whether your qualifications and employment history meet the requirements of a nominated occupation for migration purposes.
Most skilled migration pathways require a positive Skills Assessment before a visa application can proceed.
Common assessing authorities include VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, ACS, CPA Australia, TRA and AHPRA.
Possible assessment outcomes may include positive, negative, expired or in progress.
Skilled Employment
Skilled employment refers to work experience that may be recognised for migration purposes.
Work experience is generally more useful when it is closely related to your nominated occupation, performed at an appropriate skill level and supported by evidence such as employment references, contracts, payslips and tax records.
Both Australian and overseas skilled employment may be relevant to skilled migration points and pathway planning.
Australian Work Experience
Australian skilled work experience may contribute to a skilled migration points score.
The number of years, relevance to the nominated occupation and quality of evidence can affect whether employment is useful for migration purposes.
Overseas Work Experience
Relevant overseas skilled employment may also contribute to skilled migration points.
Not all overseas work experience will automatically be recognised. The work generally needs to be relevant, skilled and supported by reliable evidence.
Australian Study Requirement
Some skilled migration applicants may receive additional points if they satisfy the Australian Study Requirement.
This generally involves completing eligible study in Australia that meets specific migration criteria. Holding an Australian qualification alone does not automatically mean the requirement has been met.
Additional conditions may apply regarding study duration, location and visa status during study.
Professional Year Program
A Professional Year Program is a structured work-readiness program available for certain occupations, including Accounting, Engineering and Information Technology.
Eligible applicants who complete an approved Professional Year Program may receive additional skilled migration points.
NAATI Credentialed Community Language
Applicants who hold an eligible NAATI Credentialed Community Language qualification may receive additional migration points.
NAATI credentials recognise language and translation or interpreting skills in approved community languages.
Specialist Education Qualification
A Specialist Education Qualification may provide additional migration points.
This usually relates to eligible Australian Masters by Research or PhD qualifications in recognised STEM, ICT, Engineering, Mathematics, Medical Science or related fields.
Regional Australia
Regional Australia may be relevant to several skilled migration pathways.
Regional factors may include living, studying or working in a designated regional area, or having an eligible relative living in regional Australia.
State & Territory Nomination
State and Territory governments may nominate eligible applicants for skilled migration visas.
Nomination requirements vary between States and Territories and may change over time.
State or Territory nomination can be important for applicants considering Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 visa pathways.
Eligible Relative in Regional Australia
Certain applicants may have additional regional visa options if they have an eligible relative living in a designated regional area of Australia.
The relative usually needs to meet specific relationship, residence and location requirements.
Partner Points
Partner-related factors may affect eligibility and points under the skilled migration program.
Relevant considerations may include whether your partner is included in the application, whether your partner has a Skills Assessment, whether your partner has competent English and whether your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
English Language Requirements
English language ability plays an important role in skilled migration.
Common English tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET and Cambridge English.
English results may affect visa eligibility, migration points and skills assessment requirements.