DHA Introduces Major Changes to the Australia Point System

The Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has upgraded the Australia point system, which attributes points to candidates who file Expressions of Interest for certain points-tested visas through SkillSelect. The following changes in Australia Point System came in effect starting 16th November 2019, under relevant visa categories:

· STEM candidates can now claim 10 points for fulfilling the Specialist Education Qualification, as opposed to 5 points earlier.

· 10 points can be availed for satisfactory age, English language proficiency, and skills of the applicant’s spouse or common-law-partner, as opposed to 5 points earlier. If the partner only fulfils the English language requirement, 5 points can be claimed.

· 10 points will be awarded to candidates who are unmarried, or whose spouse or common-law-partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

· 15 points can be gained for being nominated by a state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative — to live and work in regional Australia.