Sunday, 01 July 2018
The Turnbull Government is restoring the Skilled Migration Points Test to 65 points from 60 points from 1 July.
The changes will apply to three unsponsored permanent residence visas:
- Subclass 189 – Independent skilled
- Subclass 190 – Skilled nominated visa
- Subclass 489 – Skilled regional (Provisional) visa
The Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton said the changes would enhance the integrity of Australia’s skilled visa system and the quality of migrants coming to our country.
“Whether it’s through tax reform or migration policy, the Government will always put Australian workers first,” Mr Dutton 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 just 12 months later the then Labor government inconceivably went against this advice and lowered it to 60.
“Labor cannot be trusted to put Australian workers first, just as it could not be trusted to keep our borders secure,” Mr Dutton said.
The Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said our visa programs need to work in our national interest.
“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.”
URL: http://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/peterdutton/Pages/skilled-migration-points-test-increase-from-1-july.aspx
Last update: Sunday, 01 July 2018
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