Skill Select serves as the Australian Government’s web-based platform for professionals interested in indicating their desire to apply for a skilled immigration visa, granting them the opportunity to reside and work in Australia. This system allows both the Australian Government and state and territory governments to extend invitations to a select group of skilled workers for the purpose of submitting visa applications.
Presently, Australia stands as an ideal destination for skilled workers. The Australian Government is dedicated to addressing significant skill gaps throughout the country, making it an opportune moment to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Initiating the visa application process entails the initial step of crafting and lodging a cost-free Expression of Interest (EOI). By means of an EOI, you become eligible for invitations to apply for specific visas, which include but are not limited to:
Invitations to apply for a visa are extended to individuals in eligible occupations who have submitted an EOI meeting or surpassing the points criteria. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that meeting the minimum points requirement does not guarantee that you will receive an invitation to apply for a visa.
Points are allocated based on multiple factors, including:
To qualify for participation in the General Skilled Migration program, prospective applicants need to select a skilled occupation that is listed on one of Australia’s occupation lists, including the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Regional Occupation List (ROL), the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) ROL List. Additionally, they must undergo a skills assessment conducted by the relevant assessing authority designated for their chosen occupation.
Skills assessments may be required for visa applications in the following categories:
The skills assessment process is essential to verify that applicants possess the necessary qualifications and competence in their chosen occupation, ensuring that they meet the requirements for the visa they are applying for within the Australian immigration system.
Applicants for skilled immigration to Australia are assigned scores based on the age group they belong to at the time of their visa application. The scoring system typically awards the most points to individuals who fall within the age bracket of 25 to 32. However, for those aged 45 and over, no points are awarded based on age. This age-based points allocation is a significant component of the points-based system used to assess eligibility for various skilled migration visas.
Age | Points |
18-24 | 25 |
25-32 | 30 |
33-39 | 25 |
40-44 | 15 |
45-49 | 0 |
The majority of Skill Select applicants are obligated to undergo the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination.
However, candidates from native English-speaking nations and those who have obtained a tertiary degree (equivalent to an Australian Bachelor’s degree or a higher qualification) from a university where English is the primary language are exempted from the English language proficiency test requirement.
Applicants seeking to claim points for Superior or Proficient English language skills are still required to complete the IELTS test.
IELTS score | Points |
8 or more | 20 |
7 or more | 10 |
6 or more | 0 |
Applicants are granted points based on their work experience in a skilled occupation, whether it was acquired within Australia or another country. This experience must pertain to an occupation listed on one of Australia’s previously mentioned lists or a closely related occupation in order to qualify for points. Additionally, the work experience should have been obtained within the past decade.
Points are assigned independently for skilled employment experience attained in Australia and overseas. These points from both categories can be added together, but the maximum total points that can be awarded for skilled employment is limited to 20 points.
Length of skilled employment WITHIN Australia (within the last ten years) | Points |
1 year | 5 |
3 years | 10 |
5 years | 15 |
8 years | 20 |
Length of skilled employment OUTSIDE of Australia (within the last ten years) | Points |
3 years | 5 |
5 years | 10 |
8 years | 15 |
Points are allocated based on the applicant’s highest qualification. For example, if an applicant possesses both a doctorate and a Bachelor’s degree, points will be granted solely for the doctorate. To be eligible for points, any qualifications must be relevant to the applicant’s nominated occupation and must be officially recognized as equivalent to Australian qualifications. Typically, this recognition is confirmed during the skills assessment process for the applicant’s designated occupation.
Qualification | Points |
Doctorate | 20 |
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree | 15 |
Australian Diploma or trade qualification | 10 |
Award or qualification recognised by the assessing authority in the assessment of the skilled occupation | 10 |
Applicants are eligible for 5 points if they have successfully obtained an Australian qualification from an educational institution within Australia. This qualification must have been earned while the applicant was physically present in Australia. Additionally, the course of study undertaken must have had a duration of at least two years to qualify for these points.
Applicants can earn an additional 5 points if they fulfil the two-year study requirement while residing and pursuing their studies in an area designated as “regional Australia” or a “low population growth metropolitan area” within the country.
Applicants have the opportunity to acquire 5 points if they possess language skills at the level of a translator or interpreter in one of Australia’s designated community languages. These language skills must be officially recognized by Australia’s National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) to qualify for these points.
If the applicant’s spouse or partner is included in the visa application for skilled immigration to Australia and is not an Australian resident or citizen, their skills can contribute to the points total. To earn these points, the spouse or partner must meet the basic requirements for Australian General Skilled Migration, which include meeting the criteria for age, English language proficiency, and the nominated occupation.
Applicants are eligible for an additional 5 points if they have successfully completed an accredited Professional Year program in Australia within the past four years. A Professional Year is a structured professional development initiative that integrates formal training with practical on-the-job experience. Importantly, this Professional Year must have been undertaken in their nominated occupation or in an occupation closely related to it.
Applicants applying for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Nominated or Sponsored visa (Provisional) (Subclass 489) can earn points for being sponsored by an Australian state or territory government.
In order to be eligible for a visa under the General Skilled Migration program, applicants must achieve a minimum score of 65 points.
In conclusion, skilled immigration to Australia from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a pathway for individuals with specific skills, qualifications, and work experience to contribute to Australia’s economy and workforce. The Australian skilled immigration program, often referred to as the General Skilled Migration program, provides opportunities for eligible candidates to pursue a variety of skilled migration visas. These visas are designed to address skill shortages, stimulate economic growth, and enhance regional development in Australia. Points are awarded based on various factors such as age, work experience, education, English language proficiency, and more. Meeting the minimum points requirement is essential, and individuals can also accrue additional points through various avenues, including having an Australian qualification, language skills, and state or territory sponsorship. The ultimate goal is to attract talented individuals who can thrive in Australia’s diverse and dynamic society while contributing to its prosperity and growth.
