Australian Permanent Residence:

Individual Immigration

Individuals seeking permanent residence in Australia have a better chance if they can bring certain professional skills or attributes that are sought after by the Australian government.

• Do it Right the First Time


• Overview: The Skilled Migration Visa Subclasses
• Pass and Pool Marks
• Points Test: Individual and Sponsored
• Other Skilled Migration Visas
• Overseas Students in Australia Applying for Skilled Migration

Do it Right the First Time

During 1998-99, (latest program statistics provided by DIAC as of 10/2007) more Points Test visa applications were refused than granted.

A total of 24,132 Points Test visa applications were refused and 22,686 granted. Skilled migrant visas refused for 2009-2010 represented 9,786. It's important to note that mistakes can delay or even disqualify an application.

In today's ever-changing, increasingly unpredictable immigration landscape, it's more important than ever to get a case done right the first time -- it's crucial to make a correct, thorough application the first time, with accurate forms, fees and supporting documents.

There are many ways to innocently sabotage your application. One common mistake is selecting an inappropriate skilled occupation. You must be careful when selecting an appropriate skilled occupation. The Pass Mark and Skilled Occupations List are subject to frequent change and may adjust between time of application and decision. The recent "Employment Experience" factor is also technical in nature often requiring an applicant to have worked in a closely related occupation to that nominated or relying on another occupation unrelated and on the Skilled Occupations List.

Avoid taking unnecessary risks, and save time and expense by working with Beyderwellen & Company. It's fast and easy to get started. Simply complete our Online Australian Immigration Assessment Form to discover how you can migrate to Australia.

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Pass Marks and Pool Marks

In addition to the above minimum requirements, applicants are required to amass sufficient points to meet the 'Pool Mark' and the 'Pass Mark' pertaining to the particular general skilled migration visa class.

Effective from 1 July 2011 (New Gazette notices) changes to Pass and Pool Marks apply for new applications in several of the general skilled migration visa classes.

Applications validly received by the Department of Immigration on or after 1 July 2011 are subject to the following pass marks and pool marks:

[Note: The new pass marks only apply to applications filed on or after 1 July 2011. (*Pool marks pertain to applications filed between 1 September 2007 to 30 June 2011). Applications filed before 1 July 2011 will continue to be subject to the pass marks and pool marks for the class of visa sought that existed then.]

The pass mark is the mark required to satisfy the points test set in respect of the particular visa. A visa applicant who amasses sufficient points to meet the pass mark is taken to have attained the 'qualifying score.'

An applicant who however scores the applicable pool mark, but does not reach the qualifying pass mark will have their application placed in a "pool," where it remains for two years. If the qualifying pass mark is lowered at any time in that two year period, and the applicant's score is equal to, or higher than, the new pass mark, the applicant's case will be processed further - otherwise the application will be refused [Note: applicants already in the 'pool' may be eligible to be invited by the Department of Immigration to apply for the 475 visa.]

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