News Flash

Increased Pass Mark to 65 for certain General Skilled Migration visas - from 1 July 2018

03-Jul-2018

From 1 July 2018, the pass mark will be increased to 65 for the following three subclasses under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, where an application is made on or after 1 July 2018 in response to an invitation given on or after 1 July 2018: 

·        Skilled-Independent (Permanent) (Class SI) Subclass 189

·        Skilled-Nominated (Permanent) (Class SN) Subclass 190

·        Skilled-Regional Sponsored (Provisional) (Class SP) Subclass 489

What is the pass mark?

The Points Test is a key requirement for points-tested skilled visas. Intending migrants will first need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), and then wait to be invited before applying for a points-tested skilled migration visa.

The pass mark is the minimum number of points required to be eligible for a points tested skilled migration visa. The score on your invitation letter is based on the information in your EOI. You must be able to meet the points score eligibility at the time you are invited to apply for the visa.

Why was it increased?

According to the legislative instrument, the increased pass mark reflects the strong level of interest in skilled migration to Australia, and the high calibre of applicants who express interest in the GSM program. 

Are there transitional provisions?

For visa applications made on or after 1 July 2018 in response to an invitation given on or after 1 July 2018, the pool and pass mark will be 65. 

For visa applications made before, on or after 1 July 2018 in response to an invitation given prior to 1 July the pool and pass mark remains at 60. 

The pre-existing pool and pass marks will apply to outstanding applications for the following repealed visa subclasses:

·        Subclass 175 (Skilled-Independent) visa

·        Subclass 176 (Skilled-Sponsored) visa

·        Subclass 475 (Skilled-Regional Sponsored) visa

·        Subclass 487 (Skilled-Regional Sponsored) visa

·        Subclass 885 (Skilled-Independent) visa; and 

·        Subclass 886 (Skilled-Sponsored) visa 

Thefull legislative instrument can be found here.

Source: Federal Register of Legislation