Australian Immigration Weekly Update: How Victoria’s New Points Test Affects State Nomination
Executive Summary
This week delivered significant developments across federal and state immigration programmes. The long-awaited Subclass 189 invitation round has concluded with most IT and accounting occupations excluded from selection. Victoria’s surprise launch of a new points test has sparked debate about whether it signals a federal reform template, while NSW has released its updated 190 skills list ahead of next week’s invitation cycle.
Federal Skills Invitation Round 189: Results Released
The Department of Home Affairs has finally conducted the promised federal invitation round for the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189). Contrary to speculation circulating on professional networks, no single occupation received a blanket invitation across all applicants.
Industry specialists have compiled minimum points data from multiple sources to provide applicants with a general overview. Official figures on the SkillSelect system should be consulted once published for confirmation.
Sample minimum points by occupation:
- Architect: 85 points
- Carpenter: 65 points
- Early Childhood Teacher: 90 points
- Food Technologist: 80 points
- Mining Engineer: 85 points
- Solicitor: 65 points
As widely anticipated, the majority of Information Technology and Accounting occupations were bypassed in this round. Congratulations to those who received these valuable invitations.
Victoria’s New Points Test: A Federal Blueprint?
The Victorian Government has unexpectedly unveiled a new Victorian Points Test (VPT) for state nomination selection, raising questions about whether the state is positioning itself ahead of anticipated federal reforms or piloting a framework that may be adopted nationally.
The VPT bears striking resemblance to the Australian National University (ANU) model previously analysed by Australian Immigration Agency. Critically, it omits the Australian study points, regional study points, professional year programme points, and community language points that international graduates have historically relied upon.
Seven Weighted Factors
- Age (most heavily weighted)
- English language proficiency
- Years of experience in nominated occupation
- Educational qualifications
- Occupation skill level
- Partner skills (where applicable)
- Annual income from skilled employment in Victoria (where applicable)
Age Scoring Pattern
Applicants aged 20–29 receive the highest allocation. A steep decline begins at 30, with progressive reductions continuing until applicants aged 44 retain only 16 points. Notably, the VPT does not deliver substantial advantages to PhD holders, unlike the ANU model—when combined with the age-related points losses typically experienced by doctoral graduates, the benefits largely neutralise.
Practical Scoring Examples
Candidate A: 27-year-old single Master’s graduate, two years’ experience, superior English, Skill Level 1 occupation, earning $90,000 in Victoria — 669 points
Candidate B: 38-year-old single PhD holder, eight years’ experience, superior English, Skill Level 1 occupation, earning $160,000 in Victoria — 750 points
The system effectively equalises opportunities between former international students and onshore applicants without Australian qualifications. Registrations of Interest (ROIs) will be ranked within each priority industry or industry sub-group using the VPT, with top scorers invited to apply for nomination.
Political Debate: Defence of Migration Settings
Immigration Minister Tony Burke has appeared in media defending Australia’s migration programme against opposition proposals, particularly the controversial measure preventing international students from accessing the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). Industry specialists have highlighted concerns that such restrictions would deprive critical sectors—including aged care, healthcare, and construction—of the skilled workers they urgently require.
The Minister has also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing an Expression of Interest framework for student visa applicants. This system would provide additional government controls over international student numbers and allow targeting aligned with economic needs, following the unsuccessful parliamentary attempt before the recent election.
NSW Subclass 190: New Skills List Released
New South Wales has published its updated skills list for the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190), with invitations commencing next week. The list includes a broader range of occupations, including several IT roles that will be welcomed by industry professionals.
Eligibility Requirements
Skills Assessment: Applicants must hold a valid skills assessment for an occupation on the NSW nominated skilled occupation list, within the specified ANZSCO unit group.
Onshore applicants must either:
- Be employed in NSW in their nominated occupation for a minimum of 20 hours per week, or
- Be a resident of NSW and have lived there continuously for at least six months
Offshore applicants must reside outside Australia and have lived there continuously for at least six months.
NSW utilises the federal Expression of Interest (EOI) system, meaning selection will be highly competitive. Prospective applicants should first verify their occupation appears on the published list before proceeding with further assessment.
Key Takeaways
- The federal 189 invitation round confirmed expectations that IT and accounting occupations would be largely bypassed, with minimum points varying significantly by occupation.
- Victoria’s new Points Test marks a substantial departure from existing state nomination criteria, removing advantages traditionally afforded to onshore international graduates.
- The Victorian framework may serve as a precursor to anticipated federal points test reforms currently under development.
- NSW’s expanded 190 skills list signals renewed opportunities for skilled professionals, with invitations beginning next week.
- Political debate continues over migration settings, with the government committed to defending current programmes while pursuing EOI-based reforms for student visas.
How Australian Immigration Agency Can Assist
Australian Immigration Agency remains at the forefront of Australia’s evolving migration landscape, providing expert guidance on federal and state nomination pathways. Whether navigating the new Victorian Points Test, assessing NSW 190 eligibility, or strategising for future invitation rounds, AIA’s experienced advisors are available for consultation. Book an online appointment or contact the team directly for timely, professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
