New Point Test System Australia 2024: A Big Change in Migration System

Headline: A reformed point test has been introduced in order to drive the long-term prosperity of Australia.

Hey, future Aussies!

The Australian Government has recently changed its skill migration selection process by naming it the new point test system Australia 2024. That would be the most significant overhaul for skilled internationals in over ten years.

Dr Martin Parkinson, AC PSM, Professor Joanna Howe, and Mr John Azarias have reviewed the migration system. After considering the idea together, they concluded that a revamped points test should be implemented, which needs to ‘form the core of a future permanent skilled migration program’.

The new point test system Australia 2024 is a significant move to the Australian migration system, its first major update since 2012. It is a comprehensive overhaul of the Australian point system for skilled migrants, which may lead to a more targeted and responsive skilled migration framework in Australia.

Let’s Understand Background of the Story

In December 2023, the Australian Government released a new plan named “the New Migration Strategy 2024.”  It was a new version of Australia’s migration system that contained a policy roadmap. Eight critical actions were included, as well as twenty-five new policy commitments and areas for future reform. This Migration strategy was informed by extensive consultation with businesses, unions, and other stakeholders, and more than 450 submissions were received as part of the review of the Migration System.

Key Proposed Changes in New Point Test System Australia 2024

A discussion paper released on 26 April 2024 defines these new proposed changes. These changes are also part of the Australian Government’s Broaden Migration Strategy to manage net Migration more effectively and support the country’s economic growth in the long term. 

However, its key proposed changes in the new point test system Australia 2024 include:

• A focus on characteristics associated with skilled migrants, will successfully find professional work in Australia.
• Ensuring better matching skills, which are required in Australia now and in the future.
• Giving applicants a realistic sense of their application’s success and avoid ‘permanent temporariness’.
• Recognizing that younger migrants will contribute to Australian workplaces.
• Better acknowledging the possible contributions of migrants’ partners in Australia. 

Note:  A discussion paper has been prepared to highlight the possible challenges to the point test.

Australia’s Migration System and the Points Test Reform

This is big news for the people who are looking forward to making Australia their new home. However, the Government of Australia has new plans for them, such as a reformed point test for skilled migrants. You know, a point system plays a crucial role in determining the eligibility criteria of skilled migrants for entry into Australia. Through the point test score calculator,  it is decided that those who have gotten the best scores will be selected to join the Australian workforce. 

The points test is not just about filling the gap in the job market in Australia; it is about planning to identify the people who are suitable not just for now but also ideal for Australia’s future prosperity. The New Points Test System Australia 2024 assesses skilled migrants by age, education, work experience, and English language skills to estimate their potential score for eligibility for the General Skilled Migration Visa Australia.

Reason for Urgent Overhaul of Australia’s Point Test System

It has been rightly said that “Everything happens for a reason”, Same is the case with the point test system in Australia. 

There is an ultimate reason for reviewing the new Point Test System 2024. The Australian Government’s new Migration Strategy is about setting the country up for success, not just now but also in the future. It is like planting a garden where you want the trees to grow strong over the years. 

In short, the primary purpose of reform is to maintain long-term prosperity in Australia.  The review also highlights the value of younger skilled migrants who may bring vitality and longevity to the job market in Australia.

Note: Submissions to this consultation phase will be closed on 24 May 2024.​

Conclusion

This reformed point test system will contribute greatly to a brighter future in Australia’s economy and society. By promoting an efficient and fair migration system, Australia will not only meet the emerging needs of the industries but also secure a prosperous economy in the future. 

The Australian Government has started working on a new point test system for 2024 by asking the Australian National University to evaluate the factors that can drive success in Australia. To understand more comprehensively, read the discussion paper to learn how a better Points Test can help meet our Migration System’s objectives, improve living standards, and develop an efficient and fair system towards skilled migrants who wish to build their lives in Australia.