Australian skilled visas follow a merit based system in which applicants are allotted points on the basis of multiple parameters. Like all other merit based immigration systems, the Australian system also fuels competition so that only the best candidates are selected. Hence, candidates must know their eligibility in advance.   The highest ranked clients by points score are invited to apply for the relevant visa. For clients who have equal points scores, the time at which they reached their points score for that subclass (referred to as the date of effect) determines their order of invitation. Expressions of Interest with earlier dates of effect are invited before later dates.   However, it is also important to leverage all parameters to maximize the score.   Popular skilled immigration visas include: ● Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) ● Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) ●Skilled Work Regional Visa 491   In the above list, both Skilled Nominated or Sponsored Provisional Visa and Skilled Regional Visa are points based, however they don’t provide the permanent resident status to the visa holder. Still, these visas are processed faster and make it easier for the visa holder to become a permanent resident.   Firstly, the applicant must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI.) The same can be done via the Skill Select platform. Once the EOI is processed, the applicant will be invited to apply for a visa by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA.) A minimum of 65 points are required to receive an invitation.   Let’s look at the parameters and identify the process by which you can maximize your immigration score.   You can also maximize your score by:   Option A:   Clearing PTE with 79 each, will add a score of 10 Points in total score and this is the best & fastest way for getting quick Invite.   Option B:   Partner skills – to get 10 extra points You can claim partner skills if, when you are invited, your partner:  is under 45 years of age  has competent English i.e. IELTS 6 each or PTE 50 in each  had a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their nominated skilled occupation. Your partner’s nominated skilled occupation must be on the same skilled occupations list as your nominated skilled occupation.  is coming to Australia with you  is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident   Option C:   Applying to Regional Sponsored Visas (5 additional points) Applying for 190 visas (state sponsorship) –  to get 5 extra points (if you meet the nomination criteria for the state where applying for)   Option D:   Applying for 491 visas (Skilled Regional (Provisional) –  to get 15 extra Points This visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional or low-population growth metropolitan areas of Australia for up to five years. (TR) Applying to regional sponsored visas will not only provide you with additional points, but will also result in faster processing of your visa application. For faster processing of regional visas, Australia has invested $19 million. The eligibility criteria differ from state to state. You’ll only get the additional points, if you meet those eligibility criteria's.     Option E:   Credential Community Language (CCL) Test (5 additional points) The CCL test is conducted by NAATI at frequent intervals. This test enables the candidate to claim 5 CCL points for merit-based visa streams. You can take the test in any of the following cities: Adelaide , Brisbane , Canberra , Hobart , Melbourne , Perth , Sydney     Option F:   Professional year in Australia  Your Professional Year must have been:  completed in Australia in the four years before you are invited to apply for a visa.  in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation  completed over a period of at least 12 months  provided by one of these organisations: • the Australian Computer Society • CPA Australia • Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand • the Institute of Public Accountants (formerly the National Institute of Accountants) • Engineers Australia. A Professional Year Program is a well-organized professional development program which provides an applicant with the opportunity to develop communication skills, gain practical experience and knowledge about an Australian workplace. This program is running for 44 weeks, 12 weeks of internship.   Not only do the candidates who successfully complete this program gain the experience of working in an Australian culture, but they are also eligible to achieve 5 points towards their application for a PR visa.   One may be eligible to earn those extra points if he / she undertakes a PY Program course that is in or closely related to his / her Nominated Skilled Occupation List. The course must also have lasted for a minimum of 12 months.   Graduates in the fields of computer science, accounting and engineering currently have access to the Professional Year courses. As a result, applicants can score 5 points if they have completed the last 4 years of an approved Professional Year Course in Australia.   Points Test Visa Changes , November 2019   Recently published legislation introduces changes to the Points Test for General Skilled Migration visas commencing 16 November 2019.   These changes are relevant to existing Subclass 189, 190 the new Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa, which will also commence in 16 November 2019.   The changes to the points test will include:    10 points for Specialist Educational qualifications. Currently its 5 points.    10 points for applicants with a skilled spouse or de facto partner (under 45 with Competent English, suitable skills assessment and with an occupation on the same skilled occupation list). Currently its 5 points.    10 points for applicants who do not have a spouse or de facto partner or who have a spouse or de facto partner who is an Australian citizen or a Permanent resident (New)    5 points for applicants with a spouse or de facto partner who has competent English (New)    15 points for applicants who are nominated by a State or Territory government, or who are sponsored by a suitable family member. These points are relevant to applicants for a Subclass 489 visa or the new Subclass 491 visa. Currently its 10 points.