MEDIA CENTRE
Australia's Skills and Migrants to Increase
VPS 059/2004

Today the Government has moved to increase both the skills and numbers of migrants coming to Australia and in particular to focus migration to regional Australia.

To increase the skills of migrants coming to Australia the passmark for the general skilled independent visa categories for permanent residence will be raised from 115 to 120. Rising demand for migration to Australia allows us to attract migrants with higher levels of skill. The passmark was last increased in 2002.

To protect international students currently completing their studies in Australia the new passmark will not apply to those who apply before April 2005.

http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media_releases/media04/v04059.htm