To showcase eligibility for point-tested visas, aspirants are required to file an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect – the online portal that allocates a point score to each registrant. In order to file an EOI, candidates must score at least 65 points based on several selection factors of the Australia point system.

Through regular invitation rounds, the Department of Home Affairs issues invitations to apply for the visa to highest-ranking candidates who can fulfill the minimum point requirement – which varies with each round. Essentially, a higher point score increases the probability of securing a positive visa outcome.

One way of improving the point score is to obtain a recognized qualification in an accredited community language. Australia has various languages that are only spoken by specific communities – such as Hindi, Greek, Punjabi, Turkish, Urdu, French, Bangla, Japanese, and many more. The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) offers accreditation in many of these languages.

Receiving an accreditation in one of the community languages allows candidates to claim five additional points. Immigration aspirants who can showcase their ability to interpret and translate accredited community languages are eligible to claim five points under the Australia PR Points Calculator.

To avail these points, a candidate must have been awarded one of the following qualifications by NAATI:

• *  Be accredited at the paraprofessional level, or a higher level.
• *  Be certified at the certified professional level, or a higher level.
• *  Have a community language credential for interpreting or translating.

This Australia PR process requirement indicates the candidate’s adaptability in Australia. SkillSelect attributes points to the applicant for demonstrating their ability to adapt to the local Australian culture. It is important to note that only applicants for the General Skilled Migration visas can claim points for credentialed community language.

Gaining additional points is always an advantage when applying for permanent residence, since the cut-off for certain occupations may run as high as 95 points. It is important to understand the evaluation criteria of the Australia point system, and explore every option to enhance the point score, in order to improve the chances of receiving an invitation to apply for the desired visa.