ACS Group A = 15 points (AUS equivalent Bachelor's degree)?

[optimus_prime]

Folks,

I plan to file my Subclass 175 visa later this week. I have a Bachelor's Degree (B.E.) from University of Mumbai. ACS has given a positive assessment under PIM 3, Group A and considered my relevant work experience at 5+ years. Am I eligible to claim 15 points for my qualifications or is it just worth 10 points? Please advice.

Age: 30 pts (27 years)
English Language Ability: 10 pts (IELTS 7.5)
Overseas employment: 10 pts (5+ years)
Qualifications: 10 or 15 pts?
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Final Score: 60 or 65 pts??

[optimus_prime]

Any ideas friends?

[ujwols]

I am sure u will be able to qualify 15 points for overseas qualification..but lets hear out from senior expats..

[optimus_prime]

Originally Posted by ujwols

I am sure u will be able to qualify 15 points for overseas qualification..but lets hear out from senior expats..

thanks for your reply.. yes.. i am waiting to hear from senior expats here.

The new points table says -

Australian Diploma or trade qualification or other qualification recognised by a relevant Assessing Authority: 10 points
At least a Bachelor degree: 15 points
Doctorate: 20 points

Further more, it says:

"To claim points for a qualification obtained overseas, the qualification will need to be recognised as being of a standard comparable to the relevant Australian level qualification. Generally, applicants will be able to request an opinion on their qualification claims from the relevant assessing authority when seeking their skills assessment. For further information about this process, applicants should contact the relevant assessing authority."

Does that mean even if you hold a Doctorate degree from an overseas institution, you will still fetch a maximum of only 10 points for your qualifications? Isn't that a bit weird?

[optimus_prime]

Any thoughts senior expats? I am planning to file my visa in the next few days. Please advice.

[freddieha]

Hi optimus_prime,

I think you should do exactly what DIAC says: "Generally, you will be able to request an opinion on your qualification claims from the relevant assessing authority when you seek your skills assessment.", which means you have to contact ACS and ask for their opinion about the equivalent of you qualification to the AUS standard. I've read somewhere on this forum that someone has done that with ACS and the ACS is happy to give such opinion. So, it's highly recommended that you do this first to make sure you have enough points before lodging your application (and to avoid wasting money and 2 years waiting in worries)

[stormgal]

Originally Posted by optimus_prime

"To claim points for a qualification obtained overseas, the qualification will need to be recognised as being of a standard comparable to the relevant Australian level qualification.

In the same letter containing the positive assessment, did ACS specifically state that your Bachelors from Mumbai University is equivalent to an Australian degree? I would be surprised if they didn't, since you fall under Group A. If they specifically stated that your Bachelors is equivalent to an Australian degree, then I'd claim the whole 15 points.

If they didn't give an opinion, then DIAC would have to look up your university in the AEI-NOOSR. If your uni is listed in that database as being the equivalent, then you're good to go.

[optimus_prime]

Originally Posted by freddieha

Hi optimus_prime,

I think you should do exactly what DIAC says: "Generally, you will be able to request an opinion on your qualification claims from the relevant assessing authority when you seek your skills assessment.", which means you have to contact ACS and ask for their opinion about the equivalent of you qualification to the AUS standard. I've read somewhere on this forum that someone has done that with ACS and the ACS is happy to give such opinion. So, it's highly recommended that you do this first to make sure you have enough points before lodging your application (and to avoid wasting money and 2 years waiting in worries)

I have already been assessed positive under Group A.. Would I be able to request an additional opinion on educational qualifications now that my skills assessment is already complete?

[optimus_prime]

Originally Posted by stormgal

In the same letter containing the positive assessment, did ACS specifically state that your Bachelors from Mumbai University is equivalent to an Australian degree? I would be surprised if they didn't, since you fall under Group A. If they specifically stated that your Bachelors is equivalent to an Australian degree, then I'd claim the whole 15 points.

If they didn't give an opinion, then DIAC would have to look up your university in the AEI-NOOSR. If your uni is listed in that database as being the equivalent, then you're good to go.

Thanks for your response. They have not stated anything about my educational qualifications in the letter. All it mentions is that I have satisfied the requirements of ACS PIM3, Group A.

The below link details the specifics of PIM3, Group A qualification (refer pages 3-4):
http://www.acs.org.au/assessment/doc...2010_Rev01.pdf

Snippets from the document:

2.2. GROUP A
Applicants must provide evidence that they are current Certified Professional Members of the ACS (MACS CP), or have a qualification assessed as comparable to the educational level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor
(undergraduate) degree or Graduate Diploma or higher degree level qualification with a major in ICT in a relevant field to the nominated occupation and at least two (2) years of full time professional ICT work experience in a field closely related to the nominated occupation, completed in the seven (7) years before the date of application for Skills Assessment.


Is the list of universities equivalent to Australian standard published in the AEI-NOOSR site? I could not find it. Please share the links, if any.

[stormgal]

Originally Posted by optimus_prime

Thanks for your response. They have not stated anything about my educational qualifications in the letter. All it mentions is that I have satisfied the requirements of ACS PIM3, Group A.

The below link details the specifics of PIM3, Group A qualification (refer pages 3-4):
http://www.acs.org.au/assessment/doc...2010_Rev01.pdf

Snippets from the document:

2.2. GROUP A
Applicants must provide evidence that they are current Certified Professional Members of the ACS (MACS CP), or have a qualification assessed as comparable to the educational level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor
(undergraduate) degree or Graduate Diploma or higher degree level qualification with a major in ICT in a relevant field to the nominated occupation and at least two (2) years of full time professional ICT work experience in a field closely related to the nominated occupation, completed in the seven (7) years before the date of application for Skills Assessment.


Is the list of universities equivalent to Australian standard published in the AEI-NOOSR site? I could not find it. Please share the links, if any.

When did you receive your letter? I'm only wondering if it's a new thing where ACS gives an opinion on Universities or not - or why they'd leave some out. (I received my letter a few weeks ago, and my university was also assessed)

I can't see why you can't get the 15 points if you fall under group A.

Anyway, here's the link to the AEI.

Assessment of overseas qualifications

You have to pay for the service (if you're overseas). If not, I would just email ACS with your letters reference number and ask them directly - I think that's the best route.