Business Innovation and Investment Program pass mark points reduction postponed

Business Innovation and Investment Program pass mark points reduction postponed

The announced 1 July 2015 reduction in the pass mark for the points test for the Business Innovation and Investment Program visas, from 65 points to 50, has been postponed by the Department pending further consultation and stakeholder engagement.

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration recently reported the outcomes of its inquiry into the BIIP. One of the items identified by the Committee for further examination by the Department was the points test. In light of this recommendation, the Department will undertake further examination of the appropriateness of the current points test threshold.

The Department will also examine the effect of other changes to the application rate for the BIIP, including reforms to the Significant Investor stream, and the reinstatement of role swapping for the Investor and Business Innovation streams, which came into effect on 1 July 2015.

The Department will be seeking stakeholder views on the points test, including the pass mark, and other aspects of its operation over the coming months. Any initial feedback or views on the appropriateness or otherwise of the current points test are welcomed by the end of July 2015.