What Is the Australian Skilled Migration Points Test?

The Australian skilled migration points test is a system used to assess eligible applicants for points-tested skilled visas.

Points can be awarded for factors such as:

• Age
• English language ability
• Skilled employment experience
• Educational qualifications
• Australian study
• Specialist educational qualifications
• Credentialled community language
• Study in regional Australia
• Partner skills
• Single status or an eligible partner circumstance
• Professional Year in Australia
• State or territory nomination
• Eligible family sponsorship

The points you can claim depend on the requirements of the Migration Regulations and the particular visa pathway.

Which Visas Use the Points Test?

Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189

The Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 is a permanent skilled visa for eligible applicants who receive an invitation to apply.

It does not require state or territory nomination.

Applicants generally need to:

• Have an eligible occupation
• Have a suitable skills assessment
• Meet the English requirement
• Meet the points threshold
• Submit an EOI
• Receive an invitation
• Meet all visa requirements

Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190

The Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190 is a permanent skilled visa for applicants nominated by an Australian state or territory.

The visa is points tested.

State and territory governments have their own nomination criteria and selection processes.

The state or territory nomination provides 5 additional points under the points test.

However, receiving 5 nomination points does not mean that an applicant will automatically receive an invitation.

Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa subclass 491 is a points-tested regional visa.

It can be available through:

• State or Territory nomination
• Eligible family sponsorship

State or territory nomination provides 15 additional points.

Eligible family sponsorship can also provide 15 points, subject to the applicable requirements.

Subclass 491 is a provisional visa and can provide a pathway to permanent residence through subclass 191 for eligible applicants who satisfy the relevant requirements.

Minimum Points Requirement

The current minimum points threshold for subclasses 189, 190 and 491 is 65 points.

However:

65 points does not guarantee an invitation.

Home Affairs specifically states that applicants who meet the minimum points threshold may still not receive an invitation.

The invitation process can depend on the applicable visa, occupation, invitation round, state or territory nomination requirements and other program settings.

Therefore, applicants should not treat 65 points as a guaranteed invitation score.

Australian Skilled Migration Points Table

The points test generally considers the following areas.

Important: You cannot simply add every row together. Some categories have mutually exclusive options, and the points awarded depend on the precise requirements in the legislation.

The official points tables for subclasses 189, 190 and 491 should be checked before making a claim.

1. Age Points

Age is an important component of the points test.

The points test generally provides the highest age points to applicants in the 25–32 age range.

The relevant age brackets are:

For points-tested skilled visas, applicants generally need to be under 45 when invited.

The exact age rule and invitation timing should always be checked against the applicable visa requirements.

2. English Language Points

English can contribute significantly to your points score.

For points-tested skilled migration, English is generally considered at different levels, including:

• Competent English
• Proficient English
• Superior English

Generally:

Competent English → 0 points

Proficient English → 10 points

Superior English → 20 points

The English evidence requirements have changed since 7 August 2025, so applicants should not rely on old IELTS or PTE score tables.

Home Affairs currently recognises approved tests including:

• IELTS
• PTE Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• Cambridge C1 Advanced
• OET
• CELPIP General
• LANGUAGECERT Academic
• Michigan English Test

For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the required scores are different from the older test-score system. Tests must be taken at an approved secure testing centre; fully online/at-home tests are not accepted for Australian visa purposes.

Competent English

Competent English is generally the baseline English level for the points-tested skilled visa process.

It does not provide additional points.

Proficient English

Proficient English can provide 10 points.

Superior English

Superior English can provide 20 points.

3. Skilled Employment Experience

Points may be available for skilled employment experience.

The experience can include:

• Overseas skilled employment
• Australian skilled employment

The work must meet the applicable requirements, including relevance to the nominated occupation or closely related occupation where required.

You should not claim employment points simply because you held a job with a similar title.

The work needs to satisfy the applicable skilled employment rules.

Home Affairs requires EOI applicants to provide details of their work history for the previous 10 years, including employment dates, position, employer and whether the work was related to the nominated occupation.

4. Overseas Skilled Employment

Eligible overseas skilled employment can provide points depending on the amount of qualifying experience.

Generally, the points increase with additional years of eligible skilled employment.

The points test can provide up to 15 points for eligible overseas skilled employment.

Evidence can include:

• Employment reference letters
• Employment contracts
• Payslips
• Tax records
• Bank statements
• Other employment evidence

The employment must satisfy the relevant rules.

5. Australian Skilled Employment

Eligible Australian skilled employment can also contribute to your points score.

The points can be higher than the overseas employment category.

The points test can provide up to 20 points for eligible Australian skilled employment.

The work must satisfy the applicable skilled employment requirements.

You should retain strong evidence such as:

• Payslips
• Employment contracts
• Tax records
• Superannuation records
• Employer references
• Position descriptions

6. Educational Qualifications

Educational qualifications can contribute to your points score.

Depending on the qualification and circumstances, points can be available for:

• Doctoral degree
• Bachelor degree
• Certain diploma or trade qualifications
• Other recognised qualifications

The highest qualification does not automatically mean the highest points in every circumstance.

The qualification must satisfy the applicable Australian migration requirements.

7. Doctoral Degree

A recognised doctoral qualification can provide 20 points.

The qualification must meet the applicable requirements.

An overseas doctorate may need to be assessed or recognised according to the relevant migration requirements.

8. Bachelor Degree

A recognised bachelor degree can provide 15 points.

The qualification must meet the relevant criteria.

This may include an Australian qualification or an overseas qualification recognised as meeting the required standard.

9. Australian Study Requirement

You may be able to claim 5 points if you satisfy the Australian study requirement.

Generally, this involves completing eligible study in Australia that meets the relevant requirements.

The course and study period must satisfy the applicable migration rules.

Simply studying in Australia does not automatically mean you can claim Australian study points.

10. Specialist Educational Qualification

An eligible specialist educational qualification can provide 5 points.

This can include certain Australian master's degrees by research or doctoral degrees that meet the relevant requirements in specified fields.

The exact eligibility requirements should be checked before claiming these points.

11. Study in Regional Australia

Eligible applicants may receive 5 points for meeting the requirements for study in a designated regional area.

The study must satisfy the relevant Australian migration requirements.

The location of the educational institution and the applicable regional definition are important.

12. Professional Year

A completed eligible Professional Year can provide 5 points.

Professional Year programs are available in selected fields, including areas such as:

• Accounting
• Engineering
• Information and Communications Technology

The program must be an eligible Professional Year program recognised for migration purposes.

13. Credentialled Community Language

You may receive 5 points if you hold an eligible credential in a community language.

The credential is generally obtained through the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) under the applicable arrangements.

The exact evidence requirements should be checked before claiming the points.

14. Partner Skills

Partner skills can provide 10 points if your partner satisfies the relevant requirements.

The partner generally needs to:

• Be included in the visa application
• Be under the relevant age requirement
• Have competent English
• Have a suitable skills assessment
• Have an eligible occupation
• Meet other applicable requirements

Partner skills points should not be claimed simply because your partner has a job or qualification.

The partner must satisfy the specific points-test criteria.

15. Single Applicant / Partner Circumstances

An applicant may be able to claim 10 points where the applicable partner or relationship criteria are satisfied.

This category is subject to the specific Migration Regulations.

The points available depend on your circumstances at the relevant time.

16. State or Territory Nomination – Subclass 190

State or territory nomination for subclass 190 provides:

+5 points

The nomination is separate from simply having a positive skills assessment.

You must first satisfy the applicable state or territory nomination requirements.

Australian states and territories can set their own criteria based on:

• Occupation
• Skills
• Experience
• Residence
• Employment
• English
• Industry priorities
• Local workforce needs
• Other state-specific factors

A 190 nomination does not guarantee that every applicant with 65 points will receive an invitation.

17. State or Territory Nomination – Subclass 491

State or territory nomination for subclass 491 provides:

+15 points

Subclass 491 is a regional provisional visa.

State and territory nomination requirements differ between jurisdictions.

The applicant may need to satisfy requirements involving:

• Occupation
• Employment
• Regional residence
• English
• Skills assessment
• Points
• State-specific priorities

18. Family Sponsorship – Subclass 491

Eligible family sponsorship for subclass 491 can provide:

+15 points

The sponsor must satisfy the applicable family relationship, age, residence and other requirements.

Not every family member can sponsor an applicant.

The applicant must also satisfy the occupation and other subclass 491 requirements.

Example Points Calculation

Consider a hypothetical applicant:

Age: 30
English: Proficient
Qualification: Bachelor degree
Overseas skilled employment: Eligible experience
Australian skilled employment: None
Australian study: Yes
Professional Year: No
Community language: Yes
Partner points: No
State nomination: Subclass 190

The applicant's points would be calculated by applying the official points-test rules to each eligible category.

For an actual application, the evidence and eligibility for each category must be checked before the points are claimed.

Do not use an online calculator as the final authority.

The Department's rules and the evidence supporting each claim determine the actual points.

Points Test Example – Subclass 190

A possible structure could look like:

Age

English

Education

Skilled Employment

Australian Study

Other Eligible Factors

5 State Nomination Points

=

Total Points

The applicant must satisfy both the points test and the state's nomination requirements.

Points Test Example – Subclass 491

For a subclass 491 applicant, the calculation can include:

Age

English

Education

Skilled Employment

Other Eligible Factors

15 State Nomination / Eligible Family Sponsorship Points

=

Total Points

The applicant must also satisfy the relevant regional visa requirements.

Points Test and Skills Assessment

Your skills assessment is closely connected with the points-tested skilled migration process.

Before submitting your EOI, you generally need to know:

• Your nominated occupation
• Your ANZSCO occupation
• Skills assessment authority
• Assessment outcome
• Assessment date
• Assessment reference number

Home Affairs requires this information as part of the EOI process.

A positive skills assessment does not automatically provide points.

Your points depend on the applicable points-test categories.

Points Test and Occupation

Your nominated occupation is another important part of your skilled migration strategy.

Different skilled visas can use different occupation instruments.

For example, separate occupation instruments apply to:

• Subclass 189
• Subclass 190
• Subclass 491
• Subclass 482
• Subclass 494
• Subclass 186

Home Affairs publishes these occupation instruments separately.

Therefore:

Occupation eligible for one visa ≠ automatically eligible for every skilled visa.

Points Test and Invitation

A points score is not the same as an invitation.

The process generally works like this:

Check Occupation

↓

Skills Assessment

↓

English

↓

Calculate Points

↓

Submit EOI

↓

State/Federal Selection Where Applicable

↓

Invitation

↓

Visa Application

Home Affairs states that applicants must submit an EOI before they can be invited for subclasses 189, 190 and 491.

Does 65 Points Guarantee an Invitation?

No.

The current threshold is 65 points, but Home Affairs clearly states that meeting the minimum points threshold does not guarantee an invitation.

Your invitation prospects can depend on factors such as:

• Occupation
• Visa subclass
• State or territory nomination
• Invitation arrangements
• Applicant pool
• Program settings
• Your actual points score

Therefore, applicants should not assume that:

"I have 65 points, so I will receive an invitation."

65 Points vs Higher Points

An applicant may meet the legal minimum threshold with 65 points but still not receive an invitation.

For this reason, many applicants aim to improve their profile where possible.

Potential ways to improve an eligible points profile can include:

• Improving English
• Obtaining additional eligible skilled employment
• Completing an eligible qualification
• Completing eligible Australian study
• Completing an eligible Professional Year
• Obtaining an eligible community language credential
• Meeting partner-skill requirements
• Exploring state nomination
• Considering eligible regional pathways

Any additional points must be genuinely available and supported by evidence.

How to Improve Your Points Score

Improve English

Moving from Competent to Proficient or Superior English can increase your points.

The current approved test system changed on 7 August 2025, so use the current Department requirements rather than older IELTS/PTE tables.

Gain More Eligible Skilled Experience

Additional qualifying skilled employment can potentially increase your points.

Make sure the experience meets the relevant rules.

Consider State Nomination

Subclass 190 can provide 5 nomination points.

Subclass 491 can provide 15 nomination points through state or territory nomination, subject to eligibility.

Consider Regional Pathways

If your occupation and circumstances allow it, subclass 491 may provide an additional regional pathway.

Check Partner Points

If you have a partner, determine whether they may qualify for partner-skill points.

Check Australian Study Points

Eligible Australian study may provide additional points.

Check Professional Year

If you have completed an eligible Professional Year, you may be able to claim additional points.

Points Test for International Students

International students in Australia may be able to build a skilled migration profile through:

• Australian education
• English
• Australian skilled employment
• Professional Year
• Regional study
• Skills assessment
• State nomination

However, studying in Australia does not automatically result in a skilled visa or permanent residence.

Before selecting a course, students should consider whether the qualification connects with a genuine occupation and potential migration pathway.

Points Test for Offshore Applicants

You do not necessarily need to be in Australia to explore points-tested skilled migration.

Eligible offshore applicants may consider:

• Subclass 189
• Subclass 190
• Subclass 491

Depending on the occupation and state requirements, offshore applicants may be able to submit an EOI and seek nomination.

State and territory requirements can differ significantly.

Points Test for Onshore Applicants

Applicants already living in Australia may have different options depending on their current visa and circumstances.

Potential pathways can include:

• 189
• 190
• 491
• Employer-sponsored visas
• Other eligible migration pathways

Applicants must check:

• Current visa conditions
• Visa status
• Occupation
• Skills assessment
• English
• State requirements
• Application restrictions

Do not assume that being physically in Australia automatically provides an advantage or eligibility for nomination.

Points Test and State Nomination

State nomination is not simply an additional points calculator option.

Each state and territory has its own nomination system.

For example, requirements can vary between:

• NSW
• Victoria
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Tasmania
• ACT
• Northern Territory

States may consider:

• Occupation
• Employment
• Residence
• Work experience
• English
• Qualification
• Industry priorities
• Regional location
• Local workforce needs

A person with the same points score may have different nomination options depending on their occupation and circumstances.

Points Test and Regional Migration

Subclass 491 provides a regional points-tested pathway.

Applicants can potentially receive 15 additional points through:

• State or territory nomination
• Eligible family sponsorship

Subclass 491 is designed for eligible skilled migrants who will live and work in regional Australia.

It is a provisional visa, not an immediate permanent visa.

Eligible holders may later explore subclass 191 if they meet the applicable requirements.

Points Test and Permanent Residence

Points-tested migration can provide direct or indirect pathways to permanent residence.

Subclass 189

189 → Permanent Residence

Subclass 190

190 → Permanent Residence

Subclass 491

491 → 191 pathway

The availability of a pathway depends on the visa requirements and the applicant's circumstances.

Points Test and Employer Sponsorship

The points test is not used in the same way for employer-sponsored visas.

For example:

• 482 is employer sponsored
• 494 is employer sponsored and regional
• 186 is employer sponsored and permanent

Home Affairs identifies separate eligibility requirements for these sponsored visa programs.

Therefore, if your points score is not suitable for a points-tested pathway, an eligible employer-sponsored pathway may still be worth investigating.

Points Test Calculator

A points calculator can be useful for estimating your potential score.

However, an online calculator should be treated as a preliminary guide, not a final immigration assessment.

Before claiming points, verify:

• Your age
• English evidence
• Skills assessment
• Qualifications
• Skilled employment
• Australian study
• Professional Year
• Community language
• Partner circumstances
• State nomination
• Family sponsorship

Home Affairs' SkillSelect system provides an indicative points score based on the information entered into the EOI.

Documents to Support Your Points

Every points claim should be supported by appropriate evidence.

Age

• Passport
• Identity documents

English

• Approved English test result
• Passport evidence where applicable

Qualifications

• Degree certificate
• Diploma
• Academic transcript

Employment

• Employer reference
• Payslips
• Tax records
• Employment contracts
• Bank statements
• Superannuation records

Australian Study

• Qualification
• Transcript
• Course information
• Study evidence

Professional Year

• Professional Year completion evidence

Community Language

• NAATI credential evidence where applicable

Partner Skills

• Partner skills assessment
• Partner English evidence
• Partner qualification/employment documents

State Nomination

• State or territory nomination evidence

Common Points Test Mistakes

Claiming points without evidence

Every claim should be supported.

Counting the same experience twice

The points test has specific rules and categories.

Using an old English score table

Australian English test requirements changed on 7 August 2025.

Assuming 65 points guarantees an invitation

It does not.

Claiming partner points incorrectly

Your partner must satisfy the applicable requirements.

Using an incorrect occupation

Your occupation must accurately reflect your qualifications and experience.

Claiming overseas employment that does not qualify

Employment must meet the applicable skilled employment criteria.

Ignoring state nomination requirements

Nomination requirements are separate from the federal points test.

Assuming points are the same for every visa

The points-tested skilled visas have their own applicable requirements.

Points Test Checklist

Before submitting an EOI, check:

Personal

☐ Age verified
☐ Passport valid
☐ Relationship status confirmed

Occupation

☐ Correct occupation selected
☐ ANZSCO checked
☐ Occupation eligible for intended visa
☐ Skills assessment obtained

English

☐ Current approved test checked
☐ English level confirmed
☐ Points correctly calculated

Education

☐ Qualification verified
☐ Academic documents available
☐ Australian study checked
☐ Specialist qualification checked

Employment

☐ Employment history checked
☐ Relevant skilled experience calculated
☐ Overseas experience verified
☐ Australian experience verified
☐ Supporting evidence available

Additional Points

☐ Community language checked
☐ Professional Year checked
☐ Regional study checked
☐ Partner points checked

Nomination

☐ 190 nomination options checked
☐ 491 nomination options checked
☐ Family sponsorship checked if applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum points score for Australian skilled migration?

The current minimum points threshold for subclasses 189, 190 and 491 is 65 points. Meeting 65 points does not guarantee an invitation.

How many points do I need for a 189 visa?

The minimum threshold is currently 65 points, but an invitation is not guaranteed at that score.

How many points do I need for a 190 visa?

The minimum points threshold is currently 65 points, including the applicable nomination points. However, state nomination and invitation requirements also apply.

How many points do I need for a 491 visa?

The minimum threshold is currently 65 points. Eligible state/territory nomination or family sponsorship can provide 15 additional points.

How many points does state nomination provide?

Subclass 190 nomination provides 5 points.

Subclass 491 nomination provides 15 points.

How many points does Superior English provide?

Superior English can provide 20 points under the points test.

How many points does Proficient English provide?

Proficient English can provide 10 points.

Can I claim points for overseas work experience?

Potentially, if the employment satisfies the applicable skilled employment requirements.

Can I claim points for Australian work experience?

Potentially, if the employment satisfies the relevant requirements.

Can my partner give me points?

Potentially. An eligible partner can provide points where the applicable requirements are satisfied.

Can I get 10 points for being single?

An applicant may be eligible for 10 points under the applicable partner/single circumstances criteria.

Does a skills assessment give me points?

The skills assessment itself is not a general standalone points category. It establishes eligibility for your nominated occupation and is part of the skilled migration process.

Does 65 points guarantee an invitation?

No. Home Affairs explicitly states that meeting the minimum threshold does not guarantee an invitation.

Can I improve my points after submitting my EOI?

You can update your EOI before receiving an invitation if your circumstances change. You should ensure that any updated claims are accurate and supportable.

What English tests are currently accepted?

For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, Home Affairs lists approved tests including IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, OET, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic and Michigan English Test, subject to the relevant visa requirements.

Can I use an old IELTS or PTE score?

Potentially, depending on when the test was taken and the visa. Home Affairs changed the approved test system on 7 August 2025 and allows certain older results to remain usable for specified periods.

What happens after I submit my EOI?

If you are selected and invited, you generally have 60 days from the invitation date to lodge your visa application online.

Calculate Your Australian Skilled Migration Points

Your points score is only one part of your Australian skilled migration profile.

The Visa can help you assess:

Age

↓

English

↓

Qualifications

↓

Skills Assessment

↓

Skilled Employment

↓

Partner Factors

↓

Additional Points

↓

189 / 190 / 491 Options

↓

State Nomination / Regional Pathway

↓

Potential Permanent Residence Pathway

A professional assessment can also help identify whether an employer-sponsored pathway such as 482, 494 or 186 may be relevant where a points-tested pathway is not suitable. Home Affairs treats these as separate sponsored skilled visa programs.

Get Professional Migration Advice

Australian skilled migration points can be complicated, particularly when calculating skilled employment, qualifications, English, partner points and state nomination.

At The Visa and Education Services Pty Ltd, our registered migration professional can assess your circumstances and help you understand your potential skilled migration options.

Registered Migration Agent: Navneet Kaur – MARN 2318181

Before claiming points or submitting an EOI, make sure every claim is supported by the appropriate evidence and meets the current Australian migration requirements.

Important: Points-test rules, English requirements, occupation lists, state nomination criteria and invitation arrangements can change. Always check the latest Department of Home Affairs requirements before submitting an application.