Bupa Insurance
SKILLED VISA POINTS TEST TABLE
Skilled Visa Points Test Table
| Points Factor | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18–24 years | 25 |
| 25–32 years | 30 | |
| 33–39 years | 25 | |
| 40–44 years | 15 | |
| English Language | Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 | |
| Superior English | 20 | |
| Overseas Skilled Employment | At least 3 years but less than 5 years | 5 |
| At least 5 years but less than 8 years | 10 | |
| At least 8 years | 15 | |
| Australian Skilled Employment | At least 1 year but less than 3 years | 5 |
| At least 3 years but less than 5 years | 10 | |
| At least 5 years but less than 8 years | 15 | |
| At least 8 years | 20 | |
| Educational Qualification | Doctorate from an Australian institution or another recognised institution | 20 |
| Bachelor degree or higher qualification | 15 | |
| Australian diploma or trade qualification | 10 | |
| Qualification or award recognised by the relevant assessing authority | 10 | |
| Australian Study Requirement | At least one eligible degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution meeting the study requirement | 5 |
| Specialist Education | Eligible Master's degree by research or doctoral degree from an Australian educational institution in a specified field | 10 |
| Professional Year | Completed an approved professional year in Australia in the relevant field | 5 |
| Credentialled Community Language | Eligible credentialled community language qualification | 5 |
| Partner Skills | Eligible partner meets the applicable age, English, skills assessment and occupation requirements | 10 |
| Single Applicant / Eligible Partner Circumstances | No spouse or de facto partner, or eligible partner circumstances as specified by the points test | 10 |
| State/Territory Nomination – Subclass 190 | Nominated by an Australian state or territory government | 5 |
| Regional Nomination / Eligible Family Sponsorship – Subclass 491 | Eligible nomination by a state/territory or eligible family sponsorship | 15 |
Important Points Test Notes
65 points is the minimum points threshold for the points-tested 189, 190 and 491 pathways.
A score of 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. Invitation requirements and competitiveness can vary.
You generally need an eligible occupation and a suitable skills assessment before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Competent English does not provide points, while Proficient and Superior English can provide additional points.
Work experience must satisfy the applicable skilled employment rules. The Department assesses whether the employment is skilled and relevant.
You cannot claim the same period of employment for both overseas and Australian skilled employment points.
State or territory nomination criteria are separate from the federal points test and can vary between jurisdictions.
The points available for partner circumstances depend on the exact circumstances and evidence provided.
Your EOI should contain accurate information about your age, English, qualifications, employment, skills assessment and other claimed factors.
How the Skilled Visa Points Test Works
The points test is used to calculate your indicative score when you submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. Points can be awarded for factors including age, skilled employment, qualifications and English proficiency.
Step 1 – Check Your Occupation
Your nominated occupation must be eligible for the visa you are considering. Different skilled visa programs can use different occupation requirements and legislative instruments.
Step 2 – Obtain a Skills Assessment
Most applicants need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority before proceeding with their skilled migration application.
Step 3 – Calculate Your Points
Assess your:
Age
English proficiency
Skilled employment
Qualifications
Australian study
Specialist education
Professional Year
Community language
Partner skills
State/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship
Step 4 – Submit an EOI
For subclasses 189, 190 and 491, you generally submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect before you can receive an invitation to apply.
Step 5 – Receive an Invitation
If invited, you generally have 60 days to lodge the visa application and provide the required evidence.
189 vs 190 vs 491 Points
| Visa | Additional Points |
|---|---|
| Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent | No state/territory nomination points |
| Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated | +5 points |
| Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional | +15 points |
The 190 and 491 nomination requirements are separate from simply achieving the minimum federal points threshold. State and territory governments set their own nomination criteria.
English Language Points
English proficiency can make a significant difference to your points score.
| English Level | Points |
|---|---|
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
Australian visa English-test requirements changed on 7 August 2025, so applicants should check the current approved tests and scores rather than relying on older IELTS/PTE tables.
Important: 65 Points Does Not Mean Guaranteed PR
Reaching 65 points means you meet the minimum points threshold, not that you will automatically receive an invitation.
Invitation competitiveness can depend on factors such as:
Occupation
Points score
State or territory nomination requirements
Number of places available
Invitation rounds
Applicant circumstances
Visa-specific requirements
A higher points score may improve competitiveness, but there is no guaranteed invitation based solely on a particular points score.
Get Your Skilled Visa Points Assessed
If you are considering subclass 189, 190 or 491, a proper points assessment should consider your age, occupation, skills assessment, qualifications, employment history, English results, partner circumstances and potential state or regional pathways.
The Visa can help you understand your potential points score and identify suitable skilled migration options based on your circumstances.
Disclaimer: Immigration rules, occupation requirements, nomination criteria and English requirements can change. The points table should be checked against the requirements applicable when your EOI or visa application is prepared.