Dreaming of living and working in Australia but feeling overwhelmed by the visa process? One of the most important parts of Australia’s skilled migration program is understanding the Australian points system used to assess skilled visa applicants.
The good news? Once you understand how points are calculated, you can clearly determine your eligibility and identify ways to improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
This guide explains Australia’s points system in plain English and provides up-to-date information based on the Department of Home Affairs’ current requirements.
Before reading through this article, CJMigration has a tool to help you test your points: try it here.
Key Takeaways
Australia uses a points-based system to assess applicants for certain skilled visas, including:
Applicants must generally achieve a minimum of 65 points to be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Points are awarded based on factors including:
- Age
- English language ability
- Skilled employment experience
- Educational qualifications
- Australian study
- Partner skills
- State or Territory nomination
- Regional sponsorship
- Other bonus criteria
Achieving 65 points makes you eligible to compete for invitations, but it does not guarantee an invitation. In many occupations, successful applicants often have significantly higher scores.
What Is The Australian Points System?
Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program uses a points test to rank skilled migrants who wish to live and work in Australia.
The higher your points score, the more competitive your profile becomes when invitations are issued.
Points are generally assessed at the time you receive an invitation to apply for a visa, not when you lodge your Expression of Interest.
The points test applies primarily to:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
Minimum Points Requirement
To lodge an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, you generally need a minimum of 65 points.
However, receiving an invitation often requires a higher score depending on:
- Your nominated occupation
- Occupation ceilings
- State nomination requirements
- Number of applicants in the invitation round
- Demand for your occupation
In highly competitive occupations such as Information Technology, Engineering and Accounting, invitation scores are often substantially above the minimum threshold.
Points Awarded Under The Skilled Migration Points Test
The skilled migration points test awards points across several categories. These include age, English language ability, skilled employment, qualifications, Australian study, partner skills, and nomination or sponsorship.
Age
Applicants aged between 25 and 32 receive the highest points allocation for age.
| Age | Points |
|---|
| 18 to 24 years | 25 |
| 25 to 32 years | 30 |
| 33 to 39 years | 25 |
| 40 to 44 years | 15 |
| 45 years and over | 0 |
Maximum available: 30 points.
English Language Ability
English language proficiency can significantly improve your overall points score.
| English Level | Example Requirement | Points |
|---|
| Competent English | IELTS minimum 6 in each band, or equivalent PTE Academic score | 0 |
| Proficient English | IELTS minimum 7 in each band, or equivalent PTE Academic score | 10 |
| Superior English | IELTS minimum 8 in each band, or equivalent PTE Academic score | 20 |
Maximum available: 20 points.
Skilled Employment Experience
Only paid work in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation may be counted.
The work generally must have been completed within the last ten years.
Overseas Skilled Employment
| Years of Experience | Points |
|---|
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| 3 to 4 years | 5 |
| 5 to 7 years | 10 |
| 8 years or more | 15 |
Maximum available: 15 points.
Australian Skilled Employment
| Years of Experience | Points |
|---|
| Less than 1 year | 0 |
| 1 to 2 years | 5 |
| 3 to 4 years | 10 |
| 5 to 7 years | 15 |
| 8 years or more | 20 |
Maximum available: 20 points.
Australian work experience attracts additional points because it demonstrates familiarity with the Australian workplace and labour market.
Educational Qualifications
Qualifications must be recognised by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
| Qualification | Points |
|---|
| Doctorate from a recognised institution | 20 |
| Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree | 15 |
| Australian Diploma or Trade Qualification | 10 |
| Qualification recognised by the assessing authority as suitable for the occupation | 10 |
Maximum available: 20 points.
Australian Study Requirement
You may receive additional points if you have completed at least two academic years of study in Australia.
To qualify, the study generally must:
- Be completed in Australia
- Be conducted in English
- Meet the Australian study requirement
Points available: 5 points.
Specialist Education Qualification
You may receive additional points if you hold a Master’s by Research or a Doctoral degree in eligible Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), or specified Information and Communication Technology (ICT) fields.
Points available: 10 points.
Professional Year Program
You may receive additional points if you have completed an approved Professional Year program in:
- Accounting
- Information Technology
- Engineering
The program must have been completed in Australia.
Points available: 5 points.
Credentialled Community Language
You may receive points if you hold accreditation, certification, or recognised community language credentials from the relevant authority.
Points available: 5 points.
Study In Regional Australia
You may receive additional points if you have:
- Met the Australian study requirement
- Studied and lived in a designated regional area of Australia
Points available: 5 points.
Partner Skills
You may receive additional points depending on your partner’s circumstances.
| Partner Circumstance | Points |
|---|
| Partner has competent English only | 5 |
| Partner is under 45, has competent English, and has a suitable skills assessment | 10 |
| You are single, or your partner is an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident | 10 |
Maximum available: 10 points.
State And Regional Nomination
State or regional nomination can add points to your skilled visa application, depending on the visa subclass.
Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190
Nomination by an Australian State or Territory Government provides 5 points.
Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa Subclass 491
Nomination by an Australian State or Territory Government, or sponsorship by an eligible family member residing in regional Australia, provides 15 points.
Why 65 Points Are Important
A score of 65 points is the minimum requirement to be considered for invitation.
However, it is important to understand that 65 points do not guarantee an invitation.
Invitation rounds are competitive. The Department of Home Affairs generally invites applicants with the highest scores first.
Increasing your score can significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
How Can You Increase Your Points?
Many applicants can improve their score by:
- Achieving a higher English test score
- Gaining additional skilled work experience
- Completing further study
- Completing a Professional Year program
- Obtaining partner points
- Studying in regional Australia
- Seeking State or Territory nomination
- Applying through regional pathways where appropriate
Even an additional five points can substantially improve your competitiveness.
Before applying for a points-tested skilled visa, most applicants must:
- Choose an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
- Obtain a positive skills assessment.
- Meet English language requirements.
- Calculate their points accurately.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
- Wait to receive an invitation to apply.
Points claimed in your Expression of Interest must be supported by evidence and remain valid at the time you receive an invitation.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s skilled migration points system may seem complicated at first, but understanding how points are calculated helps you plan your migration pathway strategically.
The key is not simply reaching the minimum score of 65 points. The objective is to maximise your score wherever possible and position yourself competitively for invitation rounds.
With proper planning, the right documentation and a clear migration strategy, Australia’s skilled migration program can provide an exciting pathway to permanent residency and a future in Australia.
Disclaimer
This guide provides general information only and is based on Australian migration legislation and Department of Home Affairs information available in June 2026. Migration laws and invitation thresholds may change. Individual circumstances vary, and professional advice should be sought before making migration decisions.