How Points Are Calculated

Understanding the Skilled Migration Points System

Australia's skilled migration program uses a points-based system to rank candidates. To be eligible for skilled migration visas like the Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190), or Skilled Work Regional (491), you must score a minimum of 65 points. However, the minimum score doesn't guarantee an invitation—higher scores are prioritized.

Points Breakdown by Category

1. Age (Maximum 30 points)

Points are awarded based on your age at the time of invitation:

• 18-24 years: 25 points
• 25-32 years: 30 points (maximum)
• 33-39 years: 25 points
• 40-44 years: 15 points
• 45 years and over: 0 points (ineligible)

2. English Language Proficiency (Maximum 20 points)

Based on your English test scores (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or other approved tests):

3. Skilled Employment Experience (Maximum 20 points)

Overseas Skilled Employment (in nominated occupation or closely related):

• 8-10 years: 15 points
• 5-7 years: 10 points
• 3-4 years: 5 points
• Less than 3 years: 0 points

Australian Skilled Employment (in nominated occupation or closely related):

• 8-10 years: 20 points
• 5-7 years: 15 points
• 3-4 years: 10 points
• 1-2 years: 5 points
• Less than 1 year: 0 points

Note: Points from overseas and Australian work experience can be combined.

4. Educational Qualifications (Maximum 20 points)

Based on your highest qualification recognized in Australia:

• Doctorate (PhD): 20 points
• Bachelor's degree (or higher): 15 points
• Diploma or Trade qualification: 10 points
• Award/qualification recognized by assessing authority: 10 points

5. Australian Study Requirement (5 points)

You can claim 5 points if you have completed at least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian institution that meets the Australian study requirement (at least 2 academic years in total, while living in Australia).

6. Specialist Education Qualification (5 or 10 points)

• Masters by research or Doctorate from Australian institution in STEM field: 10 points
• Other specialist qualifications: 5 points

7. Professional Year in Australia (5 points)

Completion of a Professional Year program in Australia in your nominated skilled occupation (available for Accounting, ICT, or Engineering).

8. Credentialed Community Language (5 points)

Accredited NAATI certification at the Certified Provisional level (or higher) in a credentialed community language.

9. Study in Regional Australia (5 points)

Completed at least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification while living and studying in a regional area of Australia (regional areas outside major cities).

10. Partner Skills (10 points)

Your partner (spouse or de facto) can contribute points if they meet the following criteria:

• Under 45 years of age
• Has competent English (at least IELTS 6.0 in each component)
• Has a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the same skilled occupation list as you
• Is an applicant for the same visa subclass

Alternative partner points:

• 5 points: If your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, OR
• 5 points: If your partner has competent English but no skills assessment, OR
• 10 points: If you are single or don't have a partner

11. State or Territory Nomination (15 points for 190 visa)

If you receive nomination from a state or territory government for the Skilled Nominated (190) visa, you receive 15 additional points.

12. Regional Area Sponsorship (15 points for 491 visa)

If you are sponsored by a state/territory government or eligible family member for the Skilled Work Regional (491) visa, you receive 15 additional points.

Points Calculation Example

Tips to Maximize Your Points

1. Improve English scores: Moving from IELTS 7.0 to 8.0 adds 10 points
2. Gain work experience: Continue working in your nominated occupation
3. Consider state nomination: Research state requirements for additional 15 points
4. Study in Australia: Australian qualifications can add multiple point categories
5. Complete Professional Year: Easy 5 points for eligible occupations
6. Partner skills: If your partner is also skilled, claim 10 points
7. NAATI certification: Learn a community language for 5 points
8. Regional study: Study in regional Australia for additional 5 points

Important Considerations

• Points are assessed at the time of your invitation to apply, not when you submit your EOI
• You must be able to prove all points claimed with documentary evidence
• Occupation ceilings may apply - some occupations have limited invitations
• Invitation rounds are competitive - higher points improve your chances
• Points requirements vary by occupation and can change with each invitation round