How the Australian skilled migration points test works
The points test is the gateway to the three main DIY permanent residency pathways: subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), 190 (Skilled Nominated), and 491 (Skilled Work Regional). The minimum score to enter the SkillSelect pool is 65 points, but in practice you need significantly higher to receive an invitation. Most successful 189 applicants in 2025-26 score 90-105+ points; 190 applicants usually need 80-90; 491 invitations are issued at lower scores, sometimes 65-75 depending on state demand.
The points test is just one half of the equation. You also need a positive skills assessment, a satisfactory English test, and your occupation must be on one of the relevant lists. Even at 95+ points, you cannot lodge an EOI without these foundations in place.
How points are awarded in 2025-26
| Factor | Points available |
|---|---|
| Age (25-32 years) | 30 (maximum) |
| Age (33-39) | 25 |
| Age (18-24 or 40-44) | 15-25 |
| Age (45+) | 0 (ineligible) |
| English (Superior - IELTS 8+ each band) | 20 |
| English (Proficient - IELTS 7+ each band) | 10 |
| English (Competent - IELTS 6+ each band) | 0 (mandatory minimum) |
| Australian work experience (1-3 years) | 5 |
| Australian work experience (3-5 years) | 10 |
| Australian work experience (5-8 years) | 15 |
| Australian work experience (8+ years) | 20 |
| Overseas work experience (3-5 years) | 5 |
| Overseas work experience (5-8 years) | 10 |
| Overseas work experience (8+ years) | 15 |
| Australian doctorate degree | 20 |
| Australian Bachelor or Masters degree | 15 |
| Australian diploma or trade qualification | 10 |
| Specialist education (STEM Masters/PhD) | 10 |
| Study in regional Australia (2+ years) | 5 |
| Skilled partner (same occupation list) | 10 |
| Skilled partner (different occupation, competent English) | 5 |
| Single applicant (no partner being assessed) | 10 |
| State nomination (190) | 5 |
| State/family nomination (491) | 15 |
| Professional Year completion (Aust) | 5 |
| NAATI Credentialed Community Language | 5 |
Source: DHA - Points-based visas.
The three visa subclasses
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): most competitive; no sponsor required; you can live anywhere in Australia; demand far exceeds invitation rounds, so scores of 90+ are typically needed
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): state or territory nominates you; +5 points; you commit to living in that state for 2+ years
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional): provisional 5-year visa for regional areas; +15 points; converts to permanent 191 after 3 years
Strategies to boost your points
If your current score is below the invitation threshold, the most effective ways to add points are:
- Improve English: jumping from Proficient (10 pts) to Superior (20 pts) is the single highest-leverage move for most applicants. A few months of test prep can add 10 points
- Get state nomination: each state runs nomination programs with different requirements; +5 for 190 or +15 for 491
- Move to a regional area: 491 is much easier to get than 189; many holders later transition to permanent 191 visa
- NAATI credentialled community language: 5 points for a Recognised Practising or Certified Provisional language other than English. Often overlooked
- Study in Australia: especially regional study (+5) or a STEM Masters/PhD (+10)
- Partner skills: if your partner also has a skills assessment and English at competent or above, +5-10 points
- Wait for Australian work experience to accumulate: each tier (1, 3, 5, 8 years) adds 5 more points
Frequently asked questions
What is a "competitive" score for 189?
In 2025-26 invitation rounds, the lowest score invited for most popular occupations (accountants, engineers, IT) has been 95-105 points. Some specialist occupations (registered nurses, healthcare workers) see invitations at lower scores. Check the latest "Invitation Round Results" on the Department of Home Affairs website for current cutoffs.
How long is an EOI valid?
An Expression of Interest sits in the SkillSelect pool for 2 years. You can update it as your points change (e.g. when you turn 33 you lose 5 points, when you get more work experience you gain points). If you are invited but cannot lodge a visa within 60 days, the invitation lapses; if you cannot lodge a second invitation, your EOI is removed from the pool.
Do I need to choose between 189, 190, and 491?
No. You can submit a single EOI selecting all three visa types (and a state for 190/491). SkillSelect will consider you for each based on your score and any state nomination. You can also submit separate EOIs for different state nominations to maximise chances. Most applicants apply broadly.
How does state nomination work for 190 and 491?
Each state runs its own nomination program with its own criteria - occupation list, work experience, English requirement, salary thresholds, residence rules. Apply directly through the state government's migration website (e.g. NSW Migrate to NSW, Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination, Migration SA, Live in WA). Approval typically takes 2-12 weeks. Once nominated, the state submits its endorsement to SkillSelect.
What is the difference between Australian and overseas work experience points?
Australian work experience is more highly weighted because it demonstrates direct integration into the Australian labour market. Both count, but you can only claim 5 of the 15-20 maximum experience points from overseas. Australian work experience must be in your nominated occupation and at a "skilled level" - student-visa cafe work usually does not count, professional work in your skilled occupation does.
Can I include both my doctorate AND my Masters?
No, you can only claim points for your highest qualification. A Masters degree earns 15 points; a doctorate earns 20. You cannot stack them. The qualification must also be assessed as relevant to your nominated occupation by the assessing authority.
What this calculator doesn't include
- Specific occupation ceiling caps - even at 100+ points, some occupations have annual invitation caps
- State nomination requirements - each state has additional criteria beyond your points score
- Skills assessment processing - separate process required before lodging an EOI
- Section 48 bar implications - if you have had a visa refused while onshore
- Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) - regional-specific lower points thresholds
- Trans-Tasman pathway for New Zealand citizens - separate from the points test
For invitation round data and current cutoffs, see the DHA invitation rounds page.