How Australia's points system works
Australia's skilled migration uses a points test with a pass mark of 65 - though in practice you usually need 80 or more to be competitive. Points come from a combination of factors, and the calculator above adds them up for you.
- Age - up to 30 points, peaking at ages 25-32
- English - up to 20 points for Superior English (IELTS 8 across all bands)
- Skilled work experience - up to 20 points for 8+ years
- Education - up to 20 points for a doctorate
- Bonus points - Australian study, regional study, a skilled partner, NAATI accreditation, or a Professional Year program
Understanding your results
- 65-74 points: you meet the minimum but invitations are unlikely in most occupations - the pool is highly competitive.
- 75-84 points: competitive for many occupations, especially outside the most popular fields.
- 85+ points: a strong score - you can expect an invitation within one or two rounds.
You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, and the Department of Home Affairs issues invitations to the highest-ranked candidates in periodic rounds.
Skills assessment - the step before you apply
Before submitting your EOI you need a positive skills assessment from the assessing body for your occupation. For IT this is ACS (4-8 weeks); for engineering, Engineers Australia (8-12 weeks); for nursing, ANMAC. This is not optional - it is a prerequisite for the whole process.
Important: ACS deducts 2-4 years from your work experience when assessing IT applicants. Factor this in - it directly affects your experience points.
Critical for IT professionals: the Australian Computer Society (ACS) deducts 2-4 years from your claimed work experience during assessment. If you have 5 years of experience, ACS may only credit 2-3 years. Factor this into your points calculation - it's the most common surprise for Indian and Filipino IT workers.
189 vs 190 vs 491 - which visa for your points?
| Visa | Key feature | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 | Direct PR, live anywhere in Australia | Highest points cutoff, no nomination |
| Subclass 190 | State-nominated - adds 5 points | Must live in the nominating state |
| Subclass 491 | Regional - adds 15 points | Must live and work in a regional area for 3 years before PR |
Who should use this calculator
- Skilled professionals assessing whether Australian PR is realistic
- Applicants deciding between the 189, 190 and 491 visas
- Anyone comparing Australia's points test with Canada's CRS
- Students planning to use Australian study for bonus points
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What is the minimum points score for Australian skilled migration?
The pass mark is 65 points, but invitations are competitive - most successful applicants score 80 or more. The exact cutoff varies by occupation and invitation round.
Do I need a job offer for the subclass 189 visa?
No. The subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa grants direct permanent residency on points alone - no job offer and no state nomination required.
What is a skills assessment?
A skills assessment is a formal verification of your qualifications and experience by the assessing body for your occupation. It must be positive before you can submit an Expression of Interest. Processing takes 4-12 weeks.
How does the 190 visa differ from the 189?
The subclass 190 is state-nominated and adds 5 points, but you must commit to living in the nominating state. The 189 lets you live anywhere in Australia but has a higher effective points cutoff.
Can I bring my family on a skilled visa?
Yes. The 189, 190 and 491 visas all include your partner and dependent children, who gain the right to live, work and study in Australia.
How does Australia's points system compare to Canada's?
Both are points-based and need no job offer. Australia caps at clearer maximums per factor and requires an occupation-specific skills assessment first; Canada's CRS adds large bonuses for provincial nomination and French.