Understanding the Australian Points System

The Australian points system is the foundation of skilled migration. If you are applying for a subclass 189, 190, or 491 visa, your points score determines whether you receive an invitation to apply.

How points are calculated

Points are awarded across several categories. Here is a summary of the main ones:

Age (max 30 points)

• 25-32 years: 30 points
• 18-24 or 33-39 years: 25 points
• 40-44 years: 15 points

English language (max 20 points)

• Superior (IELTS 8+): 20 points
• Proficient (IELTS 7+): 10 points
• Competent (IELTS 6+): 0 points (minimum requirement)

Skilled employment (max 20 points)

• 8+ years overseas: 15 points
• 8+ years in Australia: 20 points
• Combinations of Australian and overseas experience also score

Education (max 20 points)

• PhD: 20 points
• Bachelor degree: 15 points
• Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points

Other factors

• State nomination (190): 5 points
• Regional nomination (491): 15 points
• Partner skills: 10 points
• Australian study requirement: 5 points
• Specialist education: 10 points
• Community language: 5 points

What score do you actually need?

The pass mark is 65 points. But in practice, you need significantly more. Recent invitation rounds for popular occupations have required 80-90+ points. Less competitive occupations may receive invitations at lower scores.

How to improve your score

• Improve your English - Moving from Proficient to Superior adds 10 points. This is often the fastest way to boost your score.
• Consider state nomination - A 190 visa adds 5 points, and a 491 adds 15. Some states have lower thresholds for certain occupations.
• Gain more experience - Each additional year of skilled employment adds points up to the cap.
• Study in Australia - If you have Australian qualifications, they can add 5-10 points.

How MigrateYou helps

MigrateYou calculates your points automatically based on the information you provide. Our readiness score shows you exactly where you stand, and our guidance cards suggest specific ways to improve your score before you lodge.

Check your eligibility for free and see your estimated points score.