Key takeaways
- You need at least 65 points to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) for subclass 189, 190 or 491.
- Age, English and work experience carry the most points; English is usually the fastest to improve.
- State nomination adds 5 points (190) and regional nomination adds 15 points (491).
- Reforms to the points test have been proposed but are not yet law, so the current table still applies.
Australia's General Skilled Migration program uses a points test to decide who can apply for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas. You claim points in your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, and invitations go to the highest-ranked candidates in each occupation.
The points table at a glance
| Factor | Points available |
|---|---|
| Age: 25 to 32 | 30 |
| Age: 18 to 24 or 33 to 39 | 25 |
| Age: 40 to 44 | 15 |
| Superior English (IELTS 8 in each band, or equivalent) | 20 |
| Proficient English (IELTS 7 in each band, or equivalent) | 10 |
| Doctorate | 20 |
| Bachelor's or Master's degree | 15 |
| Diploma or trade qualification | 10 |
| Skilled work experience (overseas and Australian combined) | Up to 20 |
| Partner skills (skills assessment + competent English), or single | 10 |
| Partner with competent English only | 5 |
| Australian study, regional study, Professional Year, NAATI CCL | 5 each |
| Specialist STEM education (Australian research Master's or PhD) | 10 |
| State nomination (190) / regional nomination (491) | 5 / 15 |
Age
Age is measured at the time you are invited, not when you lodge the EOI. Points peak at 30 between 25 and 32. You must be under 45 when invited, so timing matters if a birthday is approaching.
English language
Competent English is the minimum and earns no points. Proficient English earns 10 and Superior earns 20. IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, OET, CELPIP and other accepted tests each have their own score bands. Moving from Proficient to Superior is often the single fastest way to add 10 points.
Qualifications and work experience
Your qualification must be recognised by the assessing authority for your nominated occupation. Work experience is counted from the last ten years and only where it is assessed as skilled in your nominated or a closely related occupation.
- Overseas experience: 3–4 years earns 5, 5–7 years earns 10, 8+ years earns 15.
- Australian experience: 1–2 years earns 5, 3–4 years earns 10, 5–7 years earns 15, 8+ years earns 20.
- The two are added together, but the total is capped at 20 points.
Partner points
If you are single, or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you receive 10 points. If your partner is migrating with you, they can earn you 10 points with a positive skills assessment and competent English, or 5 points with competent English alone.
Ways to add points before you lodge
- 1Retake your English test to reach Proficient or Superior in every band.
- 2Consider state nomination (190) or regional nomination (491) if your occupation is on a state list.
- 3Pass the NAATI Credentialed Community Language test in a language such as Hindi, Marathi or Punjabi.
- 4Complete a Professional Year if your occupation is in accounting, ICT or engineering.
- 5Check whether your partner could qualify for partner points.
Check your own score in two minutes
Our free calculator shows your totals for 189, 190 and 491 and emails you the result.
Are the points changing?
The Australian Government has proposed reforms to the points test. As at September 2026 these have not been legislated, and the table above is the one in force. If the rules change we will update this guide and our calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Official sources
General information only, current at the date shown. It is not immigration advice for your circumstances. Information on this site is general guidance only and not legal, migration or investment advice. Rules, fees and occupation lists change frequently — always confirm current requirements with the relevant government authority before acting.
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Sumit Kumar
Chartered Accountant & Australian Registered Migration Agent · MARN 1803385
Sumit has advised individuals, families and businesses on migration and cross-border moves since 2013, combining migration casework with a Chartered Accountant's view of tax, funds and business structure.
