The Australian points test explained
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Free points calculator: Count your points now. Choose your age, English, work, study and nomination, and see your total for the 189, 190 and 491 visas straight away.
What is the points test?
It is how Australia ranks people for its skilled visas. SkillSelect works out an indicative score from the details you enter. Home Affairs says points are awarded for age, work experience, educational qualifications and English proficiency.
What is the minimum score?
Home Affairs' EOI page refers to a 65-point threshold and says that meeting it does not guarantee an invitation.
What earns points?
The main categories are:
- age
- English language ability
- skilled employment, in Australia and overseas
- educational qualifications
- study in Australia, including regional study
- a Professional Year
- a credentialled community language
- a partner's skills
- state or territory nomination, or regional nomination or sponsorship
What do the points look like?
These are the points for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). The 190 and 491 use the same table, with extra points for nomination.
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 18 to 24 | 25 |
| Age 25 to 32 | 30 |
| Age 33 to 39 | 25 |
| Age 40 to 44 | 15 |
| English: competent | 0 |
| English: proficient | 10 |
| English: superior | 20 |
| Overseas skilled employment: 3 to under 5 years | 5 |
| Overseas skilled employment: 5 to under 8 years | 10 |
| Overseas skilled employment: 8 years or more | 15 |
| Australian skilled employment: 1 to under 3 years | 5 |
| Australian skilled employment: 3 to under 5 years | 10 |
| Australian skilled employment: 5 to under 8 years | 15 |
| Australian skilled employment: 8 years or more | 20 |
| Doctorate | 20 |
| Bachelor degree or higher qualification | 15 |
| Diploma or trade qualification from an Australian institution | 10 |
| Qualification recognised by the assessing authority | 10 |
| Masters by research or doctorate in a specialist STEM or ICT field (Australian) | 10 |
| Australian study requirement | 5 |
| Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
| Credentialled community language | 5 |
| Study in a designated regional area | 5 |
| Partner with competent English | 5 |
| Skilled partner | 10 |
| Single, or partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident | 10 |
| State or territory nomination (190) | 5 |
Points for employment are capped at 20 in total, and you receive points for your highest qualification only. Employment must be in your nominated occupation or a closely related one, within the 10 years before you are invited, and must be at least 20 hours a week. See the full points calculator.
Has the points test changed in 2026?
Not yet, but a reform is planned. The 2026-27 Federal Budget (May 2026) said the Government will reform the permanent migration points test "to select better educated, higher-skilled and younger migrants". It applies to the points-tested visas: subclass 189, 190 and 491.
What is known and what is not:
- Current rules still apply. The pass mark is 65 points, and the existing categories are unchanged.
- No official points table has been published. Migration agencies expect more weight for age, Superior English and higher qualifications, and smaller bonuses for items such as the Professional Year. These are predictions, not announced rules.
- No start date has been legislated. Agencies point to 1 July 2027 as the expected date. Draft regulations had not been released at the last check.
- Invitations already issued are expected to be honoured. This is an agency expectation, not an official statement.
How can I check my score?
- Open the Home Affairs points calculator.
- Enter your details honestly.
- Compare the score with recent invitation rounds. See invitation rounds.
Our points calculator lists every category, including age and work experience.
Should I claim points I'm not sure about?
No. Only claim points you can prove. If your claims can't be supported, a visa can be refused or cancelled.
FAQ
What is the pass mark?
Home Affairs refers to a 65-point threshold for the EOI.
Is 65 points enough?
Not by itself. Meeting 65 does not guarantee an invitation.
Do state nominations add points?
Yes. A state or territory nomination for the 190 adds 5 points, and a nomination or family sponsorship for the 491 adds 15.
Can my partner's skills add points?
Yes. A skilled partner adds 10 points, a partner with competent English adds 5, and being single or having a partner who is a citizen or permanent resident adds 10.
Where can I get my score officially?
From the Home Affairs points calculator and the SkillSelect indicative score.