Australian Migration Points Calculator Explained

The points test scores you across several categories. You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, but the actual invitation score depends on your occupation and current demand.

Here's how it works: 1. You calculate your points across all categories 2. Submit an EOI with your claimed points 3. SkillSelect ranks EOIs by points and sends invitations to the highest scorers 4. Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application

Higher points = earlier invitation. For competitive occupations, you might need 80-90+ points to get a look-in.

### Age (maximum 30 points)

| Age | Points | |-----|--------| | 18–24 | 25 | | 25–32 | 30 | | 33–39 | 25 | | 40–44 | 15 | | 45+ | 0 (not eligible) |

The sweet spot is 25–32 years old. If you're approaching 33, it might be worth applying sooner rather than later.

### English Language (maximum 20 points)

| Level | IELTS Score | PTE Score | Points | |-------|-------------|-----------|--------| | Competent | 6 each | 50 each | 0 | | Proficient | 7 each | 65 each | 10 | | Superior | 8 each | 79 each | 20 |

English is one of the easiest categories to improve. Moving from proficient to superior adds 10 points — that can make or break your EOI.

### Skilled Employment (maximum 20 points)

Overseas experience: - 3–4 years: 5 points - 5–7 years: 10 points - 8+ years: 15 points

Australian experience: - 1–2 years: 5 points - 3–4 years: 10 points - 5–7 years: 15 points - 8+ years: 20 points

Australian experience is worth more and is assessed separately. You can claim points for both, up to a combined maximum of 20.

### Qualifications (maximum 20 points)

• - PhD: 20 points
• - Bachelor's or Master's: 15 points
• - Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
• - Recognised qualification (assessed by your skills assessing body): 10 points

Your qualification must be assessed as relevant to your nominated occupation by the relevant skills assessing body.

### Specialist Education (5 points) A Master's degree or PhD in a STEM field from an Australian institution.

### Australian Study Requirement (5 points) At least two academic years of study in Australia (92 weeks of course, 16 months of study).

### Professional Year (5 points) Completing an approved professional year program in accounting, engineering, or ICT.

### Credentialled Community Language (5 points) NAAIT-accredited interpreter or translator certification.

### Study in Regional Australia (5 points) Your Australian study was in a regional or low-population-growth area.

### Partner Skills (maximum 10 points) - Partner has a positive skills assessment and competent English: 10 points - Partner has competent English only: 5 points - Single applicant or partner is an Australian citizen/PR: 10 points

That last one surprises people — being single actually gives you 10 points, the same as having a skilled partner.

### State/Territory Nomination (varies) - Subclass 190 state nomination: 5 points - Subclass 491 state/family sponsorship: 15 points

The 491's 15-point bonus is a game-changer for people who are otherwise short on points.

While 65 is the minimum, competitive reality is different:

• - Accounting, IT, engineering — Often 80-90+ points needed due to high demand
• - Healthcare workers, trades — Sometimes 65-70 points is enough
• - Niche occupations — Less competition means lower thresholds
• - Subclass 190 and 491 — Generally lower thresholds than 189 due to the bonus points and state quotas

Invitation scores change every round, so check the latest SkillSelect round results for your occupation. A migration agent can give you a realistic assessment of your chances.

If you're falling short of a competitive score, here are strategies:

1. Improve your English score This is the fastest win. Going from IELTS 6 to 7 in each band adds 10 points. From 7 to 8 adds another 10. Invest in preparation courses and retake the test if needed. Consider PTE Academic — many people find it easier to score higher.

2. Get more work experience Sometimes waiting 6-12 months to accumulate more experience can push you into the next points bracket.

3. Study in Australia Australian study gives 5 points (plus 5 more if it's regional). A Master's in STEM adds another 5.

4. Consider a 491 visa The 15-point bonus for regional visas can be transformative. If you're at 65 points for a 189, you're at 80 for a 491.

5. Partner skills If your partner is skilled, getting them assessed and tested for English can add 10 points.

6. Professional year If you're already in Australia in accounting, IT, or engineering, a professional year program adds 5 points.

7. Community language If you're bilingual, the NAATI credentialling process adds 5 points.

Watch out for these:

• - Overclaiming experience — Only experience assessed as relevant by your assessing body counts. Not all your work history will qualify. Read our skills assessment guide
• - Wrong qualification level — Your overseas degree might not be assessed at the level you expect
• - Age miscalculation — Points are based on your age at the time of invitation, not when you submit your EOI
• - English test expiry — Test results are only valid for 3 years (2 years for some tests)
• - Not checking occupation ceilings — Some occupations have annual caps. Once reached, no more invitations until the next year

The points calculation itself is fairly mechanical — you can work it out yourself. But an agent adds value by:

• - Accurately assessing your claimable points — Knowing what the Department will actually accept
• - Identifying point-boosting strategies — Which English test, whether to wait for more experience, alternative occupations
• - Timing your EOI — Submitting at the right time based on invitation trends
• - Managing the full process — Skills assessment, EOI, visa application, health checks

Not sure where you stand? Take our visa quiz for a starting point, or connect with a skilled visa specialist for a proper assessment.