Points-tested skilled migration pathway
Overview
The points-tested pathway is Australia's primary route to permanent residence for skilled workers without employer sponsorship. Applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, are ranked by a points score, and receive an Invitation to Apply if their score meets the invitation threshold.
Three visa subclasses use the points-tested pathway:
- Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent — permanent visa; no state/territory or employer sponsorship required; occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated — permanent visa; requires a state or territory nomination; nominations add five points to the CRS score
- Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) — five-year provisional visa; requires a state/territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative in a regional area; nominations add fifteen points; leads to Subclass 191 permanent visa after three years
The points test is prescribed in r 2.72 of the Migration Regulations 1994, and the power to assess points is in s 93 of the Migration Act 1958.
Eligibility
To submit an EOI in SkillSelect, an applicant must:
- Be under 45 years of age
- Have at least vocational English (IELTS 5.0 equivalent in all four bands)
- Nominate an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list for the intended visa subclass
- Hold a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for the nominated occupation
- Score at least 65 points under the points schedule in r 2.72
For a Subclass 190 or 491 application, the applicant must additionally receive and accept a state or territory nomination before lodging the visa application.
At the time of visa decision, the applicant must also satisfy health requirements (public interest criterion 4005) and character requirements (public interest criterion 4001).
Selection criteria
The points schedule under r 2.72 awards points for the following factors:
- Age — maximum 30 points (25–32 years: 30 points; graduated scale for other ages; zero points for under 18 or 45 and over)
- English language — up to 20 points (superior English: 20 points; proficient: 10 points; competent: 0 additional points above the minimum)
- Overseas skilled employment — up to 15 points (8+ years: 15 points; graduated for shorter periods)
- Australian skilled employment — up to 20 points (8+ years: 20 points)
- Educational qualifications — up to 20 points (doctorate: 20 points; bachelor's: 15 points; diploma/trade: 10 points)
- Australian study requirement — 5 points
- Specialist education qualification — 10 points (for certain post-graduate qualifications in specific disciplines)
- Credentialled community language — 5 points
- Partner skills — up to 10 points (partner has suitable skills assessment and meets English requirements)
- State/territory nomination — 5 points (Subclass 190) or 15 points (Subclass 491)
The minimum score to submit an EOI is 65 points. Invitation thresholds vary by visa subclass and draw type — they fluctuate based on the volume and profile of EOIs in the pool. Historical invitation rounds show thresholds for Subclass 189 typically between 65 and 95 points.
Application process
- Skills assessment — obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for the nominated ANZSCO occupation.
- Language test — sit an accepted English language test (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge C1 Advanced) within three years of submitting the EOI.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) — create a SkillSelect account and submit an EOI. The EOI is valid for two years from the date of submission. An EOI must be submitted before an invitation can be issued; it is not a visa application.
- State or territory nomination (if applicable) — for Subclass 190 and 491, apply separately to a state or territory government. Requirements, caps, and occupation lists differ by jurisdiction and change frequently.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) — the Department of Home Affairs conducts regular invitation rounds. Candidates at or above the invitation threshold receive an ITA.
- Lodge visa application — after receiving an ITA, lodge the visa application online via ImmiAccount within 60 days. Include all secondary applicants (family members) who will be included in the visa.
- Health and character checks — undergo medical examination with an approved panel physician and provide police clearance certificates for relevant countries.
- Decision — the Department assesses the application. If all criteria are met, the visa is granted.
Related programs
Notes
EOIs in SkillSelect are ranked by points score, with ties broken by date of submission. Invitation thresholds change with each round and are not announced in advance. The Department publishes data on previous rounds on the DIBP/Home Affairs website.
State and territory nomination schemes operate independently of the federal SkillSelect system. Each state and territory maintains its own occupation lists, caps, and eligibility criteria. Nomination requirements can change without notice.
The Subclass 491 visa requires the holder to live and work in a regional area as a visa condition. After holding the 491 for at least three years and meeting work and income requirements, the holder may apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa.