How the points-based selection system works

Topic Selection system 🇦🇺 Verified: 2026-05

Overview

Australia's points-based skilled migration selection system operates through SkillSelect — an online platform where skilled migrants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) providing information about their skills, qualifications, and experience. The Department of Home Affairs uses the EOI data to rank candidates by their points score and issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) permanent and provisional visas.

The points-based system is designed to select skilled migrants who are most likely to contribute to Australia's economy. The minimum points threshold to be eligible to receive an invitation is 65 points, but in practice most invitations in competitive rounds go to candidates with significantly higher scores.

Legal basis

Section 96 — points-tested visas; the Minister may make a legislative instrument specifying points and the points test
Section 97 — how points are allocated; the points assessment instrument
Section 47 — the validity of a visa application (invitation required for points-tested visas)
Migration Regulations 1994 — Schedule 6D (points for the Subclass 189/190/491 visas)

How it works

Step 1 — Expression of Interest (EOI)

A candidate submits an EOI through SkillSelect, declaring their age, English proficiency, work experience, education, nominated occupation, and other factors. The EOI is an expression of intent, not a visa application — it commits to nothing but must be truthful.

Step 2 — Points calculation

SkillSelect calculates the candidate's points score based on the declared information. The minimum eligible score is 65 points. Key point categories include:

Age: up to 30 points (18–24: 25 pts; 25–32: 30 pts; 33–39: 25 pts; 40–44: 15 pts; 45+: 0 pts)
English: 0 (competent), 10 (proficient), 20 (superior)
Skilled employment outside Australia: 0–15 points depending on years of experience
Skilled employment in Australia: 0–20 points depending on years
Education: 10–20 points (vocational through doctorate)
Australian study requirement: 5 points
Professional Year: 5 points
Credentialled community language: 5 points
State/territory nomination (Subclass 190): 5 points
State/territory or family nomination (Subclass 491): 15 points
Partner skills: 5 or 10 points depending on partner's score
Specialist education qualification: 10 points

Step 3 — Invitation rounds

The Department runs periodic invitation rounds for each visa subclass. In each round, the Department issues ITAs to candidates with the highest scores above the cut-off. If candidates have the same score, those who submitted their EOI earlier receive priority.

Step 4 — Visa application

After receiving an ITA, the candidate has 60 days to lodge a formal visa application with all supporting documents. The points score declared in the EOI must be substantiated by evidence (skills assessment, English test results, employment evidence etc.) in the visa application.

Nominations for 190 and 491

The Subclass 190 and 491 visas require nomination by a state or territory government. State and territory governments run their own nomination programs, assessing candidates against their own occupation lists and criteria. Nomination adds 5 points (190) or 15 points (491) to the candidate's score.