The points test — how it is calculated
Overview
The Australian points test assigns points to skilled migration candidates across categories including age, English language ability, skilled employment experience, education, and other factors. The minimum score to be eligible for an invitation is 65 points. Points are prescribed in Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994. In competitive invitation rounds, actual cut-off scores have ranged from 65 to over 100 points, depending on the occupation and visa subclass.
The points test applies to the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas. The same Schedule 6D points apply to all three visas, with the Subclass 190 attracting an additional 5 points for state or territory nomination and Subclass 491 attracting an additional 15 points for state/territory or family nomination.
Legal basis
- Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 6D — the full points allocation table for the Subclass 189/190/491 visas
- Section 97 — statutory authority for points allocation by legislative instrument
How it works
Points by category (Schedule 6D)
Age
| Age at time of invitation | Points |
|---|---|
| 18–24 | 25 |
| 25–32 | 30 |
| 33–39 | 25 |
| 40–44 | 15 |
| 45 or over | 0 |
English language ability
| Level | Points |
|---|---|
| Competent English (IELTS 6, or equivalent) | 0 |
| Proficient English (IELTS 7, or equivalent) | 10 |
| Superior English (IELTS 8, or equivalent) | 20 |
Overseas skilled employment (last 10 years, nominated occupation)
| Years | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| 3–4 years | 5 |
| 5–7 years | 10 |
| 8–10 years | 15 |
Australian skilled employment (last 10 years, nominated occupation)
| Years | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 0 |
| 1–2 years | 5 |
| 3–4 years | 10 |
| 5–7 years | 15 |
| 8–10 years | 20 |
Educational qualifications
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate from Australian institution or recognised overseas institution | 20 |
| At least a Bachelor degree from Australian institution or recognised overseas institution | 15 |
| Diploma or trade qualification from Australian institution | 10 |
| Award requiring less than diploma | 0 |
Other points categories
- Australian study requirement (2 years study in Australia leading to the nominated qualification): 5 points
- Specialist education qualification (Masters with Research, or Doctorate from an Australian institution in a STEM field): 10 points
- Professional Year in Australia: 5 points
- Credentialled community language (NAATI accreditation): 5 points
- State/territory nomination (Subclass 190): 5 points
- State/territory or family sponsorship (Subclass 491): 15 points
- Partner skills (partner is under 45, competent English, positive skills assessment in nominated occupation): 10 points
- Partner is Australian citizen, PR, or NZ citizen (sole applicant): 10 points
- Sole applicant (no partner): 10 points
Minimum and competitive scores
The minimum points threshold for eligibility is 65 points. However, in competitive rounds — particularly for high-demand occupations — the cut-off score can be significantly higher. Candidates should check historical invitation data (available on the Department's website) for the occupation and visa subclass they are targeting.