How Australia's Skilled Migration Points System Works
Australia's general skilled migration programme uses a points-based system to select skilled workers for permanent residency. The three main visa subclasses — 189 (Skilled Independent), 190 (Skilled Nominated), and 491 (Skilled Work Regional) — all require a minimum score of 65 points, but in practice successful applicants score significantly higher because places are awarded through competitive invitation rounds.
You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect online system. The Department of Home Affairs then conducts periodic invitation rounds, drawing candidates from the pool in order of their points score. The higher your score, the sooner you are likely to receive an invitation to apply.
The Points Categories in Detail
Age
Age is one of the most heavily weighted factors, rewarding applicants who are most likely to contribute to the workforce for many years.
- 18–24 years: 25 points
- 25–32 years: 30 points (the maximum age bracket)
- 33–39 years: 25 points
- 40–44 years: 15 points
- 45 years and over: 0 points
English Language Ability
You must demonstrate at least competent English to pass the points test. Scores improve with higher proficiency:
- Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band, or equivalent): 0 bonus points (but required to pass)
- Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 in each band): 10 points
- Superior English (IELTS 8.0 in each band): 20 points
Equivalent tests accepted include TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and OET.
Overseas Skilled Employment
Points are awarded for work experience in your nominated skilled occupation (or a closely related one) performed outside Australia in the past 10 years:
- Less than 3 years: 0 points
- 3–4 years: 5 points
- 5–7 years: 10 points
- 8–10 years: 15 points
Australian Skilled Employment
Work experience gained in Australia in your nominated occupation (or a closely related one) in the past 10 years:
- Less than 1 year: 0 points
- 1–2 years: 5 points
- 3–4 years: 10 points
- 5–7 years: 15 points
- 8–10 years: 20 points
Educational Qualifications
- Doctorate from an Australian institution or recognised overseas equivalent: 20 points
- Bachelor degree or higher from an Australian institution or recognised overseas equivalent: 15 points
- Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
- Award from an Australian institution (additional Australian study requirement may apply): bonus points may apply
Partner Skills
If your partner also has an assessed skill and meets English requirements, you can claim an additional 10 points. If you are single, or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you also receive 10 points.
State or Territory Nomination
- State or Territory nomination for a 190 visa: 5 points
- State or Territory nomination or sponsorship for a 491 visa: 15 points
Other Bonus Points
- Completed at least one year of post-secondary study leading to a qualification in a STEM field from an Australian institution: 10 points
- Credentialled community language: 5 points
- Professional year completed in Australia: 5 points
Typical Cut-Off Scores
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
The 189 visa is the most competitive because it requires no state sponsorship. Invitation cut-offs in recent rounds have been between 80 and 95+ points for most occupations. Some occupations in chronic shortage have attracted lower cut-offs in category-based draws.
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)
The 190 visa requires nomination from a state or territory government. Cut-offs are generally between 65 and 80 points, making it a viable pathway for applicants who cannot reach the higher 189 thresholds. States have their own requirements and tend to nominate occupations they need.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
The 491 provides a pathway for those willing to live and work in regional Australia for at least three years before applying for permanent residency (through the Subclass 191). Cut-offs typically range from 65 to 80 points.
The Skills Assessment Process
Before lodging your EOI, you must have your skills assessed by the relevant Australian assessing authority for your occupation. This is a critical step and takes between 3 and 6 months in most cases — sometimes longer. Major assessing bodies include:
- ACS (Australian Computer Society): ICT professionals
- Engineers Australia: Engineering occupations
- AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency): Medical and healthcare professionals
- VETASSESS: A wide range of professional, trade, and technical occupations
- TRA (Trades Recognition Australia): Trade occupations
Check the relevant occupation on the ANZSCO code list and confirm the correct assessing body on the Home Affairs website before applying.
Strategies to Improve Your Points Score
- Improve your English: Moving from Competent to Proficient adds 10 points; to Superior adds 20. This is often the fastest way to gain points.
- Gain Australian work experience: Even one year of skilled employment in Australia on a temporary visa adds points.
- Pursue state nomination: A 190 nomination adds 5 points on top of your base score; a 491 nomination adds 15.
- Complete a Professional Year: If you are an accountant, IT professional, or engineer, completing an accredited Professional Year programme in Australia adds 5 points.
- Claim partner points: Ensure your partner's skills are formally assessed if they are eligible.
- Wait for category-based draws: IRCC occasionally runs targeted draws for specific occupations at lower cut-offs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does an EOI stay in the pool?
An EOI remains active in SkillSelect for two years from the date it was submitted. You can update your EOI at any time to reflect improved skills, qualifications, or employment.
Q: Can I hold multiple EOIs for different visas?
Yes. You can submit separate EOIs for the 189, 190, and 491 at the same time. Many applicants pursue state nomination in parallel with their independent EOI.
Q: Do I need a job offer to apply?
No job offer is required for the 189, 190, or 491. These are points-tested visas independent of employer sponsorship. A job offer can add points in some circumstances but is not mandatory.
Q: What happens after I receive an invitation?
You have 60 days from the date of the invitation to lodge a complete visa application, including all required documents, health examinations, police clearances, and skills assessment results.
This is general guidance only. Always verify current requirements with the official government source before applying.