To qualify for Permanent Residency, the Australia skilled migration points test requires applicants to achieve a minimum pass mark of 65 points across key criteria, including age, English proficiency, employment history, qualifications, and nomination factors.
The points system governs popular general skilled migration visa categories, including the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491). While reaching 65 points makes you eligible to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, invitation rounds often favour higher scores, typically between 80 and 95 points, depending on your nominated occupation.
How Are Points Calculated Under the Australia Skilled Migration Points Test?
Points are allocated across several personal, academic, professional, and regional categories. Understanding each category helps you maximise your score before submitting an application.
1. Age Criteria (Maximum 30 Points)
Points for age are awarded based on your age at the time you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
- 18–24 years: 25 points
- 25–32 years: 30 points
- 33–39 years: 25 points
- 40–44 years: 15 points
(Applicants aged 45 and over are not eligible for points-tested skilled migration).
2. English Language Proficiency (Maximum 20 Points)
English language test results (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1, or OET) are valid for 3 years for skilled migration:
- Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band / PTE 50): 0 points
- Proficient English (e.g., IELTS 7.0 in each band / PTE 65): 10 points
- Superior English (e.g., IELTS 8.0 in each band / PTE 79): 20 points
3. Skilled Overseas and Australian Work Experience (Maximum 20 Points Combined)
Points are awarded for post-qualification work experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related field:
| Experience Duration | Overseas Work Experience | Australian Work Experience |
| 1 to 2 Years | 0 Points | 5 Points |
| 3 to 4 Years | 5 Points | 10 Points |
| 5 to 7 Years | 10 Points | 15 Points |
| 8+ Years | 15 Points | 20 Points |
Note: The total combined points for overseas and Australian work experience cannot exceed 20 points.
4. Educational Qualifications (Maximum 20 Points)
You can claim points for your highest recognised qualification:
- Doctorate (PhD): 20 points
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree: 15 points
- Diploma or Trade Qualification: 10 points
- Attained Award or Qualification (Assessed by Authority): 10 points
5. Additional Points Boosters
- Australian Study Requirement: 5 points for completing at least 2 academic years of full-time study in Australia.
- Specialist Education Qualification: 5 points for a Master’s by research or Doctorate degree in STEM fields in Australia.
- Regional Study: 5 points for studying and living in a designated regional area.
- Professional Year Program: 5 points for completing an approved 12-month program in Australia in Accounting, ICT, or Engineering.
- Community Language (NAATI CCL): 5 points for credentialed translation/interpreting skills.
- Partner Skills:
- Single applicants OR applicants with a citizen/PR partner: 10 points.
- Partner with Competent English and a positive skills assessment: 10 points.
- Partner with Competent English only: 5 points.
- State or Regional Nomination:
- Subclass 190 (State/Territory Nomination): 5 points.
- Subclass 491 (Regional Nomination or Family Sponsorship): 15 points.
How Can You Increase Your Total Migration Points Score?
If your current total sits near the 65-point baseline, strategic steps can elevate your score:
- Improve Your Language Test Score: Moving from Proficient (10 points) to Superior English (20 points) offers an immediate 10-point boost.
- Complete NAATI CCL Certification: Passing the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) Credentialed Community Language test adds 5 points.
- Pursue State or Regional Nomination: Securing a state nomination (Subclass 190) adds 5 points, while a regional nomination (Subclass 491) grants a 15-point bonus.
- Evaluate Partner Eligibility: Having your spouse undergo a skills assessment or demonstrate Competent English can unlock up to 10 extra points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the minimum score required for the Australia skilled migration points test?
The legislative minimum threshold to lodge an EOI is 65 points. However, competitive scores for invitations range between 70 and 95+ points depending on the visa subclass and occupation demand.
Do I need a job offer to claim points for skilled migration?
No. Visas such as Subclass 189 and Subclass 190 are points-tested independent or nominated visas that do not require an employer job offer, though relevant work experience adds points to your application.
How long are my English test and Skill Assessment results valid for points?
For skilled migration purposes, English language test results are valid for 3 years, and Skills Assessments are generally valid for 3 years (or the validity period stated on the assessment) from the date of issue.
Can I update my EOI if my points total increases?
Yes. You can update your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect at any time before receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to reflect changes in your English test scores, work experience, or qualifications.
How eduaid Can Help You Succeed
Navigating the Australia skilled migration points test requires precision, updated knowledge, and personalised planning to ensure every eligible point is claimed. At eduaid, our team of qualified migration consultants offers comprehensive support across in-depth points evaluations, skills assessment assistance, and EOI strategy for Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas.
Contact eduaid today to evaluate your score and build a tailored migration strategy for Australia!