How skilled migration points are calculated
The points total is a set of defined categories assessed at the relevant time—usually invitation—not a general score for being employable in Australia. Use the table as a map, then verify each claim in the Home Affairs calculator and Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations.
Key points
- The published minimum is 65 points, but selection and invitation outcomes can require more and are not promised.
- Use only the highest qualifying band within a category; many options do not stack.
- Overseas and Australian skilled-employment points are capped at 20 combined.
- The EOI is claim-based; Home Affairs makes the points decision from evidence.
Current category map
| Category | Available points | Main evidence question |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 15, 25 or 30 | What age was the applicant at invitation? |
| English | 0, 10 or 20 | Did every component meet Competent, Proficient or Superior English under the rules for the test date? |
| Overseas skilled employment | 0, 5, 10 or 15 | How much eligible work fell in the ten years before invitation? |
| Australian skilled employment | 0, 5, 10, 15 or 20 | Was the work in Australia, eligible and lawfully performed? |
| Highest educational qualification | 10, 15 or 20 | Is the award completed and recognised at the claimed level? |
| Specialist educational qualification | 10 | Does an Australian research master's or doctorate meet the prescribed field and study rules? |
| Australian study | 5 | Were all registered-course, duration, English instruction, location and visa requirements met? |
| Regional study | 5 | Was Australian study completed while living and studying in designated areas without distance education? |
| Professional year | 5 | Was an approved program completed in the nominated or closely related occupation within the required period? |
| Credentialled community language | 5 | Was a specified NAATI credential current and acceptable at invitation? |
| Partner category | 0, 5 or 10 | Which relationship, English and partner-skills definition applied at invitation? |
| 190 nomination | 5 | Was there a valid state or territory nomination? |
| 491 nomination or sponsorship | 15 | Was there a valid nomination or approved eligible-relative sponsorship pathway? |
Rules that prevent simple addition
- Age and English bands use one qualifying level, not every lower level as well.
- The educational-qualification category uses the highest applicable award.
- Partner points use one category: skilled partner, Competent-English partner, or single/Australian-citizen-or-PR partner.
- 190 and 491 points relate to different visa pathways and are not added together.
- Overseas and Australian employment can both contribute, but their combined total cannot exceed 20.
The invitation-date audit
For each category, record the rule, the relevant date and the exact evidence. A birthday, expired English test, completed month of employment, new qualification or relationship change can alter the score. Keep the EOI current before invitation.
Use our calculator for arithmetic and the points-claim audit for evidence. Neither replaces the official rules or personal advice.
Why a correct total is not full eligibility
Points do not replace the eligible occupation, suitable skills assessment, English minimum, age limit, invitation, nomination or sponsorship requirements. Health, character and other application criteria also sit outside the score. Treat “65” as one gate in a larger decision.
Official sources to check before acting
These pages control over any summary on this website. Recheck them when you submit an EOI, accept a nomination or lodge a visa application.
Important Notice: The content on this page is for general information only. Australian visa policies and requirements are subject to change at any time. Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current and accurate information.