How Australian skilled migration points work
The points test ranks selected skilled-migration EOIs. A total is meaningful only if every factor is legally available and supported by evidence at the relevant time.
Points categories
Age
Points vary by age band. Applicants for these points-tested visas generally need to be under 45 when invited.
English
Competent English gives 0 points, Proficient 10 and Superior 20. Use test- and date-specific thresholds.
Skilled employment
Overseas and Australian employment use separate bands, with a combined cap. Work must satisfy the relevant definition.
Qualifications
Doctoral, degree and recognised trade or other qualifications can attract different points.
Australian study factors
Australian study, eligible regional study, specialist education and an eligible professional year have separate conditions.
Credentialled community language
Five points may apply where the current credential requirements are met.
Partner status and skills
Single applicants, eligible citizen/PR partners and qualifying partner English or skills can affect the total.
Nomination or sponsorship
Subclass 190 nomination contributes 5 points; eligible 491 nomination or family sponsorship contributes 15.
Eligibility is more than the total
The minimum threshold is currently 65, but you also need the correct occupation and skills assessment, an invitation, and subclass-specific criteria. State nomination is a separate selection process; its points cannot be assumed before nomination.
Common double-counting mistakes
- ignoring the combined cap on Australian and overseas employment points;
- claiming both mutually exclusive partner-status options;
- treating any study outside a major city as qualifying regional study;
- claiming employment that the relevant authority or Home Affairs may not recognise; and
- using old PTE thresholds for a test taken from 7 August 2025.
Use our calculator to organise your evidence, then verify the result officially.
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.