Navigating the path to Australian Permanent Residency (PR) can feel complex, but understanding the points-based system is your first crucial step. Australia's General Skilled Migration program (visas like Subclass 189, 190, and 491) relies heavily on a points test to select skilled migrants who can contribute to the Australian economy. This calculator and guide will help you estimate your score and understand the various factors that influence your eligibility.
While the minimum points required for most skilled visas is 65, achieving this score doesn't guarantee an invitation. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) regularly issues invitations based on occupation ceilings and demand, often requiring higher scores for popular occupations. Use this tool to get an estimate of your potential points and identify areas where you might boost your score.
Understanding the Australian PR Points Test
The Australian General Skilled Migration program uses a points-based system to assess and invite skilled workers from around the world. This system ensures that migrants with the most in-demand skills, qualifications, and attributes are prioritised for permanent residency.
What is the Points Test?
The Points Test is a mechanism used by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to evaluate an applicant's eligibility for certain skilled visas. Points are awarded for various factors such as age, English language ability, skilled employment experience, educational qualifications, and other special attributes. The higher your score, the more competitive your Expression of Interest (EOI) becomes, increasing your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a visa.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Before you even consider your points score, you must meet several fundamental eligibility criteria for skilled migration visas:
- Age: You must be under 45 years of age when you receive an invitation to apply.
- English Language: You must demonstrate at least 'Competent English' (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent).
- Nominated Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list (e.g., Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List - MLTSSL for Subclass 189, or relevant State/Territory lists for Subclass 190/491).
- Skills Assessment: You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
- Expression of Interest (EOI): You must submit an EOI through SkillSelect, indicating your interest in migrating to Australia.
- Minimum Points: You must score at least 65 points on the Points Test.
- Health and Character: You must meet Australia's health and character requirements.
Breakdown of Points Categories
Here's a detailed look at how points are awarded across different categories:
Age (Maximum 30 points)
- 18-24 years: 25 points
- 25-32 years: 30 points
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-44 years: 15 points
- 45 years or over: 0 points (not eligible for points-tested skilled visas)
English Language Proficiency (Maximum 20 points)
Your English language ability is assessed through approved tests like IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, or Cambridge C1 Advanced.
- Competent English: (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band) - 0 points
- Proficient English: (e.g., IELTS 7.0 in each band) - 10 points
- Superior English: (e.g., IELTS 8.0 in each band) - 20 points
Skilled Employment (Maximum 20 points)
Points are awarded for skilled employment in your nominated occupation (or a closely related one) within the last 10 years. Both overseas and Australian experience count, but the total points awarded for skilled employment are capped at 20.
- Overseas Skilled Employment (in last 10 years):
- Less than 3 years: 0 points
- 3-4 years: 5 points
- 5-7 years: 10 points
- 8 years or more: 15 points
- Australian Skilled Employment (in last 10 years):
- Less than 1 year: 0 points
- 1-2 years: 5 points
- 3-4 years: 10 points
- 5-7 years: 15 points
- 8 years or more: 20 points
Note: For this calculator, we sum your overseas and Australian work experience points, capping the total at 20 points. Always ensure your work experience is assessed as skilled by the relevant authority.
Educational Qualifications (Maximum 20 points)
Points are based on your highest qualification recognised by the Australian assessing authority.
- Recognised qualification (e.g., Trade Certificate, Diploma): 10 points
- Bachelor degree or higher (including Masters): 15 points
- Doctorate (PhD): 20 points
Australian Study Requirement (5 points)
You can claim 5 points if you have completed one or more degrees, diplomas, or trade qualifications from an Australian educational institution that meet the following:
- Are awarded by an Australian educational institution.
- Were completed while you were physically in Australia.
- Are registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
- Required at least two academic years of study (92 weeks of study).
Regional Study (5 points)
An additional 5 points can be granted if your Australian study (meeting the above requirements) was completed in a designated regional area of Australia.
Specialist Education Qualification (10 points)
You may claim 10 points if you have completed a Master by Research or a PhD degree from an Australian educational institution that includes at least two academic years of study in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) or specific information and communication technology (ICT) fields.
Professional Year (5 points)
Completion of a Professional Year program in Australia for at least 12 months in Accounting, Information Technology, or Engineering can earn you 5 points.
NAATI Accreditation (5 points)
If you are accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) as a Professional Translator or Interpreter, you can claim 5 points.
Partner Skills (Maximum 10 points)
Points can be claimed based on your partner's situation or if you are single:
- 10 points: If you are single, OR your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, OR your partner is also applying for the visa, is under 45, has competent English, and has a suitable skills assessment in an occupation on the same skilled occupation list as your nominated occupation.
- 5 points: If your partner is also applying for the visa and has competent English (but does not meet the skilled criteria for 10 points).
- 0 points: If your partner does not meet any of the above criteria.
Nomination/Sponsorship (Subclass 190 & 491)
These points are specific to certain visa subclasses:
- State or Territory Nomination (Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa): 5 points
- Regional Area State or Territory Nomination OR Family Sponsorship (Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa): 15 points
How to Improve Your Points Score
If your current points score is below the competitive range, there are several strategies you can consider to improve it:
- Improve English Language Results: Achieving 'Proficient' or 'Superior' English can significantly boost your score by 10 or 20 points.
- Gain More Skilled Work Experience: Accumulating more years of experience, especially in Australia, can add valuable points.
- Pursue Higher Education: A Master's or PhD degree yields more points than a Bachelor's or Diploma. Consider an Australian qualification for additional points.
- Complete a Professional Year or NAATI: These specific programs or accreditations each add 5 points.
- Consider Regional Study or Work: Studying or working in a designated regional area can open up additional points and visa pathways.
- Optimise Partner Skills: If applicable, ensure your partner meets the English and/or skills assessment criteria to claim maximum partner points.
Important Considerations and Disclaimer
This points calculator provides an estimate based on the publicly available criteria. The official assessment of your points will be made by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) or a relevant assessing authority. Please keep the following in mind:
- Minimum Not Guarantee: While 65 points is the minimum, competitive occupations often require significantly higher scores to receive an invitation.
- Eligibility Beyond Points: Meeting the points threshold does not guarantee a visa. You must also satisfy all other eligibility criteria, including health, character, and skills assessment requirements.
- Policy Changes: Immigration policies and points criteria can change. Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current and accurate information.
- Professional Advice: For personalised advice and a comprehensive assessment of your eligibility, it is highly recommended to consult with a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer.
Use this calculator as a guide to help you plan your Australian PR journey, but always cross-reference with official government sources.