If you want permanent residency through the Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa, your points score decides whether you can compete for an invitation. This guide explains how the current points test works in 2026, how to boost your score, and what the planned 2027 reform could mean for you.
General information only, current at the date of publishing. Always confirm your claims against the official Home Affairs points table before you lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI).
The pass mark: 65 points
You need at least 65 points to lodge an EOI in SkillSelect. In practice, many occupations are invited at much higher scores, because invitations go to the highest-ranked applicants first. Points are assessed at the time you are invited, and you must be able to prove every claim.
Current points table (189, 190 and 491)
Age
| Age at invitation | Points |
|---|---|
| 18 to 24 | 25 |
| 25 to 32 | 30 |
| 33 to 39 | 25 |
| 40 to 44 | 15 |
English language
| English level | Points |
|---|---|
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
Skilled employment (last 10 years)
| Overseas employment | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| 3 to less than 5 years | 5 |
| 5 to less than 8 years | 10 |
| 8 years or more | 15 |
| Australian employment | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 0 |
| 1 to less than 3 years | 5 |
| 3 to less than 5 years | 10 |
| 5 to less than 8 years | 15 |
| 8 years or more | 20 |
Employment must be in your nominated or a closely related occupation, for at least 20 hours a week. Combined employment points are capped at 20.
Qualifications and other points
| Claim | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate (PhD) | 20 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 15 |
| Australian diploma or trade qualification | 10 |
| Qualification recognised by your assessing authority | 10 |
| Specialist education (Australian masters by research or doctorate in a relevant field) | 10 |
| Australian study requirement | 5 |
| Study in regional Australia | 5 |
| Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
| Credentialled community language (NAATI) | 5 |
Partner skills
| Partner situation | Points |
|---|---|
| Single, or partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident | 10 |
| Partner is under 45, has competent English and a suitable skills assessment | 10 |
| Partner has competent English only | 5 |
Nomination
State or territory nomination adds points: 5 points for the subclass 190 and 15 points for the subclass 491 (state nomination or eligible family sponsorship).
Worked example
Priya is 29 (30 points), has Proficient English (10), a bachelor degree (15), completed a two-year Australian masters in Adelaide (Australian study, 5; regional study, 5) and is single (10). That’s 75 points before nomination. With South Australian nomination for a subclass 491 visa she would reach 90.
Five ways to raise your points score
- Improve your English. Moving from Competent to Superior English is worth 20 points, the biggest single gain for most people.
- Check your employment claims. Your skills assessment may count more of your experience than you expect, or less. Know your exact dates.
- Consider a Professional Year if you’re in accounting, ICT or engineering.
- NAATI credentialed community language can add 5 points.
- State nomination. A 491 nomination adds 15 points and often opens doors that 189 cannot.
What’s changing: the points test reform
The Australian Government has announced a reform of the points test for permanent skilled visas. It says the new test will better select higher-skilled migrants. Reports suggest it could start from 1 July 2027, and proposals discussed publicly include a higher pass mark and points for salary. None of these details are final. Until new laws are made, the current table above applies. We will update this article as soon as the details are confirmed.
If you’re close to the pass mark, or your age points will drop soon, getting your skills assessment and English test done early is usually the safest plan.
Check your score
Use our free PR points calculator for a quick estimate, then book a consultation. A Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899) can check which claims you can actually prove and which state pathways suit your occupation. Read our South Australia skilled migration update too.
Call +61 401 989 579 or contact us online.
