Australia PR Points Table – 189/190/491 Visa

Table Points for Australian PR through Skilled Migration Visa (189, 190, 491 Visa)

If you are looking at the 189, 190, or 491 visa, you’ve probably heard the number “65”. While 65 is the legal minimum to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), in 2026, it is rarely enough to secure an invitation.

Most successful skilled visa applicants in 2026 sit at 85 to 95 points or higher. The gap between the minimum points and what actually works is what costs migrants time and money.

Before you start gathering documents, it’s best to understand how you can collect your points and the best strategy to improve your chances of obtaining an invitation.

Understanding the Points Test

Australia’s Skilled Migration program uses a points test to assess your eligibility. You must score at least 65 points to be invited to apply for a 189 Visa, 190 Visa, or 491 Visa. Below is the points table:

Since many applicants now score well over 65, focusing on extra points can significantly improve your likelihood of invitation. This means that even if you’re not at the top of the points scale, there’s still a lot of room for improvement, giving you hope and motivation to work towards your Australian PR dream.

1. Age Points Category for Australian PR

Candidates aged 25 to 32 receive the highest points. Meanwhile, candidates over 45 will receive no points.

Therefore, if you are between these ages, it is advisable to apply for the Skilled Migration visa as soon as possible. This will ensure you receive the maximum points possible, given that the nomination process might take a considerable amount of time.

The earlier you apply, the more points you can secure, emphasising the urgency and importance of timing in your application process.

2. English Language Proficiency Points Criteria for Australian PR

You can provide one of the following English tests to collect the points:

• C1 Advanced
• CELPIP General
• IELTS Academic & General Training
• LanguageCert Academic
• MET (Michigan English Test)
• OET (Occupational English Test)
• PTE Academic
• TOEFL iBT

Competent English:

Proficient English:

Superior English:

You may notice that Competent English is the minimum requirement for the Skilled Migration visa. However, reaching Competent English will not give you any points. Thus, achieving a higher proficiency level, such as Proficient or Superior English, is best.

Please note that you should have taken the English test no more than three years before the invitation date.

3. Employment outside of Australia Points Criteria for Australian PR

Your employment history outside Australia will be counted as well. You can claim points only if your occupation is listed in one of the relevant Skilled Occupation lists:

• The Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL);
• The Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL);
• The Regional Occupation List (ROL).

Or else, your occupation must be closely related to the Skilled Occupation listed above. For example, if your nominated occupation is ‘Software Engineer’ and it is not on the list, a closely related occupation could be ‘Systems Analyst’. The closely related occupation must be:

• In the same ANZSCO Unit Group, or
• Consistent with a career advancement pathway, or
• Recognised by an assessing authority as being closely related to your nominated occupation, as part of your skills assessment.

Here is the breakdown of the points based on your employment period. The longer your employment period, the higher your points total.

4. Employment in Australia Points Criteria for Australian PR

If you have an employment history in Australia, make sure to add it, too!

Ensure you hold a substantive visa, Bridging Visa A, or Bridging Visa B during your employment.

Your occupation must also be listed in one of the relevant Skilled Occupation lists:

• The Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL);
• The Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL);
• The Regional Occupation List (ROL).

Otherwise, your occupation must be closely related to the above Skilled Occupation. The benefits you will receive are based on the period of your employment.

Please note: The number of years you can claim to gain points will depend on the result of your skill assessment.

5. Educational Qualifications Points Criteria for Australian PR

If you hold educational qualifications from an Australian academic institution, it will be more beneficial for your application. One benefit you will get is a higher point in the education category.

6. Australian Qualification Points Criteria for PR

If you have completed a study in Australia, you will receive 5 points. The course must have been at least two years in length. It could be any degree (trade qualification, diploma degree, or higher).

7. Study in Regional Area Points Criteria for Australian PR

Similar to the above, if you have completed a study and lived in a regional area in Australia, you will receive an additional 5 points. The course must have been at least two years in length. It could be any degree (trade qualification, diploma degree, or higher).

Learn more: Reason to Live and Work in Australian Regional Area – Complete Information

8. Professional Year Points Criteria for Australian PR

In addition, you will receive 5 points if you have completed an authorised professional year in Australia during the previous four years. A professional year is a planned program for professional growth that blends classroom instruction with real-world work experience. It is required that the professional year be spent in either the nominated or a closely related field.

9. Specialist Education Qualification Points Criteria for Australian PR:

You will receive an additional 10 points if you hold a Master’s degree by research or a Doctorate from an Australian educational institution. The study should be at least two academic years of study in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or specified ICT fields.

10. Community Language Skills Criteria for Australian PR:

You will receive another 5 points if you are proficient in one of Australia’s recognised community languages at the translator or interpreter level. NAATI, Australia’s National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters, must acknowledge the skills.

11. Partner status/skills Points Criteria for Australian PR:

If you are in a relationship and you are planning to bring your partner with you, be sure that your partner:

• is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident;
• is a secondary applicant for the same subclass visa;
• is under 45 years old;
• has competent English;
• had nominated a skilled occupation that is on the same skilled occupation list as your nominated skilled occupation;
• had a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their nominated skilled occupation, and the assessment wasn’t for a Subclass 485 visa.

12. Nomination Points Criteria for Australian PR:

The following points are achievable only if you apply for the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491).

FAQ About Point Systems for the Australian Skilled Migration Program

1. How many points do I need for PR in Australia?

To be eligible for an Australian PR through the Australian Skilled Migration program, you must have a minimum of 65 points. However, seeing the latest invitation round, if your occupation is not listed on Tier 1 or Tier 2, you must obtain between 80 and 90 points to get an invitation.

2. Can I get PR with 70 points in Australia?

It entirely depends on your occupation. Check out the latest invitation round here to see how many points are needed for your occupation.

3. How can I calculate my PR points for Australia?

To calculate your PR points for Australia, you can use our online calculator by adding points for your age, English proficiency, work experience, educational qualifications, etc.

4. What occupations are eligible for an Australian PR application?

The Australian PR application is available for occupations on the Australian skilled occupation list.

Your chances of getting permanent residency may increase if your occupation is on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Nonetheless, occupations under the Regional Occupation List (ROL) and Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) provide pathways to permanent residence by enabling Skilled Employment in regional areas.

5. Can I get an Australian PR without a point test?

Yes, you can. You can get an Australian PR through other work visa programs that are based on sponsorship by an Australian business. The main requirement is to be sponsored by an eligible Australian business.

Otherwise, you can consider the other Australian PR pathway, as explained here, or discuss with us which one best suits your situation.

Ready to see where you stand?

Don’t guess your future! Use our 2026 points simulator or book a strategy session with our Registered Migration Agent at ONEderland Consulting to build a plan that actually gets results.

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