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Australia PR Points Table – 189/190/491 Visa

Updated

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

Do you want to increase your chances of getting an Australian Skilled Migration Visa? Your points score is the key to unlocking this opportunity. Australia’s skilled migration system uses a points-based test with a minimum band score of 65 points. The higher your points, the better your chance of receiving an invitation to apply for a 189 Visa, 190 Visa, or 491 Visa. This guide summarises the points table to obtain PR status in Australia through one of these visas. Whether you’re just starting your skilled migration journey or looking to refine your current score, this article will help you understand the significant role your points play in achieving your Australian PR dream.

Australia Point Table

189 Visa Australia Instal PR Skilled Work Visa

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:

No Point Criteria Category Maximum points possible
1 Age 30
2 English language proficiency 20
3 Employment outside of Australia 15
4 Employment inside of Australia 20
5 Educational qualifications 20
6 Australian educational qualifications 5
7 Specialist education qualification 5
8 Partner status/skills 10
9 State Nomination 5-15
10 Regional study 5
11 Accredited in community language 5
12 Professional year program 5
Total Possible points 145
No Point Criteria Category Maximum points possible
1 Age 30
2 English language proficiency 20
3 Employment outside of Australia 15
4 Employment inside of Australia 20
5 Educational qualifications 20
6 Australian educational qualifications 5
7 Specialist education qualification 5
8 Partner status/skills 10
9 State Nomination 5-15
10 Regional study 5
11 Accredited in community language 5
12 Professional year program 5
Maximum Total Possible points 145

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 25 or older, it is advisable to apply for the Skilled Migration visa as soon as possible. This will ensure you receive the highest points possible, considering 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.

No. Age Points
1 18-24 years old 25
2 25-32 years old 30
3 33-39 years old 25
4 40-44 years old 15
5 above 45 years old 0
No. Age Points
1 18-24 years old 25
2 25-32 years old 30
3 33-39 years old 25
4 40-44 years old 15
5 above 45 years old 0

2. English Language Proficiency Points Criteria for Australian PR

Although IELTS and PTE are generally the standards, the following tests are also accepted by immigration:

  • C1 Advanced
  • CELPIP General
  • LANGUAGECERT Academic
  • MET
  • OET
  • TOEFL iBT

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.

Click here to see the minimum English requirement for Skilled Visas!

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:

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.

No. Overseas work experience in the nominated occupation Points
1 Less than 3 years 0
2 3 but less than 5 years 5
3 5 but less than 8 years 10
4 8 or more years  15
No. Overseas work experience in the nominated occupation Points
1 Less than 3 years 0
2 3 but less than 5 years 5
3 5 but less than 8 years 10
4 8 or more years 15

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:

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.

No. Australian work experience in the nominated occupation Points
1. Less than 1 year 0
2. 1 but less than 3 years 5
3. 3 but less than 5 years 10
4. 5 but less than 8 years 15
5. 8 years or more 20
No. Australian work experience in the nominated occupation Points
1. Less than 1 year 0
2. 1 but less than 3 years 5
3. 3 but less than 5 years 10
4. 5 but less than 8 years 15
5. 8 years or more 20

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.

No Education qualifications Points
1 Doctorate from Australian or another educational institution 20
2 Bachelor/Master’s degree from Australian or another educational institution 15
3 Australian diploma or trade qualification 10
4 Awards or qualifications that are recognized by authority assessing the skilled occupation 10
No. Australian work experience in the nominated occupation Points
1 Education qualifications 20
2 Bachelor/Master’s degree from Australian or another educational institution 15
3 Australian diploma or trade qualification 10
4 Awards or qualifications that are recognized by authority assessing the skilled occupation 10

Educational Qualifications Points Criteria

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).

No Australian Qualification Points
1. Trade qualification, Diploma degree, or higher (earned in Australia with a length of at least 2 years) 5
No Australian Qualification Points
1. Trade qualification, Diploma degree, or higher (earned in Australia with a length of at least 2 years) 5

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).

No Study in Regional Area Points
1. Trade qualification, Diploma degree, or higher (earned in Australian regional area with a length of at least 2 years) 5
No Study in Regional Area Points
1. Trade qualification, Diploma degree, or higher (earned in Australian regional area with a length of at least 2 years) 5

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.

No Professional Year in Australia Points
1. Completed a Professional Year in Australia in the last 4 years 5
No Professional Year in Australia Points
1. Completed a Professional Year in Australia in the last 4 years 5

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.

No Specialist Education Qualification Points
1. Completed a Master degree by research or a Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution as specified above 10
No Specialist Education Qualification Points
1. Completed a Master degree by research or a Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution as specified above 10

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.

No Community Language Skills Points
1. NAATI’s recognised translator/interpreter level skills in a community language 5
No Community Language Skills Points
1. NAATI’s recognised translator/interpreter level skills in a community language 5

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.
No Partner status/skills Points
1. Single (unmarried) 10
2. Spouse/Partner is AUS citizen or PR holder 10
3. Spouse/Partner meets the age, English, and skill criteria 10
4. Spouse/Partner Only has Competent English 5
No Partner status/skills Points
1. Single (unmarried) 10
2. Spouse/Partner is AUS citizen or PR holder 10
3. Spouse/Partner meets the age, English, and skill criteria 10
4. Spouse/Partner Only has Competent English 5

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).

No State Nomination Points
1. Nomination by a state or territory government agency for the 190 Visa application 5
2. Nomination by a state or territory government agency for the 491 Visa application 15
No State Nomination Points
1. Nomination by a state or territory government agency for the 190 Visa application 5
2. Nomination by a state or territory government agency for the 491 Visa application 15

How to Improve Points for Skilled Visa

Click Here For Skilled Migration Online Points Calculator

Strategic Plan to Boost Your Skilled Migration Points Score

When it comes to migrating to Australia through the skilled migration program, your points score determines whether you will receive an invitation to apply for the 189 visa, 190 Visa, or 491 Visa. The minimum requirement is 65 points, but in practice, competitive occupations often require higher scores, sometimes reaching 80 or more points.

Here’s a strategic checklist of the most effective ways to boost your score and stand out in the invitation round.

1. Improve your English proficiency

One of the easiest ways to gain extra points is through your English test results. You can claim:

  • 10 points for Proficient English
  • 20 points for Superior English

If you currently hold Competent English, retaking your English test could make a significant difference. Consider preparation courses for IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT to maximise your score. Even a small jump from IELTS 7.5 to 8.0 could be the boost that secures your invitation.

2. Gain more skilled work experience

Points are awarded for skilled employment obtained overseas and in Australia, but it must be related to your nominated occupation. You can obtain:

  • Up to 20 points for overseas experience of at least 8 years
  • Up to 20 points for Australian experience of at least 8 years

If you’re close to reaching another year threshold, consider extending your employment in the same occupation or applying for relevant professional roles to move up to the next bracket. Australian experience is often valued higher, so even 1 – 3 years of local work in Australia can make a big difference.

3. Pursue higher educational qualifications

Your educational background can also help increase your score. You can claim points for:

  • 10 points for a Diploma or Trade qualification
  • 15 points for a Bachelor’s degree
  • 20 points for Doctorate (PhD)

For some occupations (accounting, IT, or engineering), completing a professional year in Australia can also give you an extra 5 points. Check if your overseas qualifications are recognised by your assessing authority to ensure you’re not missing eligible points.

4. Apply for State or Territory nomination

If you’re applying for a Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491), securing a state or territory nomination can significantly boost your points:

  • 5 points for state nomination (subclass 190 visa)
  • 15 points for regional nomination (subclass 491 visa)

Each state has its own occupation list and nomination criteria, so monitor their updates and tailor your Expression of Interest (EOI) accordingly. Consider moving or studying in regional areas to increase your chances of nomination.

5. Claim partner or spouse points

If your partner meets specific criteria, you can claim up to 10 extra points. You may be eligible if your partner:

  • Is under 45 years old,
  • Has a positive skills assessment in an occupation from the same list, and
  • Demonstrates competent English.

If your partner doesn’t meet those conditions but has Competent English, you can still claim 5 points. But if you’re single, you automatically get 10 points under the current rules.

6. Complete a Professional Year Program

For graduates in Accounting, ICT, or Engineering, completing a Professional Year Program (PYP) in Australia gives an additional 5 points to your visa application. These programs also help strengthen your employability and provide local work experience, providing a double advantage!

7. Study in regional Australia

Studying in a designated regional area can give you 5 additional points. The regional study requirement applies to any CRICOS-registered course that lasts at least 2 years in a regional area. You can combine this with a regional nomination for a 491 Visa to get up to 20 additional points.

8. Specialist education qualification

If you complete a Master’s degree by research or a Doctorate in a STEM-related field (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or specified ICT fields) from an Australian institution, you can claim 10 additional points.

9. Community Language Credential (CCL by NAATI)

Being certified by NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) can give you 5 bonus points under the Credentialed Community Language (CCL) category. This is a popular option among applicants, as it’s achievable with dedicated preparation.

10. Age Factor – Apply before You Turn 45

Age is a significant factor in your score:

  • 30 points if you’re between 25-32
  • 25 points if you’re between 33-39
  • 0 points if you’re over 45

Since skilled migration is capped at 45 years of age, time management is crucial in planning your migration pathway.

Don’t rely on just one method to increase your points. Many successful applicants reach their target by combining multiple strategies, for example:

  • Improving English from Proficient to Superior (+10 points)
  • Completing a NAATI CCL test (+5 points)
  • Securing regional nomination (+15 points)

That’s 30 points total, which can turn a 665-point profile into a competitive 95-point profile.

Minimum Points for Skilled Visa

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, you are strongly advised to aim for higher points.

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

It’s possible to get an Australian PR with 70 points. However, it also depends on your occupation and the demand in Australia. 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.

Our consultation session is more than just a conversation. It’s a promise backed by a 100% refund guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with our service. We are proud to share that we have a 98% success rate and are experts in handling complex cases. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

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Still trying to determine if you qualify? Speak to us; we are here to help!

We understand that meeting the minimum points for Australian PR applications is a big struggle.

Our visa specialists at ONE derland Consulting will help you assess your visa options. We have a 98% success rate and are one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews.

We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the MARA.

Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are honest, accountable and professional. Contact us via email at visa@onederland.com.au, by phone at 1300 827 159, or through WhatsApp at +61494372414. Alternatively, you can book your consultation online, backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee Program.

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