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Table Points for Australian PR in 2024 – 189/190/491 Visa

Updated

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

The Australian Skilled Migration program operates on a crucial points-based system. To be considered for an 189 Visa, 190 Visa, or 491 Visa, you must achieve a minimum of 65 points. These points are awarded based on various criteria, including age, qualifications, and work experience. The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the points allocation for the 189 Visa, 190 Visa, and 491 Visa, which is essential for your Australian PR application.

We also explain some frequently asked questions about the table points for the Australian PR application and the Australian Skilled Migration program.

Australia Point Table

189 Visa Australia Instal PR Skilled Work Visa

Get Closer to General Skilled Migration Visa Program

If you’re new to the Skilled Migration program, rest assured, we have your back with a comprehensive guide!

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa program is one of the available ways to get permanent residency in Australia. Four visa subclasses fall under the Skilled Migration program, three of which are point-based visas. These three visa subclasses require 65 points to be invited:

1. Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)

The 189 Visa is for invited workers with skills required by the Australian government. It allows you to work and live permanently anywhere in Australia.

  • You don’t need a sponsor or nominator;
  • You must pass at least 65 points;
  • You must be invited to apply;
  • You must be under 45 to be invited.

2. Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)

The 190 Visa allows you to live and work in a certain state or territory in Australia as a permanent resident. An Australian state or territory government agency must nominate you.

  • You must be able to score a minimum of 65 points;
  • You must be no more than 45 years of age;
  • An Australian state/territory government agency must invite you to apply for this visa.

3. Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491)

The 491 Visa is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to work, live, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for five years. Importantly, it also provides a pathway to permanent residency through the 191 Visa. This means that if you meet the requirements during your time on the 491 Visa, you may be eligible to apply for the 191 Visa and gain permanent residency.

  • You must be able to score a minimum of 65 points;
  • You must be no more than 45 years of age;
  • You must be invited to apply for this visa by the Australian state/territory government agency or be sponsored by an eligible relative.

The General Skilled Migration Visa program offers you many benefits, including:

  • direct permanent residency; which you can get from the 189 Visa and 190 Visa that offer direct permanent residency status once the visa is granted.
  • freedom to live anywhere in Australia, and you can even choose which state or territory you wish to live and work in.
  • does not need a sponsorship from a business in Australia; you only need to pass the minimum band score of 65 points.
  • the Skilled Migration Visa program offers flexible processing for offshore candidates, as it does not require you to be onshore. This means you can remain in your home country while working or finalising your responsibilities and, at the same time, have the EOI for your Skilled Migration Visa processed.

You can learn more about the General Skilled Migration Visa Program here.

Table Points for Australian PR (189/190/491 Visa)

There are 12 categories for the points for Australian PR. Those 12 categories and the total possible points are as follows:

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

Note:

*The relevant field includes science, technology, engineering, mathematics or information and communication technology (ICT). Feel free to contact us to see if your qualifications are included.

**Accredited at the paraprofessional level or above, certified at the certified provisional level r above, or credentialed by the NAATI.

***The professional year must be in accounting, ICT/computing, or engineering and be in your nominated or closely related occupation. It should be completed over at least 12 months in Australia in the four years before you’re invited to apply for the Skilled Migration visa. Either ACS, CPA Australia, CAANZ, IPA, or Engineers Australia must provide the course.

Below, we provide comprehensive explanations of each point category and how points are allocated. Understanding these categories is crucial as it will help you maximize your points for a successful Skilled Migration visa application.

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.

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:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT); At least 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking;
  • Occupational English Test (OET); At least B for each of the 4 test components​;
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced test; At least 185 in each of the 4 test components​.

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, reaching a higher proficiency level, such as Proficient or Superior English, is best.

No. English language proficiency Points
1 Competent English

  • IELTS – At least 6 for each of the 4 test components
  • PTE – At least 50 for each of the 4 test components
0
2 Proficient English

  • IELTS – At least 7 for each of the 4 test components
  • PTE – At least 65 for each of the 4 test components
10
3 Superior English

  • IELTS – At least 8 for each of the 4 test components
  • PTE – At least 79 for each of the 4 test components
20
No. English language proficiency Points
1 Competent English

  • IELTS – At least 6 for each of the 4 test components
  • PTE – At least 50 for each of the 4 test components
0
2 Proficient English

  • IELTS – At least 7 for each of the 4 test components
  • PTE – At least 65 for each of the 4 test components
10
3 Superior English

  • IELTS – At least 8 for each of the 4 test components
  • PTE – At least 79 for each of the 4 test components
20

Please note that you should have taken the English test at most three years before the invitation date.

Click here for tips on taking the IELTS Test!

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. 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 that it is 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 point you will get is 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 with 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 degree from an Australian educational institution. The study should be at least two academic years 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

How do you gain additional points for Australian General Skilled Migration?

Based on our experience, more than the minimum band score of 65 points is needed to receive an invitation. So, we always suggest our clients get additional points, as the higher the points, the better.

We always suggest our clients consider and work hard with the following points criteria for the Skilled Migration visa to get higher points:

  • Community language accreditation by NAATI,
  • Consider taking a course in Australia or in a regional area,
  • Completing a Professional Year, and
  • Taking specialist education qualification.

1. NAATI Community Language Accreditation

As explained above, you can get an additional 5 points if you’re credentialed in a community language. To be credentialed in a community language, you must:

  • Have been accredited at the paraprofessional level or above; or
  • Have been certified at the certified provisional level or above; or
  • Have a community language credential for interpreting or translating by NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters).

Even though you will only get an additional 5 points, it still plays a crucial role in achieving the highest possible points for your Australian PR application.

Learn more about the Credentialed Community Language test by NAATI here.

2. Studying a course in a regional area in Australia

Before considering a study in the Australian regional area, we strongly advise you to have a private consultation session with our Registered Migration Agent. Before taking a course in an Australian regional area, you must consider many aspects, such as your age, current qualifications, work experience, etc.

However, if you have completed a course in an Australian regional area, don’t forget to include them! As explained above, you can claim additional points of 5 if you have at least 1 degree (diploma or trade qualification) from an Australian educational institution that meets the Australian study requirement. You must obtain it while living and studying in an eligible area of regional Australia.

However, please note that you cannot claim the additional point if your study was done in a distance education system.

3. Australian Educational Qualification

Like the above, consider having a consultation session with our Registered Migration Agent before deciding to take a course in Australia.

The decision is crucial as it will give you additional points of 5 if you have at least 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution. Your degree must meet the Australian study requirement.

4. Completing a professional year course

If you have completed a professional year course, you can claim additional points of 5. To be eligible for the award of these points, your Professional Year must have been in Accounting, ICT/Computing or Engineering, and:

  • In your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation;
  • Completed over a period of at least 12 months;
  • Completed in Australia in the four years before you are invited to apply for a visa;
  • Provided by one of these organisations:
    • The Australian Computer Society;
    • CPA Australia;
    • Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand;
    • The Institute of Public Accountants (formerly the National Institute of Accountants);
    • Engineers Australia.

5. Specialist Education Qualification

You can get 10 additional points if you have a postgraduate degree (Master’s or Doctoral) in research. Your degree must be awarded by an Australian institution after at least two academic years of study in:

  • Natural and Physical Science; or
  • Information Technology, or
  • Engineering; or
  • Mathematics; or
  • Specified Information and Communication Technology.

You can check your eligibility for Specialist Education Qualification in CRICOS.

Suppose you need more skilled migration points and need help to obtain the extra skilled points you need. In that case, our Registered Migration Agent may develop a foolproof plan to get the points you need by walking you through exactly where you can make up the points you need.

Minimum Points for Skilled Visa

Frequently Asked Questions About Point Systems for Australian Skilled Migration Program

1. How do I calculate my points for the Australian Skilled Migration program?

You must add each point that suits your circumstances. For example, you’re 28 years old now, meaning your age range is between 25 and 32, so you will get 30 points for your age.

You can also calculate your points with our Online Skilled Points Simulator.

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

To be eligible for Australian PR through the Australian Skilled Migration program, you must have a minimum of 65 points. However, you are strongly advised to reach higher points.

3. What occupations are eligible for 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.

4. Can I get Australian PR without a point test?

Yes, you can. You can get 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 the best Australian PR pathway that suits your situation with us.

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 get in touch with us. Our team members are professional and honest and speak various languages, such as Mandarin/ Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and Thai. Contact us through email at [email protected] or via phone at 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.

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