Australia’s skilled visas (subclasses 189, 190 and 491) use a points test with a pass mark of 65. Answer the questions below to add up your points from age, English, work experience, qualifications and the extras, with state nomination included for 190 and 491.
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The points table at a glance
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 18–24 / 25–32 / 33–39 / 40–44 | 25 / 30 / 25 / 15 |
| English: competent / proficient / superior | 0 / 10 / 20 |
| Skilled work outside Australia: 3, 5 or 8+ years | 5 / 10 / 15 |
| Skilled work in Australia: 1, 3, 5 or 8+ years | 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 |
| Doctorate / bachelor’s / diploma or trade | 20 / 15 / 10 |
| Australian research master’s or PhD in STEM or ICT | 10 |
| Australian study, regional study, Professional Year, community language | 5 each |
| Single or partner is citizen/PR, or skilled partner | 10 |
| Partner with competent English | 5 |
| State nomination (190) / regional nomination or sponsorship (491) | 5 / 15 |
Work experience points are capped at 20 in total, however much you have inside and outside Australia. Only work in your nominated occupation (or a closely related one) in the 10 years before invitation counts, and it must be at least 20 hours a week.
Worked examples
These profiles are made up to show how the points add up.
1. A 30-year-old engineer applying from overseas
Bachelor’s degree (15), proficient English (10), 4 years’ experience abroad (5), age 30 (30) and single (10) gives 70. That passes 65, but popular occupations often need more to be invited. Moving to superior English would add 10 more, taking the profile to 80.
2. A former international student in Australia
Age 27 (30), an Australian master’s by coursework (15), the Australian study requirement (5), a Professional Year in ICT (5), proficient English (10), 1 year of Australian work (5) and single (10) gives 80 for a 189. With a 491 regional nomination it would be 95.
3. Turning 33 costs 5 points
Age points fall from 30 to 25 on your 33rd birthday, and to 15 at 40. Points are counted when you’re invited, not when you submit your expression of interest, so a profile close to a birthday can lose points while waiting.
How to raise your points
- Improve your English score. It’s the biggest jump most people can control: 10 points for proficient and 20 for superior.
- Wait for your next work milestone. Reaching 5 years overseas or 3 years in Australia moves you up a band.
- Ask your partner to get a skills assessment. A skilled partner under 45 gets you 10 points instead of 0 or 5.
- Consider state or regional nomination. It adds 5 (190) or 15 (491) points and opens state-specific occupation lists.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for Australian skilled visas?
65 points for subclasses 189, 190 and 491. Many occupations need higher scores to receive an invitation, depending on demand in each round.
How many points do I get for age?
25 for ages 18–24, 30 for 25–32, 25 for 33–39 and 15 for 40–44. You must be under 45 when invited.
Is there a cap on work experience points?
Yes. Points for overseas and Australian skilled employment together can’t exceed 20.
How many points does state nomination give?
5 points for a Skilled Nominated (190) visa and 15 points for a Skilled Work Regional (491) visa, which can also be sponsored by an eligible relative in a designated regional area.
Is this migration advice?
No. It applies the published points table to your answers. Every claim needs evidence, and a registered migration agent can advise on your own case.
Sources
- Department of Home Affairs: Points table for subclass 189
- Department of Home Affairs: Points calculator
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