Tool · Subclasses 189, 190 and 491
Skilled migration points calculator.
Estimate your score under the General Skilled Migration points test. Every value comes from the points table published by the Department of Home Affairs. The pass mark is 65 points; invitations often require more.
This is a guide based on the published points table, not migration advice. Your score is assessed by the Department of Home Affairs at the time of invitation, and each factor carries evidence requirements this calculator cannot check. Confirm your score against the official points table on the Department of Home Affairs website.
How the points test works
The General Skilled Migration points test ranks applicants for three visas: Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491). You submit an expression of interest in SkillSelect, claim points against the factors below, and the Department of Home Affairs invites the highest-ranked candidates in periodic invitation rounds.
You need at least 65 points to submit an expression of interest. The pass mark is a floor, not a target — recent rounds have invited at scores well above it, and cut-offs vary by occupation and visa subclass. Points are set by Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994 and assessed at the time of invitation.
The points table
Age
Measured at the time of invitation. You must be under 45 to be invited.
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| At least 18 but under 25 | 25 |
| At least 25 but under 33 | 30 |
| At least 33 but under 40 | 25 |
| At least 40 but under 45 | 15 |
| 45 or over (not eligible to be invited) | 0 |
English language
Competent English is required to apply and scores no points. Higher scores need an approved test — such as IELTS, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT — taken in the 3 years before invitation.
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Competent English (e.g. IELTS 6 in each component) | 0 |
| Proficient English (e.g. IELTS 7 in each component) | 10 |
| Superior English (e.g. IELTS 8 in each component) | 20 |
Skilled employment
Employment counts when it was in your nominated occupation, or a closely related occupation, for at least 20 hours a week in the 10 years before invitation. Overseas and Australian employment points are added together and capped at 20 points.
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Outside Australia — less than 3 years | 0 |
| Outside Australia — at least 3 but less than 5 years | 5 |
| Outside Australia — at least 5 but less than 8 years | 10 |
| Outside Australia — at least 8 years | 15 |
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| In Australia — less than 1 year | 0 |
| In Australia — at least 1 but less than 3 years | 5 |
| In Australia — at least 3 but less than 5 years | 10 |
| In Australia — at least 5 but less than 8 years | 15 |
| In Australia — at least 8 years | 20 |
Educational qualifications
Only your highest qualification counts, and it must be from an Australian institution or of a recognised standard.
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate from an Australian institution, or of a recognised standard | 20 |
| Bachelor degree (or higher) from an Australian institution, or of a recognised standard | 15 |
| Diploma or trade qualification completed in Australia | 10 |
| Award or qualification recognised by your skills assessing authority | 10 |
| None of these | 0 |
Other qualifications
Each of these is awarded independently, on top of your other points.
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Australian study requirement — at least one degree, diploma or trade qualification from at least 2 academic years of study in Australia | 5 |
| Specialist education qualification — a masters by research or doctorate from an Australian institution in a STEM or specified ICT field | 10 |
| Study in regional Australia — met the Australian study requirement while living and studying in a designated regional area (excludes distance education) | 5 |
| Professional Year in Australia — a Professional Year program in accounting, ICT or engineering completed in the 4 years before invitation | 5 |
| Credentialled community language — NAATI accreditation or certification at the required level (e.g. Certified Provisional Interpreter) | 5 |
Partner skills
One partner item applies. A skilled partner must be included in your application, be under 45, hold a suitable skills assessment for an occupation on the same skilled occupation list, and have competent English.
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| I am single, or my partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident | 10 |
| My partner is under 45, has competent English, and has a suitable skills assessment for an occupation on the same skilled occupation list | 10 |
| My partner has competent English (but not a skills assessment) | 5 |
| None of these | 0 |
Nomination and sponsorship
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (subclass 189) — no nomination | 0 |
| Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) — state or territory nomination | 5 |
| Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) — state or territory nomination, or eligible family sponsorship | 15 |
Source: Department of Home Affairs points table (Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 6D). Retrieved 19 July 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for the skilled migration points test?
The pass mark is 65 points for the Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491) visas. Reaching 65 points makes you eligible to submit an expression of interest — it does not guarantee an invitation. Invitation rounds regularly select at higher scores.
When is my score assessed?
Points are assessed at the time you are invited to apply, based on the claims in your expression of interest in SkillSelect. If your circumstances change — for example, your age bracket changes — your score changes with them.
How many points do I get for state nomination?
State or territory nomination for the subclass 190 visa adds 5 points. Nomination by a state or territory, or sponsorship by an eligible family member, for the subclass 491 visa adds 15 points.
Do I get partner points if I am single?
Yes. Applicants who are single, or whose partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, receive 10 points — the same as applicants with a skilled partner.
Is there a cap on skilled employment points?
Yes. Points for overseas and Australian skilled employment are added together and capped at 20 points in total.
Is this calculator official?
No. It is a guide based on the points table published by the Department of Home Affairs and Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994. It is not migration advice. Confirm your score with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.