The Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491) visas use a points test. The pass mark is 65, but invitations are often issued to people with higher scores.
Age
- 18 to 24: 25 points
- 25 to 32: 30 points
- 33 to 39: 25 points
- 40 to 44: 15 points
English
Competent English earns no points but is the minimum. Proficient English earns 10 points and Superior English earns 20.
Skilled employment
You can claim points for skilled work in the last 10 years, both outside Australia (up to 15 points) and in Australia (up to 20 points). Employment points are capped at 20 in total, and only work of at least 20 hours a week in your nominated or a closely related occupation counts.
Qualifications and other points
- Doctorate: 20 points. Bachelor degree or higher: 15 points. Australian diploma, trade qualification or recognised award: 10 points.
- Specialist education (Masters by research or Doctorate in a STEM or ICT field in Australia): 10 points
- Australian study requirement: 5 points. Study in regional Australia: 5 points.
- Professional Year: 5 points. Credentialled community language: 5 points.
- Partner skills: 10 points (or 5 if your partner has Competent English only), or 10 points if you are single or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Nomination points
State or territory nomination adds 5 points for the 190. Nomination, or sponsorship by an eligible relative, adds 15 points for the 491.
A review of the points test began in 2024. At the time of writing, the points table on the Home Affairs website had not changed. Try our points calculators for an estimate.
This article is general information, current at September 2026. It isn’t legal or migration advice. Check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with a registered migration agent before you act.
