Lift Your English Level
Moving from Competent to Proficient adds 10 points; Superior adds 20. A re-sit is often the fastest, highest-return single improvement you can make.
Skilled Migration Points Calculator
Work out your Australian skilled migration points for the subclass 189, 190 and 491 visas. Choose the option that fits you and your three visa scores update instantly, with the combined employment cap applied for you.
Estimate Your Points Score
Select the option that matches your profile in each category. Your three visa scores update instantly as you choose.
Enter your details
1
Core factors
Your age is assessed on the date you are invited to apply, not the date you lodge.
Competent English (about IELTS 6 in each band) is the minimum and earns 0 points. You only score extra points for Proficient or Superior English.
This must be a recognised Australian qualification, or an overseas one assessed as equivalent by your assessing authority.
2
Skilled employment
Skilled work in Australia in your nominated ANZSCO occupation, counted after a positive skills assessment.
Skilled work outside Australia in your nominated occupation, backed by employment reference letters.
Australian and overseas employment points are added together and capped at 20. This calculator applies that cap for you.
3
Partner & Credentials
Partner Relationship Status & Skills
Claims for partner must match assessment criteria.
Your partner must be included in the same visa application before you can claim skill-based partner points.
Additional Eligible Criteria
Tick every credential you can document. Each adds points on top of your base score.
Your estimated score
189
65
Independent
190
70
+5 state
491
80
+15 regional
Subclass 189 vs 65-point minimum
100%
Meets minimum threshold
Your base score meets the 65-point minimum. An actual invitation depends on occupation demand and SkillSelect round cut-offs.
Score breakdown
Verified January 2026 · Verify at Home Affairs
Planning estimate only. This is not migration advice. This calculator uses points values current as of January 2026. Points rules, occupation lists and invitation cut-offs change over time, so always confirm your score with the official Department of Home Affairs calculator before you lodge an Expression of Interest. This tool does not cover individual state nomination occupation lists, which can differ from the national skilled occupation list.
How to Improve Your Points Score
Focus on the categories you can still influence. Even 5 to 10 extra points can lift your SkillSelect ranking and shorten your wait for an invitation.
Consider 190 or 491
State nomination (190) adds 5 points and regional nomination or eligible family sponsorship (491) adds 15. Review each state's current occupation lists.
Review Partner Points
If your partner gains a skills assessment with competent English, that is 10 points. Single applicants automatically receive 10 points in this category.
Complete Your Skills Assessment
A positive CDR or ACS RPL result is needed before you can claim occupation and employment points. Start early, as an assessment usually takes 6 to 12 weeks.
Count Australian Study
Two or more academic years at a CRICOS-registered institution can add 5 points, with a further 5 for designated regional study.
Claim Only What You Can Prove
Never overclaim. Every point in your EOI must be backed by documented evidence. Incorrect claims can lead to refusal and serious migration consequences.
Full Points Test Reference
Points values verified January 2026. Always confirm at the Department of Home Affairs before lodging your Expression of Interest.
Core & Employment Factors
| Category | Factor | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 25 to 32 years | 30 |
| Age | 18 to 24 or 33 to 39 years | 25 |
| Age | 40 to 44 years | 15 |
| English | Superior (IELTS 8 / PTE 79 each) | 20 |
| English | Proficient (IELTS 7 / PTE 65 each) | 10 |
| Education | Doctorate (PhD) | 20 |
| Education | Bachelor or Master's degree | 15 |
| Education | Diploma or trade qualification | 10 |
| Australian employment | 8 or more years | 20 |
| Australian employment | 5 to under 8 years | 15 |
| Australian employment | 3 to under 5 years | 10 |
| Australian employment | 1 to under 3 years | 5 |
| Overseas employment | 8 or more years | 15 |
| Overseas employment | 5 to under 8 years | 10 |
| Overseas employment | 3 to under 5 years | 5 |
Employment cap: combined Australian + overseas skilled employment points are capped at 20. This calculator applies the cap automatically.
Nomination & Bonus Factors
| Category | Factor | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Nomination | Subclass 190 state or territory nomination | 5 |
| Nomination | Subclass 491 regional or family sponsorship | 15 |
| Partner | Skills assessment and competent English | 10 |
| Partner | Single, or Australian citizen or PR partner | 10 |
| Partner | Competent English only | 5 |
| Specialist education | STEM Master's by research or PhD | 10 |
| Bonus | Australian study requirement met | 5 |
| Bonus | Regional study in Australia | 5 |
| Bonus | Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
| Bonus | Credentialed community language (NAATI) | 5 |
Need More Points or a Skills Assessment First?
Most engineers and ICT professionals must pass a CDR or ACS RPL assessment before claiming occupation and employment points. Get expert help to plan the fastest route to your target score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about the Australian skilled migration points test, the employment cap, nomination, and partner points.
The minimum for points-tested skilled visas is 65 points. This is only the minimum needed to lodge an Expression of Interest, and it does not guarantee an invitation. SkillSelect invitations depend on your score ranking within your occupation, the visa subclass, and the latest invitation round cut-offs. Many in-demand occupations now need 80 to 95 or more points to receive an invitation.
The Department of Home Affairs combines Australian skilled employment and overseas skilled employment into one category with a combined maximum of 20 points. For example, 15 points for Australian employment plus 15 points for overseas employment award only 20 combined points, not 30. This calculator applies the cap automatically and shows a warning when it takes effect.
No. To claim skilled employment points your work must be in your nominated ANZSCO occupation and assessed as skilled by the relevant authority, for example Engineers Australia for engineers or ACS for ICT professionals. Work completed before you reached the required skill level is generally not counted, so a positive CDR or ACS RPL assessment usually comes first.
Subclass 189 is the points-tested independent visa with no nomination required. Subclass 190 requires state or territory nomination and adds 5 points. Subclass 491 is a regional provisional visa that requires state nomination or eligible family sponsorship and adds 15 points. The 491 leads to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa after meeting regional work and income requirements.
You can claim 10 points if your partner has a suitable skills assessment and at least competent English, or 5 points if your partner has competent English only. Single applicants, and applicants whose partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, also receive 10 points. Your partner must be included in the same visa application to claim skill-based partner points.
No. This is a free planning tool that uses the points values current as of January 2026. Always verify your final score with the official Department of Home Affairs points calculator before lodging an Expression of Interest, and consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for complex situations involving partner skills, multiple occupations, or unusual work history.
