How the Australian skilled migration points test works

The points test decides who gets invited for a skilled visa. You need 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest, but 65 rarely gets an invitation on its own.

What earns points

• Age: most points at 25 to 32 (30 points), dropping to zero at 45.
• English: 0 for Competent, 10 for Proficient (IELTS 7), 20 for Superior (IELTS 8).
• Skilled employment: up to 20 points, counted separately for work in and outside Australia over the last 10 years.
• Qualifications: 10 for a diploma, 15 for a bachelor or masters, 20 for a doctorate.
• Australian study: 5 points for meeting the two-year study requirement.
• Regional study: another 5 points for studying in a designated regional area.
• Professional Year: 5 points for a completed year in accounting, IT, or engineering.
• Community language: 5 points for NAATI credentialing.
• Partner: 10 for a skilled partner, 5 for a partner with Competent English, 10 if you are single.
• Nomination: 5 points for state nomination (190), 15 for regional nomination or family sponsorship (491).

How many you actually need

Trades are often invited near 65 to 70. Engineering has recently needed 80 to 90. Accounting and IT have needed 90 or more for the 189. The 190 and 491 are usually lower because of the nomination bonus and separate state lists.

The levers worth pulling

A higher English score is the fastest single jump for most people (10 or 20 points). A skilled partner assessment adds 10. Regional study plus regional nomination is 20 points combined. More skilled experience helps but accrues slowly, one five-point band every few years.