The points test applies to the subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), 190 (Skilled Nominated) and 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas. You need at least 65 points to be eligible, but competitive scores are much higher.
Age (at time of invitation)
18-24: 25 points. 25-32: 30 points. 33-39: 25 points. 40-44: 15 points. 45 and over: 0 points (not eligible for most points-tested visas).
The sweet spot is 25 to 32. If you are 33 or older, you lose points each year you wait. If you are approaching 45, time is running out.
English language ability
Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band): 0 points. Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each): 10 points. Superior English (IELTS 8.0 each): 20 points.
English is often the biggest lever for increasing your score. Going from 6.0 to 7.0 adds 10 points. From 7.0 to 8.0 adds another 10. PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and Cambridge C1 Advanced are also accepted.
Skilled employment experience
Overseas experience: 3-4 years gives 5 points, 5-7 years gives 10, 8 or more gives 15. Australian experience: 1-2 years gives 5 points, 3-4 gives 10, 5-7 gives 15, 8 or more gives 20. Australian experience is worth more. One year of Australian work in your occupation gets you on the board.
Qualifications
Doctorate: 20 points. Bachelor's degree: 15 points. Trade qualification or diploma: 10 points.
Other factors
Australian study requirement (two academic years): 5 points. Specialist education (STEM master's or doctorate from Australia): 10 points. Accredited community language (NAATI): 5 points. Regional study: 5 points. Partner skills (assessment and competent English): 10 points. Partner with competent English only: 5 points. Single applicant (no partner): 10 points. State nomination (190): 5 points. State/family nomination (491): 15 points.
What score do you actually need?
65 is the minimum. Invitation round cut-offs are typically 80 to 95 depending on the occupation. Some occupations run above 90 consistently. Check the Department's SkillSelect website for recent round results.
Stuck on 65 to 75 points?
You have three options: improve your score (better English is usually the fastest way), pursue a state nomination (190 adds 5 points, 491 adds 15), or consider an employer sponsored pathway that removes the points test entirely. We can assess which path is most realistic for your situation.
How Robbie Toor (MARN 1170356) helps
Robbie can calculate your points, identify where you can gain more, and advise on whether a points-tested visa is realistic or whether an alternative pathway might be faster. Contact us for a free assessment.