Australia PR Points Calculator
Calculate your points for Australia's General Skilled Migration program. Enter your age, English ability, work experience, qualifications, and bonus factors to see your total points, eligibility status, and visa options for Subclass 189, 190, and 491. All calculations run in your browser — nothing is sent to any server.
How the Australia PR Points System Works
Australia's General Skilled Migration (GSM) program uses a points-based system to assess applicants for permanent residency. The Department of Home Affairs awards points across several categories including age, English language proficiency, work experience, educational qualifications, and various bonus factors. To be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, you need a minimum of 65 points. However, the actual invitation score for most occupations is significantly higher, often between 80 and 95 points depending on the occupation and invitation round.
The points test applies to three main visa subclasses: Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), which does not require state nomination or sponsorship; Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), which requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government and adds 5 points; and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional), which requires nomination by a state or regional employer and adds 15 points. Each subclass has different residency and work requirements after the visa is granted.
Key Factors That Affect Your Points Score
Age is one of the most significant factors, with applicants aged 25-32 receiving the maximum 30 points. English language ability is equally important — achieving a Superior score (IELTS 8.0 or equivalent across all bands) adds 20 points compared to the baseline Competent level. Work experience points are split between overseas and Australian experience, with Australian work experience carrying more weight per year. A doctorate-level qualification earns the maximum 20 points for education, while additional points are available for Australian study, STEM specialisation, regional study, and NAATI-accredited community language skills.
Partner skills can also contribute to your total. If your partner has a skills assessment in a nominated occupation and competent English, you receive 10 points. If your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or if you are single, you also receive 10 points. Only partners with competent English but no skills assessment receive a reduced 5 points.
Tips to Maximise Your PR Points
If your current score falls below the competitive range, there are several strategies to boost your points. Improving your English test score from Proficient (IELTS 7.0) to Superior (IELTS 8.0) adds 10 extra points and is often the fastest way to increase your total. Gaining Australian work experience is another effective strategy, as even one year of local experience adds 5 points. Consider applying for state nomination under Subclass 190 (5 points) or Subclass 491 (15 points) if you are open to living in specific states or regional areas. Completing a Professional Year program, obtaining NAATI accreditation for community language skills, or pursuing further study in a STEM field at an Australian institution can each add 5-10 points to your total.
Points Score Assessment Guide
- Below 65 points: Not eligible to submit an EOI — improve your score before applying
- 65-70 points: Minimum eligible — expect a very long wait for invitation (12+ months for most occupations)
- 75-80 points: Competitive — reasonable wait time (3-6 months depending on occupation)
- 85-90 points: Strong — faster invitation likely (1-3 months for most occupations)
- 90+ points: Excellent — quick invitation expected in the next round
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum points score for Australia PR?
The minimum points score to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect is 65 points. However, receiving an invitation to apply depends on your occupation and the cut-off score for each invitation round. For most occupations, the actual invitation score is 80-95 points. The higher your points, the faster you are likely to receive an invitation. Points are assessed across age, English ability, work experience, qualifications, and various bonus categories.
What is the difference between Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas?
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) is a permanent visa that does not require state nomination or employer sponsorship — you apply based on your points score alone. Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) is also a permanent visa but requires nomination by an Australian state or territory, which adds 5 points to your total. Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) is a provisional visa that requires state or regional employer nomination and adds 15 points. After holding a 491 visa for 3 years and meeting income requirements, you can apply for permanent residency through Subclass 191.
How often are SkillSelect invitation rounds held?
SkillSelect invitation rounds are typically held monthly by the Department of Home Affairs. The number of invitations issued and the minimum points cut-off vary each round depending on the occupation ceiling and the number of available places in the migration program. You can check the latest invitation round results on the Department of Home Affairs website. After submitting your EOI, it remains valid for 2 years, during which you may receive an invitation if your score meets the cut-off.
Can I claim points for both overseas and Australian work experience?
Yes, you can claim points for both overseas and Australian work experience, provided the experience is in your nominated or closely related occupation. Overseas experience awards up to 15 points for 8+ years, while Australian experience awards up to 20 points for 8+ years. The experience must be skilled-level employment that matches your skills assessment, and it must have been gained within the last 10 years. Part-time work can count if it meets the minimum hours requirement of 20 hours per week.
How do I get points for community language (NAATI)?
You can claim 5 points for community language by holding a credential from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). You need at least a Certified Provisional level or above in a language listed on the NAATI website. This involves passing a NAATI test in translation or interpreting between English and your community language. The credential demonstrates your ability to assist non-English speakers in Australia, which the government values for community integration.
What counts as regional Australia for study and nomination points?
Regional Australia includes all areas outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane for the purposes of migration points. Cities like Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Canberra, Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast are classified as regional. Studying for 2+ academic years at a regional campus earns 5 additional points. Regional state nomination under Subclass 491 adds 15 points. Living and working in regional Australia can significantly boost your points and provides additional pathways to permanent residency.