What is the minimum points score to apply for a Subclass 189 visa?

The minimum points score to apply for a Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa is 65 points. However, because the visa is invitation-based, most successful applicants score considerably higher — typically 85-100+ points depending on the occupation and invitation round.

How are Australian skilled migration points calculated?

Points are awarded across multiple factors: age (25-32 years earns maximum 30 points), English proficiency (up to 20 points for superior English), overseas and Australian work experience (up to 20 points each), qualifications (up to 20 points for a PhD), partner skills (10 points), and regional study or professional year (additional 5 points).

What is the difference between Subclass 189, 190, and 491?

Subclass 189 is points-tested and requires no sponsor — the most flexible option. Subclass 190 is state/territory nominated and gives 5 extra points but requires living in the nominating state. Subclass 491 is a temporary visa for regional areas, eventually leading to permanent residency via Subclass 191 after 3 years.

Australian Skilled Migration Points Calculator

Step 1 — Age

How old are you?

Age is one of the largest single point factors. Points are awarded based on your age at time of invitation.

18 – 24

+25 pts

25 – 32

Peak earning bracket — maximum age points

+30 pts

33 – 39

+25 pts

40 – 44

+15 pts

45 or older

Note: must be under 45 at time of invitation for 189/190

+0 pts

Step 2 — English Language

What is your English proficiency level?

Based on IELTS Academic, or equivalent (PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, Cambridge C1/C2). Must be Competent (minimum) to be eligible.

Superior English

IELTS 8.0+ each band · PTE 79+ · TOEFL 104+

+20 pts

Proficient English

IELTS 7.0+ each band · PTE 65+ · TOEFL 94+

+10 pts

Competent English

IELTS 6.0+ each band · PTE 50+ · TOEFL 60+ · Minimum required

+0 pts

Below Competent / Not yet tested

Must achieve Competent before applying

+0 pts

Step 3 — Education

What is your highest education level?

The qualification must be relevant to or assessed for your nominated occupation by the relevant assessing authority.

Doctorate (PhD)

From an Australian institution or assessed as equivalent

+20 pts

Master's Degree

+15 pts

Bachelor's Degree

+15 pts

Diploma / Advanced Diploma

AQF equivalent diploma level

+10 pts

Trade Qualification

TRA-assessed trade certificate

+10 pts

No formal qualification

+0 pts

Step 4 — Overseas Work Experience

Years of overseas skilled employment in your nominated occupation?

Employment outside Australia, in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation, within the last 10 years.

8 years or more

+15 pts

5 to less than 8 years

+10 pts

3 to less than 5 years

+5 pts

Less than 3 years / None

+0 pts

Step 5 — Australian Work Experience

Years of skilled employment in Australia in your nominated occupation?

Includes work on any visa type (student, temporary, working holiday etc.). Must be in nominated occupation or closely related field, within the last 10 years.

8 years or more

+20 pts

5 to less than 8 years

+15 pts

3 to less than 5 years

+10 pts

1 to less than 3 years

+5 pts

Less than 1 year / None

+0 pts

Step 6 — Additional Qualifications

Do any of these apply to you?

Select all that apply. These bonuses are cumulative.

Australian Study Requirement

Completed at least 1 year of full-time study in Australia (bachelor degree or higher, or AQF diploma)

+5 pts

Specialist Education

Completed a STEM Master's by research or PhD from an Australian institution

+10 pts

Professional Year in Australia

Completed a structured Professional Year program (accounting, engineering, or IT)

+5 pts

NAATI Credentialled Community Language

Accredited as an NAATI translator or interpreter in a recognised community language

+5 pts

None of the above

+0 pts

Step 7 — Partner / Spouse

What is your partner situation?

Partner skills points are awarded based on whether your partner (spouse or de facto) is applying with you and their qualifications.

No partner / Single

+10 pts

Partner is an Australian citizen / PR / NZ citizen

+10 pts

Partner has a skills assessment + Competent English

Partner is also a points-tested applicant with a positive skills assessment

+10 pts

Partner has Competent English only (no skills assessment)

+5 pts

Partner does not meet English or skills requirements

+0 pts

Step 8 — Visa Pathway

Are you seeking or eligible for state/territory nomination or regional sponsorship?

Nomination and regional sponsorship add bonus points but typically require meeting occupation demand criteria set by each state/territory.

Subclass 491 — Regional nomination or family sponsorship

Requires living/working in regional Australia for 3 years before PR pathway (subclass 191)

+15 pts

Subclass 190 — State/territory nominated

Permanent residence immediately; state nomination obligations for 2 years

+5 pts

Subclass 189 — Independent (no nomination)

Fully flexible, no state obligations. Requires highest points in SkillSelect

+0 pts

Not sure yet — show all options

+0 pts

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Total Points Score

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🔒Top 3 ways to boost your score before your next EOI

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Minimum Required
65 pts
To submit an EOI in SkillSelect

Typical 189 Cutoff

85–95 pts^¹

Varies by occupation and round

Typical 190 Cutoff

75–85 pts^¹

State-nominated (+ 5 bonus pts)

Typical 491 Cutoff

65–75 pts^¹

Regional sponsored (+ 15 bonus pts)

¹ Typical ranges based on Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect invitation data, rounds observed 2024–2026. Cutoffs vary by occupation and change each round. View SkillSelect data ↗

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