If you want permanent residency through Australia’s skilled migration program, you will hear one number again and again: 65. That is the minimum score on the Australian PR points test, and it decides whether you can even be invited to apply for a Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) or Skilled Work Regional (491) visa.
The good news is that the points test is not a mystery. Home Affairs publishes the full points table, and once you understand each category you can work out your own score in about ten minutes. This guide walks you through every category, shows three worked examples, and explains the most common ways people add extra points.
The founder of Life in Australia Hub has lived in Australia since March 2013, and this is one of the questions newcomers ask most often. All figures below were checked against the official Department of Home Affairs points tables in October 2026.
Quick Summary
| Item | Key fact |
|---|---|
| Minimum score | 65 points for 189, 190 and 491 visas |
| Age limit | Under 45 when you are invited |
| Highest age points | 30 points (age 25 to 32) |
| English points | Competent 0, Proficient 10, Superior 20 |
| Employment cap | 20 points maximum (overseas + Australian combined) |
| Single applicant points | 10 points |
| State nomination (190) | 5 points |
| Regional nomination or family sponsorship (491) | 15 points |
| Where you claim points | Expression of interest (EOI) in SkillSelect |
💡 Want a quick answer? Try our free Skilled Visa Points Calculator for the 189, 190 and 491 visas, then read on to understand each category.
What Is the Australian PR Points Test?
The points test is a scoring system Home Affairs uses for points-tested skilled visas. You add up points for things like your age, English level, work experience and qualifications. If your total is 65 or more, you can be invited to apply. If it is below 65, you will not be invited.
The points test applies to these visas:
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) – permanent, no sponsor needed.
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) – permanent, nominated by a state or territory government.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – a 5-year regional visa that can lead to permanent residency after 3 years.
The points test is only one requirement. You also need an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, a suitable skills assessment, at least competent English, and you must meet health and character rules. For a bigger picture of these visas, see our guide to Australian PR pathways.
Why 65 is often not enough
65 is the minimum to submit an expression of interest and be considered. It is not a guarantee. Invitations are issued in rounds through SkillSelect, and people with higher scores are ranked ahead of people with lower scores in the same occupation. Home Affairs also says your invitation will state the score you must prove, and this can be higher than 65 depending on what you claimed. In practice, many popular occupations need a score well above the minimum, so it pays to look for every extra point you can honestly claim.
How Points Are Calculated: Category by Category
Here is the full points table, explained in plain English. Points are generally assessed at the time you are invited to apply, so a birthday or a new test result can change your score.
1. Age
| Age when invited | Points |
|---|---|
| 18 to 24 | 25 |
| 25 to 32 | 30 |
| 33 to 39 | 25 |
| 40 to 44 | 15 |
You must be under 45 when you are invited. If you turn 45 after you submit your EOI but before you receive an invitation, you will not be invited. If you are close to an age cut-off (for example turning 33 or 40), it is worth planning your English test and skills assessment early.
2. English language skills
You need at least competent English for these visas, but competent English gives you zero points. Higher levels add a lot:
| English level | Points | IELTS (each of 4 parts) | PTE Academic (each part, tests from 7 Aug 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competent | 0 | 6 | Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54 |
| Proficient | 10 | 7 | Listening 58, Reading 59, Writing 69, Speaking 76 |
| Superior | 20 | 8 | Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85, Speaking 88 |
The English tests and scores changed on 7 August 2025. PTE Academic has the same name as the older test, but the scores are different, so do not rely on old score charts. IELTS scores stayed at 6, 7 and 8 in each component. Other accepted tests include TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, OET, CELPIP General, Michigan English Test and LanguageCert Academic, each with its own minimums. Test results are usually valid for 3 years.
Moving from competent to proficient English is often the single fastest way to add 10 points.
3. Skilled employment experience
You can claim points for work in your nominated occupation (or a closely related one) during the 10 years before your invitation. “Employed” means paid work of at least 20 hours a week.
| Overseas employment (outside Australia) | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| 3 to less than 5 years | 5 |
| 5 to less than 8 years | 10 |
| At least 8 years | 15 |
| Australian employment (in Australia) | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 0 |
| 1 to less than 3 years | 5 |
| 3 to less than 5 years | 10 |
| 5 to less than 8 years | 15 |
| At least 8 years | 20 |
Two important rules:
- There is a cap of 20 points for overseas and Australian employment combined. Even if your total adds up to more, you only get 20.
- For Australian work, you must have held a substantive visa (or a Bridging A or B visa) and followed its conditions.
Your skills assessing authority may decide that some of your early work does not count as “skilled”. Always use the date your assessing body accepts, not the date you started working.
4. Educational qualifications
| Highest qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate (PhD) from an Australian institution, or a recognised overseas doctorate | 20 |
| Bachelor degree or higher (Australian or recognised overseas) | 15 |
| Diploma or trade qualification from an Australian institution | 10 |
| Qualification or award recognised by your assessing authority for your occupation | 10 |
You only get points for your highest qualification. A master’s degree by coursework counts in the bachelor-or-higher band (15 points). For a doctorate, it must be a real doctoral degree such as a PhD; titles like “Doctor” for GPs, dentists or vets do not count for 20 points.
If your overseas degree was not assessed by your skills assessing authority, Home Affairs suggests contacting VETASSESS for advice on how it compares to an Australian qualification.
5. Extra points you might be able to claim
| Extra item | Points |
|---|---|
| Specialist education (Australian master’s by research or doctorate in a STEM or ICT field, at least 2 academic years) | 10 |
| Australian study requirement | 5 |
| Professional Year in Australia (Accounting, ICT/Computing or Engineering) | 5 |
| Credentialled community language (NAATI) | 5 |
| Study in regional Australia | 5 |
Australian study requirement: you need at least one degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian institution that meets this requirement. In general, this means at least two academic years of study in Australia in a CRICOS-registered course taught in English.
Professional Year: a structured 12-month program in Accounting, ICT/Computing or Engineering, in your nominated or a closely related occupation, provided by an approved body such as the Australian Computer Society, CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ, the Institute of Public Accountants or Engineers Australia. It must be completed in Australia within the 4 years before your invitation.
Credentialled community language: you can earn 5 points with a NAATI credential in a community language (for example Korean, Japanese, Mandarin or Cantonese) at the required level.
Regional study: your Australian qualification must meet the Australian study requirement and you must have lived and studied at a campus in a designated regional area. Distance education does not count.
6. Partner skills
| Your situation | Points |
|---|---|
| Single, or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident | 10 |
| Partner is applying with you, is under 45, has competent English, has a suitable skills assessment and an occupation on the same list | 10 |
| Partner is applying with you and has competent English (no skills assessment) | 5 |
| Partner is applying with you but does not meet the above | 0 |
The partner’s skills assessment cannot be one done for a subclass 485 visa. If your relationship status changes during processing, you may lose points for this item, so update your EOI if your situation changes.
7. Nomination or sponsorship
| Visa | Points |
|---|---|
| Subclass 189 | No nomination points |
| Subclass 190 (state or territory nomination) | 5 |
| Subclass 491 (state or territory nomination, or eligible family sponsorship) | 15 |
This is why the same person can have three different scores. For example, a 70-point applicant for 189 has 75 points for 190 and 85 points for 491. Each state and territory has its own nomination rules and occupation lists, so check their websites as well.
Worked Examples: Calculate Your Score
These examples are made up to show how the maths works. Use them as a template for your own score.
Example 1: Overseas engineer, age 28
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 28 | 30 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Recognised overseas bachelor degree | 15 |
| 4 years of overseas skilled work | 5 |
| Single | 10 |
| Total for 189 | 70 |
With state nomination this becomes 75 for a 190 visa, or 85 with regional nomination for a 491.
Example 2: Former international student, age 26
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 26 | 30 |
| Competent English | 0 |
| Australian master’s degree (coursework) | 15 |
| Australian study requirement | 5 |
| 1 year of Australian skilled work | 5 |
| Single | 10 |
| Total for 189 | 65 |
This person just reaches the minimum. They could add 10 points by improving to proficient English, 5 points with a Professional Year (if in accounting, ICT or engineering), and 5 points with a NAATI community language credential. That could move them from 65 to 85. If you are studying now, our Student Visa 500 guide and 485 visa guide explain the steps before PR.
Example 3: Couple applying together, main applicant age 36
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 36 | 25 |
| Superior English | 20 |
| Recognised overseas bachelor degree | 15 |
| 6 years of overseas skilled work | 10 |
| Partner has competent English only | 5 |
| Total for 189 | 75 |
If the partner also got a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the same list, the partner points would rise from 5 to 10, giving 80.
How to Increase Your PR Points
If your score is low, these are the most common legal ways to raise it:
- Retake your English test. Going from competent to proficient adds 10 points, and from proficient to superior adds another 10.
- Keep working in your occupation. Crossing a threshold (for example 3 years overseas, or 1, 3 or 5 years in Australia) adds points, up to the 20-point cap.
- Get a NAATI community language credential. If you speak another language well, this is 5 points.
- Complete a Professional Year if you work in accounting, ICT or engineering.
- Look at state nomination (190) or regional options (491). These add 5 or 15 points and some states have different occupation lists.
- Check your partner’s points. A partner with competent English adds 5 points; with a skills assessment as well, 10.
- Update your EOI quickly. SkillSelect recalculates your score when you update your details, so add new test results or experience as soon as you have them.
Never claim points you cannot prove. When you are invited, you must provide evidence for every claim, and false or misleading information can lead to refusal and other serious consequences.
The Process After You Know Your Score
- Check your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Get a positive skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation.
- Take an approved English test.
- Use the official Home Affairs points calculator to confirm your score.
- Submit an expression of interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. There is no fee for an EOI.
- If you want a 190 or 491, apply for nomination with a state or territory (rules vary).
- If invited, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application with evidence.
The 189 visa costs from AUD 6,135 for the main applicant, and the 190 and 491 cost from AUD 6,140 (October 2026). Fees change, so always check the official visa page before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 65 points enough for Australian PR?
65 is the minimum to be invited, but it does not guarantee an invitation. Invitations depend on your occupation and how many people with higher scores are waiting. Many applicants aim for a higher score to improve their chances.
Do I get points for a master’s degree?
A coursework master’s degree gives 15 points, the same as a bachelor degree, because only your highest qualification band counts. An Australian master’s by research or doctorate in an eligible STEM or ICT field can add an extra 10 points for specialist education.
Can I lose points while waiting for an invitation?
Yes. Points are generally assessed when you are invited. If you move into a lower age band, your English test expires, or your skills assessment expires before an invitation, your score may drop. Keep your EOI up to date.
How many points does state nomination give?
A 190 nomination adds 5 points. A 491 nomination by a state or territory, or sponsorship by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area, adds 15 points.
Does work during my student visa count for points?
Only if it was skilled work in your nominated occupation (or a closely related one), for at least 20 hours a week, accepted by your assessing authority, and done while you followed your visa conditions. Casual work outside your occupation does not count.
Where can I calculate my points officially?
Home Affairs has a free points calculator on its website, and you can also use our Skilled Visa Points Calculator for a quick estimate. SkillSelect also shows an indicative score when you submit your EOI.
Final Thoughts
The Australian PR points test rewards youth, strong English, skilled experience and Australian study. Start by working out your honest score using the tables above, then look at the easiest gaps to close. For most people, a better English result is the quickest win, followed by more work experience and state nomination.
Visa rules can change at short notice, so always confirm the latest points table and visa requirements on the Home Affairs website, and consider speaking to a registered migration agent if your situation is complicated.
Related Guides
- Australian PR Pathways: 189, 190 and 491 Visas Explained
- Temporary Graduate Visa (485) Australia: 2026 Guide
- Skills in Demand Visa (482) Australia: 2026 Guide
- Student Visa Australia (Subclass 500) 2026 Guide
- Australian Citizenship Test: How to Pass (2026 Guide)
