Australian Skilled Migration Points Calculator
Estimate your eligibility score for Subclass 189, 190 & 491 visas. A minimum of 65 points is required to submit an Expression of Interest.
- NAATI accreditation at paraprofessional level or above
- NAATI certification at certified provisional level or above
- A community language credential recognised under the program
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Complete all sections above to see your full score. A registered migration agent can help you maximise your points and navigate the visa process.
Find a Migration Agent →This calculator provides an indicative estimate only and does not constitute migration advice. Points eligibility criteria may change. Always seek advice from a registered migration agent.
Australian Skilled Migration Points Calculator – Free 2026 Points Test
Wondering whether you qualify for Australian permanent residency? This free calculator gives you an instant estimate of your score under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test — covering Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas. Use your result as a starting point, then connect with a registered migration agent to build your personalised visa strategy.
How the Australian Points Test Works
Australia’s points-based immigration system scores each applicant across a range of factors to determine eligibility for General Skilled Migration visas. The Department of Home Affairs uses this scoring framework to assess who receives an invitation to apply through the SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
Points are awarded for age, English language ability, skilled work experience both inside and outside Australia, educational qualifications, and a range of bonus categories including Australian study, regional area study, a specialist STEM qualification, a Professional Year, community language accreditation, and partner skills.
What Score Do You Need for Australian PR in 2026?
The minimum threshold to submit an EOI is 65 points — but this is the floor, not the target. In practice, invitation cutoffs fluctuate based on available visa places, your nominated occupation, and how many competing candidates are in the SkillSelect pool. For the most in-demand skilled occupations, applicants regularly need 80–95 points or more to receive an invitation to apply.
A score under 65 means you are not yet eligible to lodge an EOI. Scores between 65 and 74 meet the minimum but are only competitive in lower-demand occupations. A score of 75–84 is solid and viable for many occupations, particularly with state nomination. Scores of 85 and above are considered strong and competitive across most occupation categories.
Which Skilled Visa Is Right for You?
The three main General Skilled Migration visa subclasses each suit different applicant profiles. Understanding the differences helps you target the pathway most likely to result in a successful invitation.
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
No sponsorship is required from an employer, state government, or family member. This visa grants permanent residency from day one and allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia. It is the most competitive stream, with invitation cutoffs typically the highest of the three pathways.
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
Requires nomination by a state or territory government. Nomination adds 5 bonus points to your score and opens up a broader range of eligible occupations through the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). It is a strong option for applicants who are competitive but fall just short of the Subclass 189 cutoff.
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
A provisional visa leading to permanent residency, designed for applicants willing to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia. Sponsorship by a state or territory government or an eligible relative adds 15 bonus points to your score, making this pathway accessible at lower base scores than the 189 or 190.
How to Improve Your Skilled Migration Points Score
If your current score falls below 65, or you are looking to push into a more competitive band, there are several proven strategies to increase your total before lodging an EOI.
Boost Your English Score
Moving from Proficient English (IELTS 7 or equivalent) to Superior English (IELTS 8 or equivalent in each band) adds 10 additional points — one of the fastest gains available. Many applicants retake their English test specifically to reach this threshold. Accepted tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, C1 Advanced, CELPIP, LanguageCert, and MET.
Accumulate More Skilled Work Experience
Additional years in your nominated occupation increase your work experience score over time. Australian experience is weighted more heavily than overseas experience, with up to 20 points available for 8 or more years of skilled employment in Australia. Combined overseas and Australian experience is capped at 20 points total.
Complete a Professional Year
An approved Professional Year program in your nominated occupation, completed over a minimum of 12 months within the past 4 years, adds 5 points to your total. Programs are currently available in accounting, engineering, and information technology.
Include Your Partner as a Secondary Applicant
If your partner meets the age, English language, and skills assessment requirements, having them named as a secondary applicant on the same visa subclass can add up to 10 points to your combined score.
Explore State Nomination via Subclass 190 or 491
If your base score is competitive but not yet at the Subclass 189 invitation level, pursuing state or territory nomination can add 5 points (Subclass 190) or 15 points (Subclass 491) to your total — potentially bridging the gap to a successful invitation.
Why Work With a Registered Migration Agent?
An online points calculator provides a useful starting estimate — but it cannot account for the full complexity of your individual circumstances. Australia’s immigration legislation is detailed, frequently updated, and unforgiving of errors. A registered migration agent can verify which points you are genuinely entitled to claim, identify the right skills assessment authority for your occupation, advise on the most viable visa subclass and state nomination strategy, and prepare a complete and accurate EOI to minimise the risk of delays or refusals.
Every agent listed in the Immigration AU directory is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) and holds a Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN). Browse by state, visa specialisation, or language spoken to find the right professional for your migration journey.
Find a Registered Migration Agent in Australia
Browse our national directory of MARA-registered migration agents — including specialists in skilled migration, permanent residency, SkillSelect strategy, Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491 visas — and take the next step toward your Australian future with confidence.