The Floor Is Only the Start
Sixty five points lets you lodge an Expression of Interest. It does not promise an invitation, so aim higher wherever you can.
Skilled Migration Points Calculator
Work out your Australian skilled migration points for the subclass 189, 190 and 491 visas. Pick the option that fits you in each category and your three visa scores update instantly, with the combined employment cap applied for you.
100% private, nothing leaves your browser
Instant, live score updates
Free, no sign up needed
Estimate Your Points Score
Choose the option that matches your profile in each category. Your subclass 189, 190 and 491 scores update the moment you make a change.
Enter your details
1
Core factors
Your age is assessed on the date you are invited to apply, not the date you lodge.
Competent English (about IELTS 6 in each band) is the minimum and earns 0 points. You only score extra for Proficient or Superior English.
This must be a recognised Australian qualification, or an overseas one assessed as equivalent by your assessing authority.
2
Skilled employment
Skilled work in Australia in your nominated ANZSCO occupation, counted after a positive skills assessment.
Skilled work outside Australia in your nominated occupation, backed by employment reference letters.
Australian and overseas employment points are added together and capped at 20. This calculator applies that cap for you.
3
Partner & Credentials
Partner Relationship Status & Skills
Claims for a partner must match the assessment criteria.
Your partner must be included in the same visa application before you can claim skill based partner points.
Additional Eligible Criteria
Tick every credential you can document. Each one adds points on top of your base score.
Your estimated score
189
65
Independent
190
70
+5 state
491
80
+15 regional
Subclass 189 vs 65 point minimum
100%
Meets minimum threshold
Your base score meets the 65 point minimum. An actual invitation depends on occupation demand and SkillSelect round results.
Score breakdown
Follows the Home Affairs points test · Verify at Home Affairs
This calculator is a planning aid, not migration advice. Every score comes from the options you choose. Point rules, occupation lists and invitation results change over time, so always confirm your figure with the official Department of Home Affairs calculator before you lodge an Expression of Interest.
How the Points Calculator Works
The tool walks through each part of the official points test in order, adds your factors together, and applies the combined employment cap so the number you see reflects the real rules.
-
01
Set Your Core Factors
Choose your age band, English level and highest qualification. These three factors form the base of every visa score.
-
02
Add Skilled Employment
Enter your Australian and overseas work in your nominated occupation. The shared cap of 20 points is applied for you automatically.
-
03
Claim Partner and Bonus Points
Add partner status, Australian study, regional study, a Professional Year, STEM research or a NAATI credential where they apply to you.
-
04
Read Your Three Visa Scores
Subclass 189, 190 and 491 update live. The best fit is highlighted, with a full breakdown of where every point comes from.
-
05
Plan Your Next Move
See how far you sit above or below the 65 point floor, then focus on the factors that can lift you into a competitive range.
Short of a Competitive Score? Here Is Where to Look
Moving from Competent to Proficient adds 10 points, and Superior adds 20. For many applicants a stronger English result is the fastest single gain, so a well prepared resit often pays off.
Subclass 190 nomination adds 5 points and subclass 491 adds 15. Each state runs its own occupation list and criteria, so check where your ANZSCO code is currently in demand.
If your partner gains a skills assessment with competent English, that is 10 points. Single applicants, and those with an Australian citizen or permanent resident partner, also receive 10 points.
A positive CDR or ACS RPL result is needed before you can claim occupation and employment points. Start early, since an assessment usually takes several weeks to complete.
Two or more academic years at a recognised institution can add 5 points, with a further 5 for designated regional study. A Professional Year, STEM research, or a NAATI credential can each add more.
Never overclaim. Every point in your Expression of Interest must be backed by documents such as reference letters, payslips, contracts and test results. An incorrect claim can lead to refusal.
Why It Matters
Why Your Points Score Matters
Your score decides whether you can lodge an Expression of Interest and how well you rank against other applicants in the same occupation. A clear read on your points helps you plan the right visa and the right timing.
Occupation Demand
Invitations depend on your ranking within your ANZSCO occupation. Popular codes clear at scores well above the minimum.
The Right Visa Pathway
Seeing all three scores side by side shows whether an independent, state nominated or regional visa gives you the best route.
Evidence Behind Every Point
Each factor you claim must be supported by real documents. Knowing your score early tells you what proof to gather.
Timing Your Move
Age bands, English validity and years of experience all shift over time. A clear score helps you act before points slip away.
Who Gets the Most Out of This Calculator?
This tool suits anyone weighing up an Australian skilled visa who wants a fast, honest read on their points before committing time to an Expression of Interest or a skills assessment.
Engineers Preparing a CDR
Check where your points sit while you plan your Competency Demonstration Report for Engineers Australia, then target the gaps that matter most.
ICT Professionals with ACS
Estimate your score alongside your ACS assessment so employment, qualification and English points all line up with your nominated occupation.
Onshore Graduates
See how Australian study, regional study and a Professional Year lift your total, and which visa subclass fits your current profile.
Offshore Applicants
Compare your overseas experience and English options before you invest in an assessment, so you know the score you are working toward.
Where Points Estimates Go Wrong
A points estimate misleads when it counts something the rules do not allow. Check your figure against these common errors before you rely on it for an Expression of Interest.
Mistake 01
Treating 65 as Enough
The floor lets you lodge, not win an invitation. Plan for the score your occupation actually clears at, not the minimum.
Mistake 02
Double Counting Employment
Australian and overseas work share one cap of 20 points. Adding them beyond that overstates your total. This tool applies the cap for you.
Mistake 03
Claiming Work Without an Assessment
Only skilled work in your nominated occupation, counted after a positive assessment, earns employment points. Earlier years usually do not count.
Mistake 04
Guessing the Partner Rules
Partner points need a matching skills assessment and English level. Read the criteria before you add 5 or 10 points to your score.
Mistake 05
Assuming Your English Band
Points depend on your real test result in every band, not your best guess. Sit or confirm your test before you count 10 or 20 points.
Mistake 06
Ignoring State Occupation Lists
State nomination lists differ from the national list and change often. A 190 or 491 score means little if your code is not open.
Full Points Test Reference
Use this table to check the factor behind every score. Always confirm the current values at the Department of Home Affairs before lodging your Expression of Interest.
Core & Employment Factors
| Category | Factor | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 25 to 32 years | 30 |
| Age | 18 to 24 or 33 to 39 years | 25 |
| Age | 40 to 44 years | 15 |
| English | Superior (IELTS 8 or PTE 79 each) | 20 |
| English | Proficient (IELTS 7 or PTE 65 each) | 10 |
| Education | Doctorate (PhD) | 20 |
| Education | Bachelor or Master degree | 15 |
| Education | Diploma or trade qualification | 10 |
| Australian employment | 8 or more years | 20 |
| Australian employment | 5 to under 8 years | 15 |
| Australian employment | 3 to under 5 years | 10 |
| Australian employment | 1 to under 3 years | 5 |
| Overseas employment | 8 or more years | 15 |
| Overseas employment | 5 to under 8 years | 10 |
| Overseas employment | 3 to under 5 years | 5 |
Employment cap: combined Australian and overseas skilled employment points are capped at 20. This calculator applies the cap automatically.
Nomination & Bonus Factors
| Category | Factor | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Nomination | Subclass 190 state or territory nomination | 5 |
| Nomination | Subclass 491 regional or family sponsorship | 15 |
| Partner | Skills assessment and competent English | 10 |
| Partner | Single, or Australian citizen or PR partner | 10 |
| Partner | Competent English only | 5 |
| Specialist education | STEM Master by research or PhD | 10 |
| Bonus | Australian study requirement met | 5 |
| Bonus | Regional study in Australia | 5 |
| Bonus | Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
| Bonus | Credentialled community language (NAATI) | 5 |
Need More Points or a Skills Assessment First?
Most engineers and ICT professionals must pass a CDR or ACS RPL assessment before they can claim occupation and employment points. Get expert help to map the fastest route to your target score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers on the Australian skilled migration points test, the employment cap, nomination, and partner points.
Sixty five points is the minimum for the points tested skilled visas. This is only the score needed to lodge an Expression of Interest, and it does not guarantee an invitation. SkillSelect invitations depend on your ranking within your occupation, the visa subclass, and the latest invitation round results. Many popular occupations now sit well above the floor.
The Department of Home Affairs combines Australian skilled employment and overseas skilled employment into one category with a shared maximum of 20 points. Fifteen points for Australian work plus fifteen points for overseas work still awards 20 combined points, not 30. This calculator applies the cap for you and shows a note when it takes effect.
No. To claim skilled employment points your work must be in your nominated ANZSCO occupation and assessed as skilled by the relevant authority, such as Engineers Australia for engineers or ACS for ICT professionals. Work completed before you reached the required skill level is usually not counted, so a positive CDR or ACS RPL assessment normally comes first.
Subclass 189 is the points tested independent visa with no nomination required. Subclass 190 needs state or territory nomination and adds 5 points. Subclass 491 is a regional provisional visa that needs state nomination or eligible family sponsorship and adds 15 points. The 491 can lead to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa once you meet the regional work and income requirements.
You can claim 10 points if your partner has a suitable skills assessment and at least competent English, or 5 points if your partner has competent English only. Single applicants, and applicants whose partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, also receive 10 points. Your partner must be included in the same visa application to claim skill based partner points.
No. This is a free planning tool that uses the points values current at the time of writing. Always confirm your final score with the official Department of Home Affairs points calculator before you lodge an Expression of Interest, and speak with a registered migration agent for complex situations involving partner skills, multiple occupations, or an unusual work history.