How Points Are Calculated for Skilled Migration Visas in Australia

Understanding each factor that contributes to your points score is critical for strategic planning. Here’s the comprehensive breakdown of how points are allocated across all categories.

Age Points (Maximum: 30 Points)

Age is one of the most significant factors in the points test. Australia prioritizes younger migrants who can contribute to the workforce for longer periods.

Age Brackets and Points:

• 18-24 years: 25 points

• 25-32 years: 30 points (maximum points)

• 33-39 years: 25 points

• 40-44 years: 15 points

• 45-49 years: 0 points

Important Considerations: Your age is calculated at the time you receive your invitation to apply, not when you submit your EOI. If you’re approaching a birthday that will move you into a lower age bracket, timing your application strategically becomes crucial. Once you turn 45, you become ineligible for skilled migration visas under the points test system.

English Language Proficiency (Maximum: 20 Points)

English language ability is assessed through approved tests including IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English Advanced (CAE), and Occupational English Test (OET).

Points Allocation:

• Competent English: 0 points (minimum requirement)

• Proficient English: 10 points

• Superior English: 20 points

Test Score Requirements:

For Competent English (0 points):

• IELTS: 6.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)

• PTE Academic: 50 in each component

• TOEFL iBT: 12 Listening, 13 Reading, 21 Writing, 18 Speaking

• OET: B grade in each component

For Proficient English (10 points):

• IELTS: 7.0 in each component

• PTE Academic: 65 in each component

• TOEFL iBT: 24 Listening, 24 Reading, 27 Writing, 23 Speaking

• OET: B grade in each component

For Superior English (20 points):

• IELTS: 8.0 in each component

• PTE Academic: 79 in each component

• TOEFL iBT: 28 Listening, 29 Reading, 30 Writing, 26 Speaking

• OET: A grade in each component

Strategic Insight: English test results are valid for three years. Investing time in achieving superior English scores can significantly boost your points and should be prioritized, especially if you’re borderline on the 65-point threshold. Many successful applicants achieve superior English scores to maximize their competitiveness.

Skilled Employment Experience (Maximum: 20 Points)

Work experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation is assessed both for Australian and overseas employment.

Australian Work Experience (in nominated occupation or closely related):

• 1-2 years: 5 points

• 3-4 years: 10 points

• 5-7 years: 15 points

• 8-10 years: 20 points

Overseas Work Experience (in nominated occupation or closely related):

• 3-4 years: 5 points

• 5-7 years: 10 points

• 8-10 years: 15 points

Combined Maximum: You can claim both Australian and overseas work experience, but the maximum combined total is 20 points. For example, if you have 8 years of overseas experience (15 points) and 3 years of Australian experience (10 points), you would receive the maximum 20 points, not 25.

Critical Requirements:

✓ Work experience must be in your nominated skilled occupation or closely related occupation

✓ Must be paid employment of at least 20 hours per week

✓ Must be completed in the 10 years immediately before you apply

✓ Must be post-qualification work (after obtaining the qualification relevant to your skilled occupation)

✓ Requires proper documentation including employment contracts, payslips, tax returns, and employer reference letters

Educational Qualifications (Maximum: 20 Points)

Your highest educational qualification is assessed for points. Only one qualification can be claimed for points, even if you hold multiple degrees.

Points Allocation:

✓ Doctorate degree (PhD) from an Australian institution or recognized overseas institution: 20 points

✓ Bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an Australian institution or recognized overseas qualification: 15 points

✓ Diploma or trade qualification from an Australian institution or recognized overseas qualification: 10 points

✓ Award or qualification recognized by the assessing authority for your nominated occupation: 10 points

Australian Study Requirement: If you completed your degree in Australia, you may be eligible for the Australian study requirement bonus (see bonus points below).

Recognition Requirements: Overseas qualifications must be recognized as equivalent to Australian standards. Your skills assessing authority will evaluate whether your overseas qualification meets Australian standards during the skills assessment process.

Specialist Educational Qualifications (Maximum: 10 Points)

Additional points are available for completing specific types of qualifications in Australia.

Master’s Degree by Research or Doctorate (10 points): You can claim 10 additional points if you have completed a doctorate or master’s degree by research from an Australian educational institution that:

✓ Included at least two academic years of study

✓ Was completed while you held a visa allowing study in Australia

✓ Was conducted in a relevant field related to your nominated occupation or a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field

Important Note: These points are in addition to the education qualification points listed above. This means if you hold an Australian PhD in a STEM field, you could receive 20 points for the PhD itself plus 10 points for the specialist qualification, totaling 30 points from education alone.

Australian Study Requirement (Maximum: 5 Points)

You receive 5 points if you meet the Australian study requirement, which involves:

✓ Completing one or more degrees, diplomas, or trade qualifications

✓ Total of at least two academic years (92 weeks) of study

✓ Completed in Australia while holding a valid Australian student visa

✓ Course was registered through the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)

✓ All instruction was in English

✓ Study was completed while physically present in Australia

Strategic Consideration: Many international students who complete their education in Australia can claim these 5 points, giving them a competitive advantage over offshore applicants. Combined with potential Australian work experience, this creates a clear pathway to permanent residence.

Credentialed Community Language (Maximum: 5 Points)

If you hold accreditation at the paraprofessional level or above from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) in a community language, you can claim 5 points.

Requirements:

✓ Must hold a credential issued by NAATI

✓ Must be at paraprofessional level (formerly Level 2) or higher

✓ Can be in any language other than English

Recent Changes: NAATI has updated its credentialing system. Applicants now need to complete NAATI-approved courses or pass NAATI certification tests. Online test options are available, making this pathway more accessible for eligible candidates.

Partner Skills (Maximum: 10 Points)

Your spouse or de facto partner can contribute to your points score if they meet specific criteria. This category has several options depending on your partner’s situation.

Points Allocation Options:

10 Points if your partner:

✓ Is under 45 years old

✓ Has Competent English (minimum IELTS 6.0 in each component or equivalent)

✓ Has a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the same skilled occupation list as your nominated occupation

✓ Is your spouse or de facto partner at the time of invitation

5 Points if your partner:

• Has Competent English (minimum IELTS 6.0 in each component or equivalent)

• Is your spouse or de facto partner at the time of invitation

• Does not need to have a skills assessment

10 Points if you:

• Are single (not married and do not have a de facto partner)

• Are widowed, divorced, or legally separated

0 Points if:

• You have a partner who does not meet the Competent English requirement

Strategic Planning: Partner skills can significantly impact your total score. If your partner is close to meeting the skills assessment requirements, it may be worth waiting to complete their assessment before submitting your EOI. Conversely, if your partner cannot achieve Competent English, consider whether applying as a single applicant (if applicable) might yield better results.

State or Territory Nomination (5 or 15 Points)

Securing state nomination can dramatically improve your chances of receiving an invitation.

Points Allocation:

• State or Territory nomination (Subclass 190): 5 points

• State or Territory nomination or family sponsorship (Subclass 491): 15 points

How State Nomination Works:

Each Australian state and territory maintains its own skilled occupation list and nomination criteria based on their specific economic needs. States regularly update their priority occupations and may have additional requirements such as:

• Minimum work experience in the state

• Job offers from employers in the state

• Higher English language scores than federal requirements

• Specific qualifications or registrations

• Minimum investment amounts for business-related occupations

Popular State Nomination Programs:

• New South Wales (NSW): Strong demand for healthcare and IT professionals

• Victoria (VIC): Diverse occupation needs, particularly in healthcare, education, and engineering

• Queensland (QLD): Focus on regional areas with growing healthcare and trades demand

• South Australia (SA): Excellent opportunities for various occupations with lower competition

• Western Australia (WA): High demand for mining, engineering, and healthcare professionals

• Tasmania (TAS): Generous nomination criteria with lower points requirements

Strategic Approach: Research each state’s skilled occupation lists and nomination criteria early in your planning process. Some states require you to submit an initial EOI through SkillSelect before applying for state nomination, while others have separate application portals. Meeting state-specific requirements can make the difference between receiving an invitation and remaining in the queue indefinitely.

Regional Area Study (Maximum: 5 Points)

Living and studying in regional Australia can earn additional points.

Requirements to claim 5 points:

• Completed at least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification

• Studied at a campus located in regional Australia

• Met the Australian study requirement while living in regional Australia

• Total of at least two academic years (92 weeks) study

• Completed while holding an eligible visa

Designated Regional Areas: Regional Australia includes all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This includes areas like:

• Perth, Western Australia

• Adelaide, South Australia

• Gold Coast, Queensland

• Hobart, Tasmania

• Newcastle, New South Wales

• Wollongong, New South Wales

• Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Important Update: The definition of regional Australia has changed several times. Always verify current regional area designations on the Department of Home Affairs website, as some previously metropolitan areas have been reclassified.

Professional Year Program (Maximum: 5 Points)

Completing a Professional Year program in Australia can earn 5 additional points.

Eligible Programs: Professional Year programs are available for specific occupations:

• Accounting

• Engineering (all disciplines)

• Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Requirements:

• Must be completed in Australia

• Must be at least 12 months duration (usually 44-52 weeks)

• Must include at least 12 weeks of formal training

• Must include at least 12 weeks of workplace experience (internship)

• Must be an approved program by the relevant professional body

Benefits Beyond Points: Professional Year programs provide valuable Australian work experience, industry connections, and improved understanding of Australian workplace culture. Many participants secure employment during their internship, which can lead to employer sponsorship or additional skilled employment points.

Approved Program Providers: Programs must be approved by:

• Accounting: Certified Practising Accountants (CPA), Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), or Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)

• Engineering: Engineers Australia

• ICT: Australian Computer Society (ACS)