What is the minimum points score I need to receive an invitation?

The minimum points score to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect is generally 65 points. However, submitting an EOI does not mean you will receive an invitation. Invitation cutoffs — the minimum score at which invitations are actually issued in each round — are typically significantly higher than 65 points, and vary by occupation and visa subclass. The cutoff changes every round and cannot be predicted in advance. As a general guide, invitation cutoffs for competitive occupations have historically been 80–90+ points for the 189 visa, though this varies.

Does getting a higher points score mean I will definitely be invited?

No. A higher points score improves your ranking in the SkillSelect pool and increases your likelihood of receiving an invitation in a given round, but it does not guarantee one. The Department of Home Affairs controls how many invitations are issued in each round and for which occupations. If the Department does not issue invitations for your occupation in a particular round — or issues fewer than the number of eligible EOIs — some EOIs will not receive invitations regardless of their score. An invitation is never guaranteed by points alone.

How does the 10-year cap on employment work?

Only skilled employment in the 10 years before the date of invitation can be counted. Employment before that 10-year window is not counted, regardless of how many years it represents. Similarly, the employment must have been at the required skill level — junior, trainee, or support roles that do not match the ANZSCO skill level of your nominated occupation are generally not counted. The 10-year window is calculated back from the date of invitation, not the date your EOI was submitted.

Can I claim both Australian study points (5 pts) and regional study points (5 pts)?

Yes, if you meet both sets of requirements. The 5 points for the Australian study requirement and the additional 5 points for study in a regional area of Australia are separate categories and can each be claimed independently. To claim both, you would need to have completed at least two academic years of study at an Australian institution registered with TEQSA or ASQA, and that study must have been undertaken while living and studying in a designated regional area of Australia.

My English test expired. Do I lose the English points?

If your approved English test results expire — most approved tests are valid for three years — you may lose the English points they supported. Critically, you must meet the English requirements at the date an invitation is received and also at the time the visa is decided. If your test results expire between EOI submission and invitation, or between invitation and decision, this can cause significant problems. It is important to book a new test before your results expire, not after they have already lapsed.

What does it mean that age is assessed at the date of invitation?

Age points are determined by your age on the date an invitation to apply is received — not the date you submitted your EOI or the date you lodge your visa application. This means your age band can change between the time you submit your EOI and the time you are invited. For example, if you are 32 years old when you submit your EOI and receive an invitation after your 33rd birthday, you will receive 25 points for the 33–39 age band, not 30 points for the 25–32 band. Applicants close to an age boundary should monitor this carefully.

Can I update my EOI after submitting it?

Yes. You can update your EOI at any time while it remains active. An EOI remains active for two years from the date of submission; you can renew it if needed. Updating your EOI — for example, to reflect a new English test result, a completed skills assessment, or a state nomination — may change your points score. However, if your update results in a higher score, your priority date (the original submission date at that higher score) resets to the date of the update, not the original submission date. This affects your position in the queue relative to others with the same score.

Does the points test apply to the employer-sponsored 482 and 186 visas?

No. The points test applies to points-tested skilled migration visas — specifically the subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), 190 (Skilled Nominated), and 491 (Skilled Work Regional). The employer-sponsored 482 (Skills in Demand) and 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visas are assessed against different criteria — including employer sponsorship, nomination, occupation eligibility, and employment history — and do not use the points test. If you do not meet the points test threshold, employer sponsorship may be an alternative pathway worth exploring.

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Skilled Migration · 189 · 190 · 491Points-Tested Visas

Points Test
Explained

How the points test works for Australian skilled migration — where points come from, how invitation rounds operate, and what you need to know before submitting an Expression of Interest.

General information current as at July 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

The Short Answer

The points test ranks skilled visa applicants in order of their score. A minimum of 65 points is generally needed to submit an EOI in SkillSelect, but invitation cutoffs in competitive rounds are typically much higher. Points come from age, English proficiency, skilled work experience, qualifications, and various bonuses. The interactive calculator below gives an indicative estimate — it is not an eligibility assessment.

General information only. Points test set by legislative instrument and subject to change. Obtain advice from MARN 2619467.

Have your points reviewed by a registered agent

Points at a glance

65minimum (up to 160)

Ageup to 30 pts

Englishup to 20 pts

Employment (AUS)up to 20 pts

Employment (overseas)up to 15 pts

Educationup to 20 pts

Specialist educationup to 10 pts

Other bonusesup to 20 pts

Nomination (+5 or +15)up to 15 pts

65 points minimum to submit an EOI — but invitation cutoffs are typically much higher. Use the interactive calculator below to estimate your total.

General guide only. Figures subject to legislative change.

Quick Answer

Australia's points test ranks Expressions of Interest for Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas, as Nanak Migration Group, a registered migration agent (MARN 2619467), explains. Age, English requirements, skilled employment, education and state nomination can all add points.

Reviewed by Navpreet Aulakh, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2619467)

Last reviewed: July 2026

65 points

Minimum to submit an EOI

Invitation cutoffs in competitive rounds are typically significantly higher.

Not guaranteed

Points alone do not secure a place

Invitation rounds are competitive — the cutoff changes each round.

Competitive rounds

Invitations issued in ranked rounds

Highest-scoring EOIs in each occupation are invited first.

At invitation AND decision

Points assessed twice

You must meet the points test at the date of invitation and again when the visa is decided.

Age at invitation

Age is not locked at EOI submission

If you are 32 when you submit your EOI but 33 when invited, the 33–39 band applies.

Section 1

Full Points Breakdown

Every category is listed below with the maximum points and the thresholds that apply. Not all categories will apply to every applicant.

Age

Age is assessed at the date an invitation to apply is received — not at the date the EOI is submitted.

Up to 30 pts

25–32 years

+30

18–24 years

+25

33–39 years

+25

40–44 years

+15

45 years or over

Most skilled visas require applicants to be under 45 at the time of invitation.

English language ability

Assessed by an approved English language test (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, or Cambridge C1 Advanced). Scores must meet the threshold in each component.

Up to 20 pts

Superior English — IELTS 8 in each band (or equivalent)

+20

Proficient English — IELTS 7 in each band (or equivalent)

+10

Competent English — IELTS 6 in each band (or equivalent)

Competent English is generally the minimum required — it does not add points.

Skilled employment in Australia

Employment in Australia in the nominated occupation or a closely related occupation at the required skill level, in the 10 years before the invitation is issued.

Up to 20 pts

At least 1 year but less than 3 years

At least 3 years but less than 5 years

+10

At least 5 years but less than 8 years

+15

At least 8 years

Employment periods are capped at the last 10 years before invitation.

+20

Skilled employment outside Australia

Employment outside Australia in the nominated occupation or a closely related occupation at the required skill level, in the 10 years before the invitation is issued.

Up to 15 pts

At least 3 years but less than 5 years

At least 5 years but less than 8 years

+10

At least 8 years

Only employment outside Australia in the last 10 years counts.

+15

Educational qualifications

The highest qualification held. Where the qualification is from overseas, it must be assessed by the relevant assessing authority as meeting the Australian equivalent level.

Up to 20 pts

Diploma or trade qualification (Australian or equivalent)

+10

Bachelor degree or higher (Australian or equivalent)

+15

Doctorate (PhD) from an Australian institution, or assessed as equivalent

+20

Specialist education qualification

An additional bonus for holding a Master's by research or Doctorate from an Australian institution in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics). This is separate from — and additive to — the general education qualification points.

Up to 10 pts

Master's by research or Doctorate from an Australian institution in a STEM field

The qualification must be from an Australian institution registered with TEQSA.

+10

Australian study requirement

Completed at least two academic years of study in Australia leading to a qualification from an Australian institution (registered with TEQSA or ASQA). Includes postgraduate study.

Up to 5 pts

Completed at least 2 academic years of study in Australia

Professional Year in Australia

Completed a Professional Year program in Australia in accounting, computing, or engineering during the 4 years before the invitation is issued.

Up to 5 pts

Completed a Professional Year in accounting, computing or engineering in Australia

The Professional Year must be an approved program and completed within 4 years before invitation.

Credentialled community language

Holds a NAATI credential in a community language at the paraprofessional level or above, or an equivalent accreditation. Must have been granted in the 3 years before the invitation.

Up to 5 pts

Hold a NAATI community language credential (paraprofessional or above)

Study in regional Australia

The Australian study requirement was met while living and studying in a regional area of Australia. This is an additional bonus — separate from the 5 points for meeting the Australian study requirement itself.

Up to 5 pts

Met the Australian study requirement while living and studying in a regional area

Both the Australian study requirement (5 pts) and this regional study bonus (5 pts) may be claimed if eligible.

Partner skills

Points depend on the skills and residency status of your partner (spouse or de facto). Applicants who are single, or whose partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, may also receive points.

Up to 10 pts

Single, OR partner is an Australian citizen or PR with Competent English

+10

Partner has Competent English AND a positive skills assessment in a nominated occupation

The partner must have a positive skills assessment in their own nominated occupation.

+10

State/territory nomination or regional sponsorship

Points received if you have been nominated by an Australian state or territory for the 190 visa, or nominated/sponsored for the 491 visa. Only one nomination can be counted.

Up to 15 pts

Nominated by a state or territory for the subclass 190 visa

Nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative for the subclass 491 visa

+15

Based on the points test set by the Migration (IMMI 23/102) Instrument 2023 and amendments. Subject to legislative change — verify current figures with the Department of Home Affairs.

Section 2

Indicative Points Calculator

Select your circumstances to get an estimated points total. This is a general guide only — not a migration assessment, an eligibility determination, or any indication of whether you will receive an invitation.

Indicative estimate only. This calculator is a general guide and is not an eligibility assessment, an immigration assessment, or an invitation to apply. Results do not predict whether you will receive an invitation in any particular round. The points test and invitation cutoffs are set by the Department of Home Affairs and are subject to change. Obtain advice from a registered migration agent (MARN 2619467) before making any decision about a visa application.

About you

Experience & education

Other points

Step 1 of 3

Age

max 30 pts

English language ability

max 20 pts

Your estimated score

/ 65 minimum

Select your details

Indicative estimate only. Not a migration assessment. Obtain advice from MARN 2619467.

Max possible: 160 points

Section 3

How Invitation Rounds Work

Understanding how the Department of Home Affairs issues invitations is essential to managing expectations about when — and whether — you will receive one.

Rounds are held at the Department's discretion

The Department of Home Affairs issues invitations in regular rounds, typically monthly, but timing and frequency are not fixed. The Department does not announce future round dates or cutoff scores in advance.

Highest-scoring EOIs are invited first

Within each invitation round, the Department invites EOIs in descending order of points score for each visa subclass and occupation. If two EOIs have the same score, the one submitted earliest is generally invited first — so submitting your EOI as early as possible matters.

Cutoffs change every round and can't be predicted

The 'points cutoff' — the minimum score at which an invitation was issued — changes every round depending on how many invitations are issued and the distribution of points scores in the pool. No one can reliably predict the cutoff for a future round.

Nomination points are added to your personal score

If you have a state/territory nomination (190: +5 pts) or regional nomination/sponsorship (491: +15 pts), those points are added to your personal score for the purposes of the round. You will be competing in the 190 or 491 pool separately from the 189 pool.

Points are assessed at invitation AND at decision

You must meet the points test on the date of invitation — and again on the date the visa is decided. If your circumstances change (e.g., you turn 45, or your English test expires) between invitation and decision, this can affect the outcome.

An invitation is not a visa grant

Receiving an invitation to apply confirms your points score was high enough for that round. It is not an approval of any kind. You must still lodge the visa application, meet all eligibility criteria, and pass health and character requirements.

Section 4

Common Points Mistakes

These five errors frequently result in overstated EOI scores — which can lead to invitations being issued incorrectly, visa refusals, or mandatory cancellation of the EOI.

Counting work experience that does not meet the skill level

Only employment at the skill level matching your nominated occupation — or a closely related occupation at an equivalent skill level — counts towards skilled employment points. Many applicants count all years of work in their field without checking whether early roles (especially junior, trainee, or support roles) satisfy the ANZSCO skill level requirement. The Department of Home Affairs may assess the actual duties, not just the job title.

What to do: Review each employment period against the ANZSCO unit group description for your nominated occupation before claiming employment points.

Claiming English points without meeting every component

English points (Proficient: +10 pts, Superior: +20 pts) require the minimum score to be met in every component of the approved test — not just the overall or average score. An overall score of 7.0 with a 6.5 in one band does not meet the Proficient English threshold. This is a common and costly mistake — the entire English category is lost if one component falls short.

What to do: Check each band individually against the threshold. If one component falls short, only the lower category (or no points) applies.

Assuming age points are fixed at the date of EOI submission

Age points are assessed at the date an invitation to apply is received — not the date the EOI was submitted or the date the visa application is lodged. An applicant who is 32 at EOI submission but receives an invitation when they are 33 receives 25 points (33–39 band), not 30 (25–32 band). For applicants close to an age boundary — particularly 32, 39, or 44 — this can significantly affect the points score.

What to do: Do not assume your age band is locked. Monitor your age relative to expected invitation timing.

Claiming partner points without a completed skills assessment

To claim the 10 points for partner skills (where the partner is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident), the partner must have a positive skills assessment in a nominated occupation AND meet the Competent English threshold — not just one of these. Applicants sometimes claim partner points based on the partner having a qualification or a job offer, without a completed skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.

What to do: The partner's skills assessment must be completed and positive before the EOI is submitted — it cannot be obtained retrospectively.

Claiming Australian study requirement without 2 full academic years

The Australian study requirement requires at least two academic years of full-time study leading to a qualification from an Australian institution registered with TEQSA or ASQA. Part-time study, study at unregistered institutions, or short courses do not satisfy the requirement. The 5 points for the Australian study requirement and the additional 5 points for study in regional Australia can each only be claimed when the specific conditions are fully met.

What to do: Confirm with your educational institution whether your study meets the TEQSA or ASQA registration requirement and satisfies the two academic year minimum.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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Navpreet Aulakh (MARN 2619467) can review your points score against current legislative requirements, identify any overclaims or missed categories, and advise on which visa pathway — 189, 190, or 491 — is most realistic for your circumstances.

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General information only — not immigration advice

About this information

This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.

No outcome representation

Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.

Get personal advice

Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

About this page

Points test values, invitation cutoffs, and occupation lists are set by legislative instrument and are subject to change by the Department of Home Affairs without notice. This page does not publish visa application fees.

Information current as at July 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.

Points Test
Explained

How the points test works for Australian skilled migration — where points come from, how invitation rounds operate, and what you need to know before submitting an Expression of Interest.

General information current as at July 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

The Short Answer

General information only. Points test set by legislative instrument and subject to change. Obtain advice from MARN 2619467.

Have your points reviewed by a
registered migration agent

Consultations in HindiConsultations in PunjabiConsultations in English

Full Points Breakdown

Indicative Points Calculator

How Invitation Rounds Work

Common Points Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Pages

Have your points reviewed by aregistered migration agent

Full Points Breakdown

Indicative Points Calculator

How Invitation Rounds Work

Common Points Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Pages

Have your points reviewed by aregistered migration agent

Have your points reviewed by a
registered migration agent

Have your points reviewed by a
registered migration agent