What Are Australia Migration Points? Your 2025 Scoring Guide

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Australia’s migration points system assigns a numerical score to factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience and educational qualifications. A minimum of 65 points is required to lodge an Expression of Interest, but each extra point can boost your ranking, accelerate your invitation and unlock pathways like state or regional nomination.

This guide will cover:

  • Visa subclasses subject to the points test and their core requirements
  • Essential eligibility checks, including age limits, occupation lists and sponsorship options
  • A detailed breakdown of how points are awarded for every category
  • Official tools and best practices for calculating and updating your score
  • Real-world invitation round data and a profession-specific case study
  • Practical strategies to improve your points and avoid common pitfalls
  • Answers to key questions and clear next steps for your migration journey

With over 22 years in migration law and thousands of successful visa grants, Simon Mander Consulting P/L brings proven expertise to every application. We’ll begin by defining the migration points test and explaining how it shapes who receives an invitation.

The Purpose and Mechanics of Australia’s Skilled Migration Points Test

Australia’s skilled migration program relies on a points test to ensure merit-based selection. By quantifying factors such as age, English ability, work experience and qualifications, the Department of Home Affairs can rank applicants objectively and address labour shortages in key sectors. Achieving the minimum pass mark of 65 points is essential to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI), but higher scores can bring invitations sooner and open the door to additional benefits like state nomination or regional pathways.

At the heart of this system is SkillSelect, an online platform where candidates submit their EOIs. Points-tested visas use these scores to shortlist and invite skilled migrants in regular rounds. Understanding how points are awarded and how SkillSelect operates can make all the difference between waiting in the pool and securing an invitation.

What Is the Points Test?

The points test was introduced under the Migration Act 1958 to promote transparency and fairness in selecting skilled migrants. It assigns scores across a set of criteria:

  • Age
  • English language proficiency
  • Skilled employment (overseas and in Australia)
  • Educational qualifications
  • Partner skills and other bonus factors (professional year, community language, state or regional nomination)

Each criterion carries a maximum point value. Applicants must score at least 65 to be eligible, but every additional point improves their ranking. The test not only filters for minimum standards but also rewards candidates who bring specialist skills or higher levels of experience.

How SkillSelect Ranks EOIs

SkillSelect runs invitation rounds at regular intervals. During each round:

  1. All EOIs meeting the 65-point threshold are listed.
  2. Applicants are sorted by their total points score, highest first.
  3. If two candidates share the same score, the one who lodged their EOI earlier gets priority.

For example, imagine two software engineers with 80 points each. If Engineer A submitted an EOI in January and Engineer B in March, Engineer A will receive an invitation before Engineer B—even though their scores are identical. This tie-breaker rule underscores the importance of submitting your EOI as soon as you’re confident in your score.

Why a Higher Points Score Matters

While 65 points grants entry into the pool, the cut-off score in competitive rounds is often higher. In November 2024, accountants and software engineers needed around 95 points to secure an invitation, whereas some trades roles saw cut-offs closer to 65.

Higher scores bring two key advantages:

  • Faster invitations. A candidate with 80 points might receive an invitation within a few rounds, while someone with 65 could wait months or miss out entirely.
  • Expanded options. Scoring well can make you eligible for multiple visa subclasses—Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) with an extra 5 points, or Skilled Work Regional (491) with 15 additional points for regional nomination.

In short, every extra point is like moving up the queue. Investing effort into boosting your score—whether by improving your English, gaining more work experience or securing state nomination—can pay dividends in both speed and flexibility when it comes to your Australian migration journey.

Visa Subclasses Assessed by the Points Test

When you lodge an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, your points score determines eligibility for three primary skilled visa subclasses. Each subclass serves a different migration purpose—ranging from permanent residency with no sponsorship to regional provisional pathways—and carries its own set of obligations and bonus points.

Below are the key visas that rely on your migration points and how they fit into your migration strategy. For detailed guidance and professional assistance, explore Simon Mander Consulting’s comprehensive overview of skilled visas: Skilled Visa Australia.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a permanent, points-tested visa that does not require sponsorship from an employer, state or family member. Holders can live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely, access Medicare and sponsor eligible relatives. To receive an invitation, candidates must:

This visa is ideal for professionals seeking full settlement freedom without regional or state-bound obligations.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) combines points testing with state or territory nomination. In exchange for an additional 5 points, applicants commit to living and working in the nominating region for at least two years after grant. Key requirements include:

While this route binds you initially to one region, it remains a permanent visa that eventually allows relocation anywhere in Australia.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) and Pathway to Subclass 191

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) offers a five-year provisional residency for skilled workers willing to settle in designated regional areas. It provides:

  • 15 bonus points for nomination by a state, territory or eligible relative in a regional location
  • The ability to work and study anywhere within the specified region
  • A direct pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191) after fulfilling at least three years of regional employment and residence

This visa supports regional development and rewards migrants who choose to build their lives in Australia’s less populous areas.

Eligibility Essentials: Age Limits, Occupation Lists, and Sponsorship Options

Before you begin tallying up migration points, you must satisfy a set of base requirements. These determine whether you can even lodge an Expression of Interest, regardless of your eventual score. Broadly speaking, three pillars underpin eligibility: your age at application, the relevance of your occupation to Australia’s skilled needs, and any sponsorship you may secure—be it from a state, territory, employer or eligible relative. Let’s unpack each.

Age Restrictions and Occupation List Requirements

To enter the points-tested pool, applicants must be under 45 at the time an invitation is issued. While you can lodge an EOI up to your 45th birthday, you won’t receive an invitation if you’re 45 or older when the round closes. Points are only awarded for ages 18 to 44, with the sweet spot—25 to 32—earning the maximum 30 points.

Equally crucial is that your nominated occupation appears on one of the Department of Home Affairs’ skilled occupation lists:

  • Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
  • Regional Occupation List (ROL)

Each visa subclass draws from one or more of these lists. To check if your role qualifies—and to see any state-specific restrictions—review the detailed criteria for working in Australia: Australia Working Visa Requirements.

Points-Tested vs Employer-Sponsored Visas

While subclasses 189, 190 and 491 depend entirely on your points score, employer-sponsored visas operate differently. The Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482), for example, requires an approved nomination by an Australian business rather than a minimum points tally. Key distinctions include:

  • Points-Tested Visas (189, 190, 491):
    • Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect
    • Must score at least 65 points (plus any bonus sponsorship points)
    • Invitations issued in ranked rounds

  • Employer-Sponsored Visas (482, 186 Direct Entry, 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored):
    • Employer must demonstrate genuine need and labour market testing
    • No central points test—eligibility hinges on occupation, skill level and salary threshold
    • May offer a pathway to permanent residency without meeting 65 points

If you’ve already secured an Australian employer willing to sponsor you, the 482 stream can be faster—but it ties you to that employer. In contrast, a high points score gives greater liberty to choose where you live and work.

Regional and Family Sponsorship Pathways

Australia encourages skilled migration to regional areas, offering a 15-point bonus for those nominated under subclass 491. You can be sponsored by:

  • A state or territory government
  • An eligible relative residing in a designated regional zone

Family sponsorship not only boosts your points but also unlocks the provisional visa that leads to permanent residency via subclass 191 once you meet the three-year regional work and residence requirement. Whether you opt for a state nomination (5 points for subclass 190) or a regional family sponsor (15 points for subclass 491), make sure you understand the conditions—like living in the nominated region—to fully capitalise on these additional points.

Meeting these eligibility essentials is a prerequisite to entering the migration points arena. Once you’ve ticked these boxes, you’re ready to calculate your score and position yourself for an invitation.

How Points Are Awarded: Detailed Breakdown of All Criteria

Australia’s points test evaluates six core categories, each carrying a maximum score. Below is a quick overview before we dive into the details:

CategoryMaximum Points
Age30
English language proficiency20
Skilled employment experience15 (overseas) + 20 (Australia)
Educational qualifications and Australian study20 + bonuses
Partner skills10
Other factors (professional year, community language, state/territory or regional nomination)up to 25

To claim work experience points, you must have full-time employment (at least 20 hours per week) in an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List. The “look-back” period for both overseas and Australian experience is the 10 years before your visa application. Now, let’s break down each category so you know exactly where your points come from.

Age: Points by Age Group

Age earns you a flat score based on how old you are when you apply. Points drop off quickly once you pass the sweet spot of 25 to 32 years.

Age GroupPoints
18–24 years25
25–32 years30
33–39 years25
40–44 years15

No points are awarded if you’re under 18 or 45 and over at the time of invitation.

English Language: Tests and Band Requirements

Strong English scores can make a big difference, especially if you aim to push well above the 65-point minimum. You’ll submit results from a recognised test—IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET or Cambridge C1 Advanced.

Proficiency LevelIELTS / PTE ThresholdPoints
SuperiorIELTS 8 or PTE 90+20
ProficientIELTS 7 or PTE 65–8910
CompetentIELTS 6 or PTE 50–640

Tip: Booking a test with plenty of lead time gives you the flexibility to retake and chase that extra band.

Skilled Employment Experience: Overseas vs Australian

Experience in your nominated occupation can add up fast—but the system distinguishes between time spent overseas and in Australia.

Overseas experience (in the last 10 years):

Years of Skilled WorkPoints
Less than 3 years0
3–4 years5
5–7 years10
8 or more years15

Australian experience (in the last 10 years):

Years of Skilled WorkPoints
Less than 1 year0
1–3 years5
3–5 years10
5–8 years15
8–10 years20

Make sure your employment records—like payslips and reference letters—clearly show your role and hours worked.

Educational Qualifications and Australian Study Options

Your highest qualification directly influences your score, with a doctorate bringing the biggest haul.

QualificationPoints
Doctorate (Australia or elsewhere)20
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (Australia or elsewhere)15
Diploma or trade qualification (Australia)10
Qualification recognised by the relevant assessing authority10

On top of that, you can pick up bonus points:

  • Australian study requirement (minimum two academic years): 5 points
  • Regional Australian study (at least two years in a low-population area): 5 points
  • Specialist education qualification (research Master’s or Doctorate in Australia): 10 points

Partner, Professional Year, Community Language and Sponsorship Points

Several bonus factors can tip your score over the line or help you leap ahead of the competition.

CriteriaPoints
Partner is Australian citizen or PR holder10
Partner has competent English and positive skill assessment10
Partner has competent English only5
Professional year in Australia (accounting, engineering, ICT)5
Accredited in a community language5
State or territory nomination (Subclass 190)5
Regional nomination or relative sponsorship (Subclass 491)15

Putting these pieces together, you can map out exactly which gaps to fill—whether that’s upping your IELTS score, taking on a professional year or exploring state and regional sponsorship options.

Official Tools and Resources for Calculating Your Points

Accurate point estimates start with the right resources. Relying on outdated or unofficial calculators can leave you unprepared for invitation rounds and waste precious time. Below, we show you where to find up-to-date tools and how to keep your details evergreen in SkillSelect.

Department of Home Affairs Points Calculator

The most reliable estimate comes directly from the Department of Home Affairs. Their official Points Calculator reflects the latest legislative changes and covers all skilled visa subclasses.

To run your calculation:

  1. Visit the official calculator.
  2. Select your visa subclass—189, 190 or 491.
  3. Enter your details: age, English proficiency, overseas and Australian work experience, qualifications and any bonus factors.
  4. Review your provisional score and pinpoint areas for improvement.

Since this tool is maintained by the migration authority, you can trust it to match SkillSelect’s scoring rules exactly.

Third-Party Calculators: Pros and Cons

A variety of private websites—such as Visa Envoy, ANZSCO Search and ImmigrationXperts—offer their own points calculators, often bundled with planning features.

Pros:

  • Interactive dashboards that visualise your score
  • Quick tips for boosting weaker categories
  • State-by-state filters for subclass 190 eligibility

Cons:

  • Updates don’t always coincide with policy changes
  • May omit tie-breaker rules or occupation ceilings
  • Data quality varies, leading to inconsistent outputs

Consider these tools as supplementary. Always validate their results against the Department’s official calculator before lodging your EOI.

Keeping Your EOI Accurate and Up-to-Date

An accurate Expression of Interest is your ticket to a prompt invitation. Whenever your circumstances change—new English test score, additional work experience or securing state nomination—log back into SkillSelect and update your profile:

  • Sign in to ImmiAccount and open your active EOI.
  • Choose “Update Details” to revise scores, employment dates or sponsorship information.
  • Submit the changes to refresh your position in the next invitation round.

Regularly maintaining your EOI ensures you capture every point gain and stay ahead of candidates competing for the same invitations.

Real-World Points Requirements: Invitation Rounds, Occupation Ceilings and Tie-Breakers

Invitation rounds are where theory meets reality. Even with the 65-point minimum, your invitation hinges on the competitiveness of your occupation and the timing of your EOI. Below, we’ll examine recent invitation data, unpack how occupation ceilings shape demand, and explain why submitting promptly can tip the scales in your favour.

Recent Invitation Round Outcomes

In November 2024, SkillSelect issued roughly 15,000 invitations for the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa. Cut-off scores varied significantly by occupation:

  • Accountant: 95 points
  • Software Engineer: 95 points
  • Civil Engineer: 85 points
  • Registered Nurse (Aged Care): 70 points
  • Chef: 85 points
  • Electrician (General): 65 points

High-demand professions like accounting and software engineering required top-tier scores, while some trade roles still secured invitations at the 65-point threshold. These snapshots help you gauge where your occupation sits in the queue. For more detail, see the latest invitation round outcomes.

Occupation Ceilings and Their Impact

Occupation ceilings limit the number of invitations allocated to each profession per round. Once a ceiling is reached, even well-qualified candidates must wait for the next cycle. These caps ensure a balanced intake across skills and regions. By tracking ceilings in your field, you can anticipate potential delays and decide whether to strengthen other parts of your profile—such as boosting your English score or seeking state nomination—to widen your options.

Ranking and Tie-Breaking Rules

When two candidates share the same points score, the one who lodged their EOI earlier takes priority. This tie-breaker underscores the importance of readiness:

  • Finalise your point claim and submit as soon as you hit your target score.
  • Update your EOI promptly whenever you gain new points—like a higher test result or additional work experience—before the next cut-off date.

Staying proactive ensures you capture every point advantage and don’t miss out due to timing. For deeper insights on EOI ranking and timing strategies, explore these SkillSelect tie-breaking insights.

Combining a strong points total with smart EOI management is your best bet for a swift invitation. Keep an eye on occupation trends, ceilings and round dates to move ahead in the skilled migration pool.

Migration Skills Assessment for Engineers: A Case Study

Engineering professionals must secure a skills assessment from Engineers Australia before they can claim points for qualifications or work experience. This assessment verifies that your overseas degree and employment history meet Australian standards, making it a linchpin for your Expression of Interest (EOI). Below, we break down the process, pathways and how the outcome affects your migration points.

Engineers Australia Migration Skills Assessment Process

The Engineers Australia Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) unfolds in six clear steps:

  1. Verify Your Qualification
    Review whether your engineering degree is recognised under one of the international accords (Washington, Sydney or Dublin). Accredited qualifications typically follow a streamlined route.

  2. Choose Your Occupational Category
    Identify the ANZSCO code that matches your specialisation—be it civil, mechanical or another engineering discipline.

  3. Select the Assessment Pathway
    Decide between the accredited qualifications pathway (for accord-recognised degrees) or the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) pathway if your qualification isn’t automatically recognised.

  4. Gather Documentation
    Compile academic transcripts, detailed résumé, continuing professional development (CPD) records and any support letters. For a CDR, you’ll also draft three career episodes and a summary statement.

  5. Submit Your Application
    Lodge your MSA through the Engineers Australia online portal. Pay attention to formatting rules for the CDR and ensure every document is certified.

  6. Receive Your Outcome
    Engineers Australia issues a formal skills assessment letter. A positive result confirms your qualification level and occupation, enabling you to claim points in your EOI.

For full details on each step, see Engineers Australia’s official Migration Skills Assessment guide.

Accreditation vs Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) Pathway

Two main routes exist depending on your degree’s accord status:

  • Accredited Qualifications Pathway
    If your engineering degree is covered by the Washington, Sydney or Dublin Accords, Engineers Australia recognises it automatically. You’ll simply provide transcripts and verify accreditation.

  • Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) Pathway
    Required when your qualification isn’t accord-accredited. The CDR includes:
    • Three career episodes showcasing project work and problem-solving skills
    • A summary statement linking your achievements to competency elements
    • A CPD record outlining recent professional learning

A well-prepared CDR can bridge gaps between different educational systems and align your skills with Australian benchmarks.

Impact of MSA Outcome on Your Points Claim

A positive skills assessment letter is essential for two critical reasons:

  • Qualification Points:
    The assessment confirms your highest degree, which determines whether you can claim up to 20 points for a doctorate or 15 points for a bachelor’s or master’s.

  • Work Experience Validation:
    Engineers Australia’s outcome letter specifies your occupational category and can be used to substantiate skilled employment claims—both overseas and within Australia.

Without this assessment, you cannot accurately claim qualification or work experience points in SkillSelect. As soon as you receive a positive result, update your EOI to reflect the confirmed qualification level and occupation code, ensuring your total migration points are up to date and maximised.

Strategies and Tips to Improve Your Migration Points Score

Falling short by a few points can feel frustrating, but there’s almost always a path to close the gap. Whether you need to boost your English band, log more work experience, study in Australia or secure state nomination, targeted steps can lift your migration score—and fast-track your invitation. Here are four practical ways to turn weaknesses into points.

Elevate Your English Language Results

Nothing moves the needle like a top-tier English score. Upgrading from Competent to Proficient (IELTS 7/PTE 65) nets 10 points, while hitting Superior (IELTS 8/PTE 90) unlocks the full 20.

  • Focus your study on the skill dragging you down—be it writing, speaking or one of the receptive modules.
  • Use official practice tests under timed conditions to familiarise yourself with the format and pacing.
  • Leverage Simon Mander’s How to improve your points score guide for band-specific strategies and study plans.

Block out regular blocks of focused practice, track your progress and retake the test when you’re consistently hitting your target band in mock exams. Persistence and methodical review pay off.

Gaining Additional and Relevant Work Experience

Work experience points rise in steps—3, 5, 8 and 10 years overseas, plus up to 20 points for Australian employment. If you’re hovering just below a milestone, consider:

  • Short-term or contract roles in your nominated occupation; these count as long as they’re full-time and well documented.
  • Pro bono projects or volunteer work that mirror your ANZSCO role—some assessing bodies accept these contributions as skilled employment.
  • Australian secondments or local engagements, which not only boost your experience tally but also strengthen any future state-nomination bid.

Keep payslips, reference letters and employment contracts certified and organised. Clear evidence of hours worked and duties performed is essential when claiming every possible point.

Pursuing Further Study and Professional Year Programs

Academic credentials and structured professional years are quick routes to bonus points:

  • A minimum two-year course in Australia earns you 5 points for the Australian study requirement—and another 5 if it’s delivered in a designated regional area.
  • Research Master’s degrees or Doctorates at Australian universities add a specialist education bonus of 10 points.
  • Professional Year Programs in accounting, engineering or ICT deliver 5 points and valuable industry networks.

Select qualifications that align with your occupation list entry and migration goals. Beyond extra points, these credentials carry real weight with employers and assessing authorities.

Securing State or Territory Nomination

State or territory nomination can instantly add 5 points for subclass 190 or a hefty 15 for subclass 491. To maximise your odds:

  • Identify states with persistent shortages in your field—each jurisdiction publishes its own priority occupation list.
  • Prepare a targeted application emphasising how your skills meet local demand, citing recent job postings or industry reports.
  • Apply as soon as nomination windows open; many states have annual caps and move fast.

When a state government backs you, your score jumps—and you’ll find yourself much closer to that invitation round cut-off.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even a small oversight can slow your migration journey or leave points on the table. Below are three frequent slip-ups we see—and practical steps you can take right now to steer clear of them.

Mistakes often compound: miscalculating your score can lead to an EOI lodged with the wrong total, which then requires document fixes and repeated submissions. Staying organised and methodical is your best defence.

Miscalculating Your Points

It’s surprisingly easy to double-count an extra factor or forget a bonus category altogether. Common errors include:

  • Claiming both Australian study and regional study points for the same qualification
  • Overlooking partner skills or professional year in your total
  • Relying on an outdated online calculator

How to avoid it:

  1. Run your numbers through the Department of Home Affairs’ official points calculator every time you make a change.
  2. Keep a running tally in a simple spreadsheet with separate columns for each criterion.
  3. Cross-check any third-party tool results against the official score.

Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation

Even with a perfect score, missing or mismatched paperwork can derail your visa application. Key documentation issues include:

  • Uncertified copies of degrees, payslips or test results
  • Translations that aren’t notarised or don’t follow official templates
  • Reference letters lacking dates, job titles or contact details

How to avoid it:

  • Create a checklist grouped by criterion (e.g., “Overseas experience: payslips, employment contracts, reference letters”).
  • Use certified translators for any non-English documents and keep originals on hand.
  • Label scanned files clearly (e.g., “Smith_Jane_Work_Ref_2024.pdf”) to prevent mix-ups.

Overlooking EOI Validity and Deadlines

Your Expression of Interest isn’t a one-and-done form. Circumstances change, and so do invitation round dates. Common pitfalls:

  • Letting your EOI expire (EOIs are valid for two years from lodgement)
  • Failing to update new English test results or extra work experience
  • Missing the window for a high-demand occupation when ceilings are lifted

How to avoid it:

  • Set calendar reminders for six-month check-ins on your EOI status and document expiry dates.
  • Log into SkillSelect immediately after any score-boosting event and update your profile.
  • Monitor the Department’s invitation round schedule so you know when cut-offs might shift.

By tackling these mistakes head-on, you’ll keep your application on track, maximise your points and improve your chances of a swift invitation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Migration Points

Even with the steps clearly mapped out, real-world scenarios can raise specific questions. Whether you’re just starting your points calculation or updating your Expression of Interest after a new IELTS result, clarity matters. Here are the most frequent questions—and concise answers—to guide your next move.

Is 65 Points Always Enough to Receive an Invitation?

Scoring 65 points is the minimum requirement to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI), but it’s not a guaranteed invitation. In many occupation-specific rounds, high demand pushes cut-offs well above 65. For instance, software engineers and accountants recently needed between 85 and 95 points to receive invites.

Treat 65 as your launching pad, not your finish line. Every extra point boosts your ranking, shortens waiting periods and expands your visa options. If you’re at the threshold, consider strategies—like improving your English score or securing state nomination—to push you ahead in the queue.

Can I Update My EOI if My Circumstances Change?

Yes. You can—and should—update your EOI whenever you gain new points or your situation changes. A fresh language test result, added months of skilled work, a positive skills assessment or state nomination can all impact your ranking.

To update:

  1. Log in to your ImmiAccount.
  2. Open your active EOI in SkillSelect.
  3. Choose Update Details and amend the relevant sections.
  4. Submit the changes so they’re considered in the next invitation round.

Regular updates make sure you capture every point you earn and stay competitive in each draw.

How Long Are Language Test Scores and Assessment Outcomes Valid?

Validity periods vary by test and assessing body:

  • IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and OET scores generally remain valid for three years from the test date.
  • Engineers Australia Migration Skills Assessment letters don’t expire under Engineers Australia’s own rules, but the Department of Home Affairs may apply its own validity window—always check the requirements for your visa subclass.
  • Other assessing authorities often set validity spans of three to five years for qualification assessments.

Keep track of issue dates. If a key document is nearing expiry, plan a retest or request an updated assessment well before you file your visa application.

What If My Occupation Drops Off the Skilled Occupation List?

An occupation removal can feel like a setback, but you have multiple contingency routes:

  • State or territory nomination: some jurisdictions maintain their own priority lists that might still include your role.
  • Employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 482, 186): these streams don’t rely on the national skilled list.
  • Alternative pathways: business innovation, partner or family-stream visas may fit your circumstances.
  • Regional options: check the Regional Occupation List for potential eligibility under Subclass 491, which also grants bonus points.

When a change catches you off guard, engage a migration specialist quickly. They can evaluate your options and recommend the most viable visa pathway moving forward.

Next Steps for Your Migration Journey

You’ve learned how Australia’s migration points system works—from calculating your score to understanding visa streams and boosting your competitiveness. Now it’s time to turn that knowledge into action and get your application moving.

Begin by auditing your profile: run the official Points Calculator, update your EOI with any new test results or work experience, and double-check that your documents are complete and certified. If you’re aiming for state nomination or regional sponsorship, research priority occupation lists and prepare targeted applications.

Here’s a quick roadmap for what to do next:

  • Review your current points tally and identify any gaps
  • Gather and certify all supporting documents (qualifications, payslips, test scores)
  • Lodge or update your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect
  • Explore state or regional nomination options if you need extra points
  • Monitor upcoming invitation rounds and tie-breaker dates

For personalised advice and tailored resources, our team at Simon Mander Consulting is here to help. With over two decades of experience and thousands of successful visa grants, we can review your profile, recommend the best strategies and guide you through every step. Book a consultation today or download our free migration guides to keep your journey on track.

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