The Australian visa points test puts a number on your migration prospects. Through the SkillSelect system, the Department of Home Affairs evaluates factors—from age and English proficiency to work history and qualifications—to rank Expression of Interest submissions for skilled visas such as the 189, 190 and 491 subclasses. Clearing the 65-point benchmark opens the door to an invitation to apply, and every additional point can speed up that invitation and strengthen your path to permanent residency.
This article will begin by defining the points test and its place in SkillSelect, before unpacking each points category. We’ll then show you how to calculate your total—whether manually or with online tools—compare the top calculators available and share practical strategies to boost your score. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly where you stand and what actions will give you an edge.
What Is the Australian Visa Points Test?
The Australian visa points test is the backbone of the SkillSelect system. It assigns a numerical score to your profile—based on age, language ability, work experience, qualifications and other factors—to help the Department of Home Affairs rank skilled migration candidates. Only those who score at least 65 points become eligible for an invitation to apply, and higher scores can fast-track you to permanent residency.
SkillSelect compares your Expression of Interest (EOI) against thousands of other submissions. Your points total determines your position in the draw. In a tight labour market, every extra point matters: it not only boosts your ranking but also reflects how well you fit Australia’s economic needs.
Definition and Purpose
At its core, the points test is a transparent, merit-based system for selecting migrants who can contribute to Australia’s workforce. Introduced under the General Skilled Migration program in the late 1980s and refined with the launch of SkillSelect in 2012, it ensures that applicants bring in-demand skills rather than relying solely on employer sponsorship or family ties. By quantifying factors such as age, English proficiency and qualifications, the government aligns migration intake with national priorities while giving candidates clear targets to aim for.
Visa Subclasses That Require the Test
The points test applies to these popular skilled visa streams:
- Skilled Independent (subclass 189): No sponsorship needed. You compete purely on your own merits.
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190): A state or territory government nominates you, adding 5 points to your total.
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491): Offers a regional pathway with nomination by a state/territory or sponsorship by an eligible family member, plus 15 points for regional commitment.
Each subclass uses the same points framework, but nomination routes and additional points differ.
Eligible Applicants
You can use the points test if you’re a skilled professional aged 18–45, hold a positive skills assessment for an occupation on Australia’s skilled occupation lists, and lodge an EOI through SkillSelect. Employer-sponsored visas, family reunion categories and business or investor streams have their own eligibility rules—this test focuses on skilled migrants without a direct sponsor.
If you’re unsure where you stand, free online self-assessment tools let you calculate your likely score before committing to an EOI. That way, you’ll know whether you meet the basics or need to shore up your profile with extra qualifications, experience or language training.
Why the Points Test Matters for Your Migration Outcome
Your points score is more than a hurdle to clear—it directly influences how quickly, and even if, you receive an invitation to apply for an Australian skilled visa. In SkillSelect, every point you earn represents attributes the government values: youth, strong English, in-demand skills and qualifications. When thousands of EOIs compete for a limited number of invitations each round, a higher score can be the difference between waiting months or getting a nod in the next draw.
Beyond timing, your points profile reflects how well you match Australia’s labour market needs. A robust score signals to state or territory governments that you’re a desirable candidate for nomination programs. When it comes to permanent residency, those extra bonus points can accelerate your path or open doors to streams you wouldn’t otherwise qualify for.
How Points Affect SkillSelect Ranking
SkillSelect ranks EOIs purely by points, highest to lowest. Once the Department of Home Affairs sets a pass mark (currently 65 points), it draws candidates in order of their total score until each visa quota or occupation ceiling is reached. If two candidates share the same point total, the tie-breaker goes to the one who lodged their EOI first.
Because ranking happens every time invitations are issued, improving your score even by five points can jump you hundreds of places in the queue. That’s why it pays to review your profile regularly and add any newly earned credentials or work experience.
Invitation Likelihood by Score Bands
While no draw guarantees a fixed cutoff, these bands give a rough sense of your chances:
- 65–69 points: You meet the minimum, but you’ll likely wait longer—sometimes six months or more—for a draw.
- 70–79 points: A moderate chance. Invitations in this range tend to be sent every few rounds, depending on demand for your occupation.
- 80+ points: High likelihood of an early invitation. Those top-tier scores often receive invitations in the opening rounds of a program year.
Remember, occupation ceilings and changing program priorities can shift these bands. But in general, the higher your score, the more often you’ll see your EOI flagged for an invitation.
Role of Points in Achieving Permanent Residency
Not all skilled streams lead straight to permanent residency. The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) are permanent visas—you apply once invited and, if approved, you land permanent residency. The Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) is provisional but offers a clear path: after three years in a regional area and meeting income thresholds, you can apply for permanent residency.
Points don’t just secure an invitation—they determine which streams you qualify for and how quickly you can settle permanently.
Minimum Points Requirement and Invitation Process
Every skilled visa applicant must hit a baseline score before they can even be considered for an invitation to apply. At present, that bar is set at 65 points. However, simply meeting this threshold doesn’t guarantee you an invite—SkillSelect draws on overall demand, occupation limits and timing to decide whose Expression of Interest (EOI) gets pulled forward. Understanding the interplay between the pass mark, ranking and invitation rounds will help you plan and optimise your migration journey.
The 65-Point Pass Mark
The 65-point threshold was introduced to ensure applicants possess the minimum blend of age, English ability, experience and qualifications that Australia seeks. While every skilled stream uses this same benchmark, some visa subclasses effectively demand a higher cut-off: for example, state-nominated visas (subclass 190) or regional visas (subclass 491) may see draws at 70 points or above. Always check the latest invitation round results to gauge where your score sits relative to successful candidates in your occupation.
How Invitations Are Issued
SkillSelect follows a straightforward, three-step cycle:
- Lodge your EOI. You enter your details and claimed points into the SkillSelect system.
- SkillSelect ranks candidates. All active EOIs are ordered by points from highest to lowest (with earlier lodgement breaking any ties).
- Invitations go out in rounds. The Department of Home Affairs issues invitations until each visa quota or occupation ceiling is reached for that round.
Invitations usually occur monthly, though the schedule can vary. Once you receive an invitation, you typically have 60 days to submit a complete visa application —including all supporting documents—to lock in your spot.
Occupation Ceilings Overview
To manage intake for in-demand professions, the government applies occupation ceilings—limits on the number of invitations for each ANZSCO occupation per program year. When a ceiling is reached, SkillSelect stops issuing invites for that occupation until the next year’s allocation. This can lead to pauses in draws even if you meet the pass mark. We’ll cover ceilings in more detail in the section "Skilled Occupation Lists and Occupation Ceilings" below, so you know how to navigate these caps and maintain a competitive edge.
How the Points Test Works: Categories and Scores
The points test measures multiple aspects of your profile, assigning points across core and bonus categories. Your total score emerges from a combination of your age, language ability, work experience, qualifications and additional factors such as specialist education or partner skills. Below is a quick snapshot of each category and the maximum points you can claim.
| Category | Max Points |
|---|---|
| Age | 30 |
| English language proficiency | 20 |
| Skilled employment experience | 20 |
| Educational qualifications | 20 |
| Specialist education qualification | 10 |
| Australian study requirement | 5 |
| Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
| Credentialled community language | 5 |
| Study in regional Australia | 5 |
| Partner skills | 0–10 |
This table illustrates the blend of core and bonus scores you can accumulate. Some categories, such as age or employment, have built-in caps, while bonus factors reward extra effort in specific areas.
Overview of Points Categories
- Age: Points vary by age band, rewarding younger applicants within the 18–44 range.
- English language proficiency: Test results translate into Competent, Proficient or Superior levels.
- Skilled employment experience: You earn points for overseas and Australian work in your nominated occupation or closely related roles.
- Educational qualifications: Highest qualification only—ranging from trade diplomas to doctorates.
- Specialist education qualification: A research-based Master’s or PhD in eligible STEM or ICT fields.
- Australian study requirement: At least one Australian degree, diploma or trade qualification.
- Professional Year in Australia: Completion of an accredited program in accounting, engineering or ICT.
- Credentialled community language: NAATI accreditation for translating or interpreting in a community language.
- Study in regional Australia: Meeting the Australian study requirement while living in a designated regional area.
- Partner skills: Points for a partner’s age, English competence and skills assessment, or if single/a partner holds PR/citizenship.
These categories reflect both your personal attributes and professional credentials, ensuring a balanced evaluation.
Total Maximum Points Available
In theory, you can claim up to 155 points if every bonus category is maximised. However, the effective ceiling is lower because:
- Only your highest educational qualification counts toward the 20-point limit.
- Skilled employment caps combined at 20 points across overseas and Australian experience.
- Partner skills range from 0 to 10, but this only applies if you meet specific partner criteria.
- Core categories—age, English, employment, qualifications—total 90 points, with the remaining 65 available from bonus factors.
Understanding these caps helps you identify which areas to improve for the biggest return on effort.
Core vs Bonus Points
Core points form the foundation of your score, covering age, English ability, skilled employment and educational qualifications. These are non-negotiable and typically require the most preparation. Bonus points, on the other hand, reward additional achievements: specialist degrees, Australian study, professional years, language credentials, regional study and partner skills.
Focusing first on maximising core categories ensures you meet the 65-point pass mark. Once you’re there, strategically targeting bonus factors can catapult your application higher in the SkillSelect ranking—especially when competition is tight and every extra point counts.
Points for Age
The points you claim for age relate to how young or experienced you are when you receive an invitation to apply. Australia rewards applicants who fall within its preferred working age range. To calculate this, the Department of Home Affairs looks at your age on the exact date you’re invited—so timing can make a real difference to your score.
Age Brackets and Points Table
| Age at Invitation | Points |
|---|---|
| 18–24 years | 25 |
| 25–32 years | 30 |
| 33–39 years | 25 |
| 40–44 years | 15 |
| 45+ years | 0 |
As you can see, your sweet spot is between 25 and 32, where you can claim the maximum 30 points. Below or above that range, the points gradually taper off.
Timing Example
Imagine you’re 24 and your 25th birthday falls just two weeks before the next invitation round. If you lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI) immediately, your age will be recorded as 24—worth 25 points. But if you wait until after that birthday and the draw occurs when you’re 25, you’ll jump into the 30-point bracket. Conversely, slipping past your 33rd birthday without updating your EOI could drop you from 30 points down to 25.
Tips for Maximizing Age Points
- Submit your EOI well before milestone birthdays to lock in the higher points band.
- Keep an eye on invitation round schedules and calendar your EOI accordingly.
- Ensure your date of birth is entered correctly in SkillSelect—accuracy matters.
By aligning your application timing with your age milestones, you’ll make sure you’re not leaving easy points on the table.
Points for English Language Proficiency
English ability is one of the core pillars of your points test. The Department of Home Affairs recognises three levels of proficiency—Competent, Proficient and Superior—each tied to specific test scores and worth different point values. A higher band not only boosts your score but also demonstrates you can thrive in an English-speaking workplace.
Levels Defined
- Competent English (0 points): Meets the minimum threshold for work and study.
- Proficient English (10 points): Shows a strong command of the language in all areas.
- Superior English (20 points): Reflects near-native fluency across reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Your points are based on the highest level you achieve in an accepted test.
Accepted Tests and Scores
Below are the tests recognised by Home Affairs and the minimum scores required for each proficiency band:
| Test | Competent | Proficient | Superior |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 in each | 7.0 in each | 8.0 in each |
| PTE Academic | 50 in each | 65 in each | 79 in each |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening 12 Reading 13 Writing 21 Speaking 18 | Listening 24 Reading 24 Writing 27 Speaking 23 | Listening 28 Reading 29 Writing 30 Speaking 26 |
| OET | B in each | B in each | A in each |
| Cambridge CAE | 169 in each | 185 in each | 200 in each |
Scores must meet these component-by-component requirements—you can’t mix higher marks in one skill with lower marks in another to claim a band.
Claiming Points and Evidence
When you finalise your Expression of Interest, upload a clear copy of your test report form showing:
- Your full name as per passport
- Test date (must be within three years of your visa application)
- Individual component scores
SkillSelect awards points based on the highest band you’ve achieved. Ensure your test results are valid on the date you apply and that you’ve filled in exactly the same name and details in your EOI. For comprehensive guidance on meeting the language standards, check the English language requirements page.
Points for Skilled Employment Experience
Your work history—both overseas and in Australia—can contribute up to 20 points to your visa application. To claim these points, your employment must have been in your nominated skilled occupation or a closely related role, for at least 20 hours per week, and within the 10 years before you are invited to apply. Note that even if you score more than 20 combined points across both tables below, only 20 points will be awarded.
Overseas Employment Points
Points for employment outside Australia reward sustained, relevant work experience in your field.
| Years of Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| 3–4 years | 5 |
| 5–7 years | 10 |
| 8 years or more | 15 |
You can claim overseas points only if your role matches your nominated ANZSCO occupation—or is recognised as closely related by the assessing authority.
Australian Employment Points
Australia-based work in your chosen occupation carries slightly higher weight, reflecting local industry familiarity.
| Years of Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 0 |
| 1–2 years | 5 |
| 3–4 years | 10 |
| 5–7 years | 15 |
| 8 years or more | 20 |
To be eligible, you must have held a substantive visa or a Bridging Visa A or Bridging Visa B and complied with its conditions during your employment.
Defining Closely Related Occupations
“Closely related” roles must meet one of these criteria:
- Belong to the same ANZSCO Unit Group as your nominated occupation
- Reflect a clear career progression pathway
- Be recognised by your assessing authority as comparable
This flexibility means you can include jobs that leverage overlapping skills, so long as you secure the appropriate skills assessment.
Documenting Employment Claims
Accurate, verifiable evidence is key. For each period of work, gather:
- An official reference letter on company letterhead, detailing job title, duties, dates and weekly hours
- Payslips or tax records showing remuneration and hours worked
- Employment contracts or appointment letters
- Any registration documents if your occupation requires licensing
Make sure all documents align with your EOI dates and occupation description. Discrepancies can delay processing or lead to point reductions, so double-check names, dates and duties before lodging your application.
Points for Educational Qualifications
Your highest formal qualification forms a significant part of your core score, with up to 20 points on offer. Whether you hold a PhD, bachelor’s degree, diploma or a trade certificate, only the single highest credential is counted. That means an Australian or comparable overseas degree can make a big difference to your overall points total.
Points by Qualification Level
Below is the breakdown of points for each qualification tier:
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate (PhD) from an Australian or recognised overseas institution | 20 |
| Bachelor degree from an Australian or recognised overseas institution | 15 |
| Diploma or trade qualification from an Australian institution | 10 |
| Other qualifications or awards recognised by the assessing authority for your occupation | 10 |
You can only claim points for one qualification—the highest in the table above. If you hold a PhD, for example, you won’t also claim 15 points for a bachelor’s degree.
Skills Assessment Requirement
A positive skills assessment from the relevant authority is essential before you can claim education points. Each skilled occupation has an associated assessing body—listed on the Skill Occupation List—that confirms your qualification meets industry standards.
To obtain your skills assessment:
- Identify the correct authority for your ANZSCO code.
- Submit certified copies of your academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Wait for a formal letter or certificate that explicitly states your qualification is suitable for your nominated occupation.
Without this document, your education won’t count towards the visa points test.
Recognition of Overseas Qualifications
If your highest qualification is from outside Australia and the occupation-specific authority didn’t assess its academic level, you can approach VETASSESS for a comparative evaluation. VETASSESS will map your credential to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), producing a formal report you can accompany to support your skills assessment.
To request this service, visit VETASSESS and follow their overseas qualification assessment process. Their report can bridge gaps when occupation-specific assessors require independent verification of your international degrees.
Example Scenarios
Maria, the PhD researcher
Maria holds a Doctor of Philosophy from an Australian university and a positive assessment from Engineers Australia. She claims 20 points for her doctorate and bypasses the bachelor’s degree tier.Arjun, the overseas bachelor’s graduate
Arjun has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an Indian institution. His assessing authority for civil engineers recognises his degree outright, granting him 15 points without needing a VETASSESS report.Sofia, the trade-qualified applicant
Sofia completed a two-year trade qualification in automotive mechanics at a TAFE in Sydney. With her certificate recognised by the relevant assessing body, she secures 10 points toward her total.
By understanding which tier your education falls into—and securing the necessary assessments—you’ll ensure you claim every point you’re entitled to in this core category.
Other Points Factors
Beyond the core categories of age, English, work experience and qualifications, skilled migrants can pursue several bonus factors to crank up their points total. You can earn up to 40 extra points across specialist education, Australian study, a Professional Year, language accreditation and regional study. Here’s what you need to know to claim each one.
Specialist Education Qualification
A research-based Master’s by research or a PhD from an Australian institution can net you 10 points—provided the program included at least two academic years of study in eligible fields. These fields cover:
- Natural and physical sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, earth and mathematical sciences)
- Information technology (computer science, information systems)
- Engineering and related technologies (civil, electrical, mechanical, aerospace, process engineering)
Before you apply, verify your course on the CRICOS website to ensure it meets the specialist education requirement: CRICOS.
Australian Study Requirement
Studying in Australia isn’t just about the experience—it also brings 5 bonus points. To qualify, you must have completed at least one degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian institution that meets the Australian study requirement. That means:
- A minimum of two academic years (92 weeks) of full-time study
- Taught in English by a registered Australian provider
- Completed while physically in Australia (distance learning doesn’t count)
Professional Year in Australia
Completing a Professional Year program in Accounting, ICT or Engineering can earn you 5 points. Your Professional Year must:
- Run at least 12 months and finish within four years before your invitation
- Relate to your nominated occupation or a closely related role
- Be delivered by one of these approved providers:
Keep your Record of Completion handy—it’s the proof you need when lodging your visa application.
Credentialled Community Language
If you’re fluent in a community language and hold accreditation from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters, you can claim 5 points. Eligible applicants must be certified at the paraprofessional level or above, or hold a credential for interpreting or translating. For details on recognised accreditation tiers, visit NAATI.
Study in Regional Australia
Living and studying in a designated regional area can also boost your tally by 5 points. To qualify:
- Your qualification must meet the Australian study requirement
- You must have physically lived in and studied at a campus in a designated regional area
- Distance education or online courses are not eligible
By ticking off these bonus boxes, you’ll turbocharge your profile and stand a better chance of a quick invitation. Make sure you collect all the necessary evidence up front—accurate proof is the key to snagging these extra points without a hitch.
Partner Skills
Your partner’s profile can contribute up to 10 bonus points, depending on their qualifications, English ability and your relationship status. Only one of the following scenarios applies:
| Scenario | Points |
|---|---|
| Partner under 45, with competent English, positive skills assessment, and applying for the same visa subclass | 10 |
| You are single, or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident | 10 |
| Partner with competent English only, and applying for the same visa subclass | 5 |
These points recognise the added value of a skilled, English-proficient partner or the stability offered by a partner who already holds Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
Skilled Partner Scenario
If your spouse or de facto partner is included in your visa application and is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you can claim 10 points when they:
- Are under 45 years old as at the invitation date.
- Achieve at least competent English in an accepted test.
- Nominate a skilled occupation on the same skilled occupation list as you.
- Hold a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority (not assessed for a Subclass 485 visa).
This combination shows that both of you can contribute to Australia’s workforce from day one.
Single or Partner as PR/Citizen Scenario
You also receive 10 points if either:
- You are single (no spouse or de facto partner included in your application).
- Your partner is an Australian permanent resident or citizen.
This scenario reflects lower migration risk when an individual or a couple with existing Australian status applies.
Partner with Competent English Only Scenario
You can claim 5 points when your partner:
- Has at least competent English.
- Is included in the same visa subclass application.
- Is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
This recognises language readiness even if your partner doesn’t hold a skills assessment.
Evidence Requirements
Prepare the following documents to support your partner skills claim:
- English test report form showing your partner’s component scores and meeting the competent English threshold.
- Skills assessment letter from the relevant authority, if claiming the skilled partner scenario.
- Proof of relationship: marriage certificate, joint lease agreements, shared bank statements or statutory declarations.
- Your partner’s birth certificate, citizenship certificate or passport if claiming points for a partner with Australian PR/citizenship status.
Ensure all documents align with your EOI data and remain valid at the time of invitation. Incomplete or inconsistent evidence can delay processing or reduce your claimed points.
Skilled Occupation Lists and Occupation Ceilings
Your chosen occupation must appear on one of the recognised skill lists, and even then you may face caps on the number of invitations issued. Understanding these lists and the occupation ceilings attached to them will help you pick the right occupation and time your application strategically.
Skilled Occupation Lists
Australia maintains three main lists for general skilled migration:
- MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List): Occupations with strong, ongoing demand. Eligibility for visas such as the Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491).
- STSOL (Short-Term Skilled Occupation List): Roles needed in the shorter term, typically for subclass 491 and some state-nominated visas.
- ROL (Regional Occupation List): Occupations eligible only for regional pathways, including subclass 491.
Each list is updated periodically to reflect labour market shifts. If your occupation isn’t on any list, you won’t qualify for a points-tested skilled visa. To see which list your job falls under, check the ANZSCO search tool, which covers MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL.
Checking Your Occupation
Before you claim any points, confirm that your ANZSCO code aligns with your skills assessment and visa subclass requirements:
- Visit the Department of Home Affairs’ Skill Occupation List page to view official lists.
- Use the ANZSCO search interface to find your exact occupation title and code.
- Match the list entry to your visa subclass—MLTSSL roles feed into 189, 190 and 491; STSOL into 190 and 491; ROL only into 491.
Accurate matching ensures your skills assessment and EOI declare the correct occupation, preventing delays or point reductions.
Impact of Occupation Ceilings
To manage intake in high-demand fields, the government sets annual ceilings on invitations for each ANZSCO occupation. Once a ceiling is reached in a program year:
- Invitations for that occupation pause, even if you meet the 65-point pass mark.
- Remaining eligible EOIs roll over to the next year’s allocation.
- Draws for that occupation resume only when the new year’s quota opens.
Occupation ceilings can shift based on economic priorities. If you notice repeated pauses in your occupation, consider alternatives: switching to a closely related ANZSCO code with lower demand, or securing a state nomination (which often carries its own allocation outside federal ceilings). For the latest limits and per-occupation caps, see the Home Affairs page on Occupation Ceilings.
How to Calculate Your Points Score
Calculating your visa points score is a matter of gathering the right evidence, slotting your claims into a simple template, and totalling your points to see if you meet or exceed the 65-point threshold. Below is a blank summary table you can copy, followed by step-by-step instructions and a few common pitfalls to watch for.
| Category | Max Points | Your Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 30 | |
| English language proficiency | 20 | |
| Skilled employment experience | 20 | |
| Educational qualifications | 20 | |
| Specialist education qualification | 10 | |
| Australian study requirement | 5 | |
| Professional Year in Australia | 5 | |
| Credentialled community language | 5 | |
| Study in regional Australia | 5 | |
| Partner skills | 10 | |
| Total | 155 | — |
Gathering Your Evidence
Before you start filling in numbers, make sure you have all supporting documents on hand:
- Age: Passport bio-page or birth certificate.
- English proficiency: Test report form showing component scores and issue date.
- Employment experience: Reference letters (on company letterhead), payslips or tax records, employment contracts.
- Qualifications: Academic transcripts, degree certificates and your skills assessment letter.
- Specialist education: CRICOS course details and award certificate for a Master’s by research or PhD.
- Australian study: Confirmation of award, academic transcripts and proof of on-campus attendance.
- Professional Year: Record of Completion from an approved provider.
- Community language: NAATI accreditation certificate.
- Regional study: Evidence of residence (lease, utility bills) and campus location in a designated regional area.
- Partner skills: Relationship proof (marriage certificate or statutory declaration), partner’s test report, skills assessment or proof of citizenship/PR.
Manual Calculation Steps
- For each category in the table, refer to the relevant points chart earlier in this guide.
- Enter the points you’re entitled to under “Your Points.”
- Add up all values in the “Your Points” column to get your total score.
- Compare your total against the 65-point pass mark. If you’re below, identify which category you can strengthen—perhaps by improving your English score or adding a bonus factor.
This hands-on approach ensures you understand exactly where each point comes from and highlights areas that need attention before lodging your EOI.
Common Pitfalls
- Using expired English test results: remember these are only valid for three years.
- Claiming unassessed qualifications: always secure a positive skills assessment or VETASSESS report.
- Mismatched dates: your employment and study evidence must align with the periods claimed.
- Incorrect ANZSCO code: ensure your occupation matches your skills assessment and EOI.
- Overlooking bonus factors: double-check if you qualify for specialist education, regional study or partner skills points.
- Failing to update your EOI: any new qualification or experience should be added promptly to boost your ranking.
By following this template and avoiding these common errors, you’ll have a clear, accurate picture of your points score—and a plan for where to invest your efforts to reach or surpass the 65-point threshold.
Top Points Calculator Tools and Resources
When you’re ready to pin down your score, online calculators can save time—just be aware of their features, accuracy and whether they cover every bonus category. Below is a roundup of the leading points-test tools, along with guidance on when it still pays to calculate manually or call in professional advice.
Official Home Affairs Points Calculator
The Department of Home Affairs offers the most up-to-date, free points calculator on its website. It walks you through each category—age, English, work experience, qualifications and bonus factors—then provides your indicative score for subclasses 188, 189, 190 and 491. Its strengths lie in accuracy and alignment with current policy. On the flip side, the interface is very basic and doesn’t store your entries, so you’ll need to complete it in one sitting:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/tools/points-calculator
ANZSCO Search Points Test
ANZSCO Search’s tool adds a layer of flexibility. You can toggle between subclasses 189, 190 and 491—and see how state nomination or regional sponsorship affects your tally. The calculator is free and lets you save a link to your results for later review. It doesn’t replace a formal skills assessment, but it’s great for modelling “what-if” scenarios as you plan further study or work options:
https://www.anzscosearch.com/points-test/
Other Third-Party Calculators
– Visa Envoy Calculator
A straightforward, no-cost tool that covers the essentials. It’s quick to use but doesn’t delve into every bonus factor—so it’s best for a rough check rather than a final calculation.
https://visaenvoy.com/australia-pr-points-calculator-from-16-november-2019/
– DownUnder Centre Calculator
This free form-based calculator guides you through the main categories and gives immediate feedback. Its interface is user-friendly, but it may not reflect very recent policy tweaks, so always double-check critical details against official sources.
https://www.downundercentre.com/free-visa-points-calculator
When to Seek Professional Advice
Online tools are terrific for an initial self-assessment, but they can’t replace a tailored review of your credentials and circumstances—especially if your total sits close to the 65-point pass mark or you’re juggling complex factors (dual qualifications, partner claims, bridging visas). In those borderline cases, a migration specialist can audit your evidence, spot missing opportunities for bonus points and ensure your Expression of Interest is both accurate and optimised.
Strategies to Maximise Your Points
Raising your points tally isn’t just a matter of luck—it’s about targeted action and smart timing. Whether you’re sitting at 60 points or just cleared the 65-point mark, these strategies can help you squeeze out extra points and improve your SkillSelect ranking. Think of each step as an investment in your profile: some require weeks of preparation, others call for months, but all add up to a stronger case for invitation.
Timing Your EOI
Plan your Expression of Interest submission around key personal milestones.
- Birthday checkpoints: If you’re turning 25, 33 or 40 within a few weeks of an expected draw, delay or accelerate your EOI so that the invitation date falls in your highest-scoring age band.
- Test dates and course completions: Schedule English exams and course graduations at least a month before major invitation rounds. That cushion lets you lodge updated scores and transcripts without missing deadlines.
- Refreshing your EOI: Whenever you gain a new qualification, work experience or test result, log back into SkillSelect and update your claim. A fresh EOI can leapfrog you ahead of candidates with stale profiles.
Boosting English Test Scores
A jump from Competent to Proficient or Superior English can net you 10–20 points—worth its weight in gold.
- Structured prep: Enrol in an IELTS, PTE or TOEFL workshop 8–12 weeks before your exam date. Regular practice tests, vocabulary drills and speaking clinics will shore up your weaker components.
- Targeted materials: Use official test guides and mobile apps designed for each section. If writing hinders you, join an online writing lab; if speaking trips you up, record mock interviews and get feedback from peers or tutors.
- Retake strategy: If your first score falls short, plan for a second sitting six weeks later. That gap gives you time to review mistakes and build confidence without rushing.
Gaining Eligible Work Experience
Every 1–2 years of employment can add 5–10 points to your profile—and local Australian experience carries extra weight.
- Short-term contracts: Look for six- to twelve-month projects in your ANZSCO occupation or a related field. Even part-time roles at 20+ hours per week count.
- Volunteer or pro bono roles: If paid positions are scarce, volunteer work in your profession (with documented hours and duties) can sometimes be recognised by your assessing authority as closely related experience.
- Record keeping: Maintain a detailed work diary and collect reference letters that specify dates, hours and duties. The clearer your evidence, the smoother your skills assessment and points claim will be.
Leveraging State Nomination
State and territory governments often run nomination streams with their own quotas—stacking an extra 5 points for subclass 190 or 491, and sometimes offering bonus streams for hot skills.
- Research targeted programs: Some states prioritise regional occupations or emerging industries. Identify which jurisdictions need your talents and tailor an application to their criteria.
- Fast-track pathways: A handful of nomination schemes run on tighter timelines, completing assessments in 4–6 weeks. If time’s tight, opt for a program with a proven turnaround.
- Keep options open: While you wait for one nomination outcome, lodge EOIs for alternative states. That way, you can pivot if one stream reaches its ceiling or changes its demand list.
Partner Skill Optimization
Your partner’s profile can contribute up to 10 valuable points—and boosting their credentials is often quicker than adding your own work experience.
- Language preparation: Encourage your partner to sit a competent English test (even if they don’t aim for Proficient). A single IELTS or PTE workshop plus 4–6 weeks of practice can secure 5 points.
- Skills assessment: If your partner’s occupation appears on the skilled occupation list, help them gather their academic transcripts and work references for a positive assessment—worth an extra 10 points when combined with language skills.
- Relationship evidence: While your partner works on tests or assessments, compile shared-contract leases, joint accounts and statutory declarations. Solid proof of genuine partnership smooths the path to claiming partner points without delays.
By weaving these tactics into your migration plan—calendaring test dates, stacking state nominations and refining partner claims—you’ll see your points climb steadily. And remember to revisit your EOI after each milestone: a few extra points today can mean a much quicker invitation tomorrow.
Taking the Next Steps
Now that you’ve explored how the Australian visa points test breaks down—from core categories like age, English proficiency, work experience and qualifications, to bonus factors such as specialist education and partner skills—you have a clear roadmap for where your profile stands. Use the summary table and sample scenarios in this guide to calculate your current score. Compare your tally against the 65-point pass mark and decide which areas to strengthen: perhaps booking a higher-level language test, enrolling in a regional study program or updating your Expression of Interest with newly earned credentials.
With your points calculated, leverage the online tools we’ve covered for a quick health check, and revisit your EOI regularly to reflect any improvements. Don’t let common pitfalls—expired test results, unassessed qualifications or mismatched ANZSCO codes—undermine your hard work. Instead, plan your next steps strategically: time your EOI around birthdays and test dates, pursue state nomination or professional years, and gather evidence early to support every claim.
Every extra point counts in SkillSelect. If your score is on the cusp of the cutoff, consider professional advice to sharpen your case. For tailored guidance, expert review of your evidence and strategies to maximise your points, visit Simon Mander Consulting P/L. With over 22 years’ experience and thousands of successful visa grants, they offer personalised migration solutions and a complimentary skilled migration booklet to help you navigate each requirement with confidence: https://simonmander.com
