Skilled Visa Australia Points: How To Calculate Your Score

Australia’s skilled migration program is governed by one crucial metric: your points score. This number determines eligibility for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491) visas—and you need at least 65 points just to enter the competition. Because invitation rounds favour the highest scorers, every point counts toward turning your Expression of Interest into an Invitation to Apply.

In this guide, we’ll walk through each points category—from age and English proficiency to work experience and specialist claims—and show you how to calculate your score using the Department of Home Affairs’ official tools. You’ll discover how to organise supporting documents, track your totals, and apply targeted strategies to boost your ranking. Finally, we’ll outline the next steps: lodging your EOI, awaiting an invitation, and preparing a complete visa submission. With these insights, you’ll be ready to pursue your Australian skilled visa with confidence.

Understanding the Australian Points Test and its Purpose

Australia’s SkillSelect system relies on a transparent, legislated points test to rank skilled-migration applicants and manage visa quotas. Embedded in the Migration Regulations, it assigns values to a range of factors—from your age and English skills to your work history and qualifications. Once you lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI), you’re scored on each category and placed into a pool. If your ranking is high enough, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), at which point you must back every claim with documentary evidence.

Underpinning this approach is a simple goal: match Australia’s labour needs with the best-suited candidates, while ensuring fair access. Because each visa subclass (189, 190 and 491) allocates a limited number of places, exceeding the statutory minimum of 65 points isn’t just recommended—it’s often essential to turn your EOI into an ITA.

What is the Points Test?

The points test acts like a scorecard. You accumulate points across core categories:

• Age
• English proficiency
• Skilled employment (overseas and Australian)
• Educational qualifications
• Specialist education and study in Australia
• Professional Year completion
• Credentialled community language
• Partner skills
• State nomination or regional sponsorship

When you submit your EOI, you declare your claimed points. An invitation is extended based on that score, but nothing is final until you supply supporting documents—IELTS or PTE results, skills-assessment reports, employment reference letters, academic transcripts and more. Accurate, verifiable records are vital: any discrepancy can cost you an invitation or lead to refusal.

Points-tested Visa Streams

Three General Skilled Migration pathways hinge on your points test:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): Permanent residency, no nomination required. Invitations rest solely on your point ranking.
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): Permanent residency with state or territory nomination; adds 5 points but you must meet that jurisdiction’s specific criteria.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): Five-year regional visa; awards 15 extra points for regional sponsorship and requires you to live and work in designated areas.

Each stream aligns with different settlement goals—independent migration, state workforce planning or regional development—but all share the same points backbone.

Why a Minimum of 65 Points?

The 65-point threshold is the legal entry ticket to the pool. It’s the bare minimum you must claim to be considered. In practice, invitation rounds prioritise the highest scorers, and many occupations routinely draw candidates scoring well above 65. On top of that, some states set higher minima for 190 nominations, and regional sponsors for 491 often impose their own cut-offs. Aiming beyond 65 points isn’t a luxury—it’s the most reliable way to boost your prospects in each invitation round.

Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Your Points

Before you hit “submit” on your EOI, it pays to map out exactly how many points you can claim—and back each one with solid evidence. This step-by-step guide walks you through the process from gathering paperwork to running your data through the official calculator, and finally logging your total in a way that’s easy to review and update. Think of it as assembling a puzzle: each piece—whether it’s your IELTS score or a reference letter—helps complete the picture of your eligibility.

Gathering Your Documentation and Evidence

Accurate points claims start with the right documents. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• Passport bio page and national ID, to confirm identity and age
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated and certified if not in English)
• Skills assessment report from the relevant authority (e.g., VETASSESS, Engineers Australia)
• Employment reference letters, detailing your role, hours (at least 20 per week) and dates of service
• English test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET) showing your score bands
• Proof of any niche claims: Professional Year Record of Completion, NAATI accreditation, regional study enrolment

Tips for non-English documents: engage a NAATI-accredited translator, then get both the original and the certified translation notarised. Keep scanned and hard copies in clearly labelled folders (digital and physical), so nothing goes missing when you need it most.

Using the Official Points Calculator

The Department’s online tool is your best friend for a quick reality check. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the calculator at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/tools/points-calculator
2. Enter your date of birth—this auto-calculates your age-based points.
3. Select your English proficiency level and input test dates and scores.
4. Fill in your highest qualification and the assessing authority that approved it.
5. Add years of skilled employment—separately for Australian and overseas experience.
6. Tick any additional categories you qualify for: Professional Year, regional study, community language, partner skills, state nomination or regional sponsorship.
7. Hit “Calculate” and note your total.

The output shows your provisional points tally. If you’re below 65, look back at each category to see where you might gain more—perhaps by improving your English score or adding that extra year of work experience.

Recording and Verifying Your Score

Once you’ve run the numbers, it’s smart to log everything in a simple spreadsheet. Set up columns like so:

This layout makes it easy to spot gaps or mismatches. Before you submit your EOI, have a friend or a registered migration agent cross-check your totals against the original documents. A second pair of eyes can catch simple errors—like transposed digits in your work dates—that might otherwise cost you an invitation.

Claiming Points for Age

Age is one of the simplest yet most critical components of your points test. Your age is calculated on the date you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), not when you lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI). If you turn 45 on or before that invitation date, you’ll score zero points in this category—even if you were under 45 when you submitted your EOI. That makes timing your application especially important if you’re approaching that cut-off.

Because the age bracket with the highest points (25–32 years) awards 30 points, younger applicants naturally have an advantage here. But applicants outside that sweet spot can still build a competitive profile by maximising other categories. Understanding where you fit in the age table—and planning to apply before you lose points—can make a tangible difference to your overall score.

Age Ranges and Corresponding Points

Strategic Considerations for Older Applicants

• Apply before you hit 45
  If you’re close to your 45th birthday, prioritise lodging your EOI (and securing an ITA) before that milestone. Even a small delay could cost you all age points.
• Compensate with other categories
  Falling into the 33–39 or 40–44 bracket still earns you points, but you’ll want to boost English proficiency (aim for Superior English), gain an extra year of skilled work, or secure a state nomination to offset the shortfall.
• Leverage niche claims
  Consider adding a Professional Year, a specialist education qualification, or NAATI accreditation to shore up points where age leaves a gap.
• Timeline alignment
  Map out your EOI submission and estimate ITA turnaround times. If you anticipate delays in skills assessment or English testing, factor those into your schedule so that your invitation arrives before your 45th birthday.

By understanding how age points work and proactively planning, older applicants can still assemble a strong, well-balanced profile to meet—and exceed—the 65-point mark.

Claiming Points for English Language Proficiency

Your command of English can contribute up to 20 points toward your skilled visa application. You’ll need to sit one of the Department-approved language tests and lodge the official score report when you claim points. Securing a higher band not only meets the minimum requirement but can give your overall ranking a significant boost.

Understanding English Proficiency Levels

The points test recognises three tiers of English ability:

To claim Proficient or Superior points, you must meet or exceed the minimum score in each test component (listening, reading, writing and speaking) in a single sitting.

Proving Your English Test Results

When you receive your test certificate, keep both digital and hard-copy versions. You’ll upload a copy to ImmiAccount and include it in your visa application. Key things to remember:

• Only IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and OET are accepted.
• You must demonstrate at least competent English by the time you receive an Invitation to Apply.
• Most test results remain valid for three years, but always check the issuing authority’s rules.

If you’re claiming partner-skill points, your spouse or de facto partner must also meet the required English level and provide their own test certificate.

Tips to Improve Your English Score

Boosting your band by even half a point in one section can unlock valuable points:

• Sit official practice tests under exam conditions to build familiarity and time management.
• Join a focused online course or local language centre for structured learning and feedback.
• Target your weakest skill—if speaking lags, find a language exchange or conversation coach.
• Consider one-on-one tutoring for personalised strategies and error correction.

For detailed tactics on raising your test bands and maximising your points, see Simon Mander’s guide on how to improve your points score.

Claiming Points for Skilled Employment Experience

Skilled employment—both in Australia and overseas—is a cornerstone of your points tally. The system rewards experienced professionals who have practised their occupation (or a closely related role) for a sustained period, reflecting the value of hands-on expertise. To claim these points, you must provide verifiable evidence—reference letters, payslips, contracts—showing you worked at least 20 hours per week in your nominated ANZSCO occupation (or a role deemed closely related) within the 10 years before your Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Points are calculated separately for Australian and overseas experience, but the total from both streams is capped at 20 points. That means even if your combined experience exceeds the maximum, you’ll receive no more than 20 points. Understanding how each category works—and planning your claims strategically—can help you maximise this significant portion of your score.

Australian Skilled Employment Experience Points

For work performed in Australia, you can earn up to 20 points:

To qualify, your Australian employment must have been in your nominated occupation (or a closely related one), for at least 20 hours per week. You must have held a substantive visa or a Bridging A or Bridging B visa during that period and complied with its conditions. Include detailed service records, payment stubs and an assessor’s confirmation if you claim experience in a closely related position. For full criteria and definitions, see the official points table.

Overseas Skilled Employment Experience Points

Your international work also counts, up to a limit of 15 points:

This work must be in the same or a closely related ANZSCO occupation, evidenced by formal employment contracts, official letters and detailed duty descriptions. Only roles practised within the 10 years before your ITA are eligible. If your role is “closely related,” your assessing authority—listed on the skill occupation list—must recognise the link as part of your skills assessment.

Combining Employment Points and Caps

You can add your Australian and overseas points together—but remember the 20-point ceiling for employment experience. For example, if you have eight years of skilled work overseas (15 points) and five years in Australia (15 points), your total is capped at 20 points, not 30. To make every year count, prioritise claiming the combination that reaches exactly 20 without exceeding it. This avoids wasted potential and ensures your EOI reflects the strongest—and most efficient—use of your work history.

Claiming Points for Educational Qualifications

Your highest educational credential is a major contributor to your points tally—but remember, you can only claim points for the single highest level you’ve achieved. Whether it’s a PhD, a bachelor’s degree or a vocational diploma, confirming its Australian equivalence and presenting it correctly will secure your points in this category.

Points for Qualification Levels

If you hold multiple qualifications, such as both a master’s and a doctorate, you’ll only receive the 20 points for your PhD. Be sure to attach certified copies of your degree certificate and academic transcripts when you submit your application.

Recognition of Overseas Qualifications

For qualifications earned outside Australia, you must obtain an official skills assessment to show equivalence to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Most applicants approach Vocational Education Training and Assessment Services (VETASSESS) for this assessment. Prepare:

• Certified copies of your academic transcripts and qualification certificate.
• English translations by a NAATI-accredited translator if original documents aren’t in English.
• A completed application following VETASSESS’s International Qualifications Assessment process.

Once VETASSESS confirms your credential level, include their assessment report with your visa application. This report substantiates your claim and ensures the Department recognises your overseas qualification.

Accreditation by Relevant Assessing Authorities

Each skilled occupation is matched to a specific assessing authority. Before you claim education points, verify your occupation’s assessor via the skill occupation list. Common examples include:

• Engineers Australia for engineering disciplines
• Australian Computer Society for ICT roles
• CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants ANZ for accounting professionals

Submit any occupation-specific assessment—such as Engineers Australia’s Chartered Status or ACS qualification evaluation—alongside your Expression of Interest. Accurate alignment of your ANZSCO code, qualification and assessing authority streamlines verification and secures your education points without unnecessary delays.

Claiming Points for a Professional Year in Australia

Completing a Professional Year in Australia can earn you 5 valuable points toward your skilled visa application. Designed as a bridge between tertiary study and full-time professional work, these structured programs combine formal training, mentoring and industry placements over 12 months. To claim points, your Professional Year must have been completed in the four years before you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and must be directly aligned with your nominated occupation or a closely related role.

Overview of Professional Year and Eligible Streams

A Professional Year is a Government-recognised program that blends classroom learning with on-the-job experience. Key features include:

• Minimum 12-month duration, covering professional conduct, communication skills and industry best practices
• Structured work placement with a host employer or through simulated projects
• Mentorship from experienced practitioners in your field

Eligible streams for 5 points are:

• Accounting: provided by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ or the Institute of Public Accountants
• Information and Communications Technology (ICT): hosted by the Australian Computer Society
• Engineering: delivered under licence by Engineers Australia

Each stream focuses on sector-specific competencies and ensures you are workplace-ready in an Australian context.

ACS Professional Year in IT

The ACS Professional Year Program is tailored for recent ICT graduates seeking to refine their skills in:

• Project management and agile methodologies
• Business analysis, networking and cloud technologies
• Professional communication, ethics and workplace culture

Upon successful completion, ACS issues an official Record of Completion. This document confirms you have met the program’s requirements—including 12 months of coursework and internship—and qualifies you for 5 points under the points test. Beyond visa points, graduates benefit from an industry mentor network and enhanced employability in Australia’s tech sector.

Applying and Documentation

To claim your Professional Year points, you will need:

1. A recognised Australian qualification in Accounting, ICT or Engineering.
2. Evidence of English proficiency at least at the Competent level.
3. A valid visa during the entire Professional Year program.

After finishing the course, request your Record of Completion from the provider. When you receive an ITA, include:

• A certified copy of the Record of Completion
• Your enrolment letter showing course start and end dates
• Confirmation of your industry placement or project work

Store these documents in your ImmiAccount and in your visa-application portfolio. Accurate, timely submission of the Record of Completion ensures you secure the full 5 points for your Professional Year in Australia.

Claiming Additional Points: Study, Specialist Education and Community Language

Beyond the core categories, there are four specialised streams where you can earn extra points. These often make the difference between a borderline EOI and one that stands out in invitation rounds. Whether you’ve completed study in Australia, undertaken a research degree, or mastered a community language, each niche claim requires specific evidence—but delivers a valuable boost to your overall score.

Australian Study Requirement

If you’ve completed at least one degree, diploma or trade qualification in Australia, you can claim 5 points. To qualify, your course must meet the Australian study requirement:

• The qualification must be from an Australian educational institution.
• The program must have been of at least two academic years’ duration.
• It must be completed while you held a student or other substantive visa.

To support your claim, include certified copies of your award certificate, official transcripts showing academic years, and your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Study in Regional Australia

Another 5 points are available if you satisfied the Australian study requirement while living and studying in a designated regional area. Key conditions:

• Your qualification must still meet the two-year study rule.
• You must have physically lived and attended classes on campus in a regional zone.
• Distance education or online study does not count.

Check the Department’s list of eligible regional postcodes, then supply a campus attendance letter or rental agreement alongside your transcripts to prove you lived in that area during your course.

Specialist Education Qualification

A research-focused postgraduate degree can deliver 10 points, provided it meets these criteria:

• Awarded by an Australian institution after at least two academic years of study.
• Must be in a relevant STEM or ICT field (for example, biological or chemical sciences, computer science, engineering disciplines).

To verify eligibility, consult the CRICOS database (http://cricos.education.gov.au/) and include a certified copy of your thesis completion certificate or letter from the university confirming program duration and field of study.

Credentialled Community Language

If you hold accreditation in a community language, you can claim 5 points. To be eligible, you must be:

• Accredited at paraprofessional level (or higher) by an assessing body, or
• Certified at the provisional level (or above) by NAATI, or
• Hold a community language credential for interpreting or translating issued by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.

Submit a certified copy of your NAATI certificate and any related membership or accreditation documents. Points are awarded once the language credential is current at the time of your Invitation to Apply.

By tapping into these additional categories—study in Australia, regional education, specialist research degrees and community languages—you can push your points total well above the 65-point threshold and sharpen your competitive edge in SkillSelect.

Partner Skills, State Nomination and Regional Sponsorship Points

Alongside your personal credentials, the points test rewards collaborative factors—your partner’s proficiency, a state or territory’s endorsement, or sponsorship by a regional authority. These bonus points can be decisive in a competitive invitation round, so it pays to understand how each stream works and what evidence you must supply.

Partner Skills Points

If you include your spouse or de facto partner on your application, you can claim additional points based on their abilities:

• 5 points when your partner has competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) and is named as a secondary applicant.
• 10 points when your partner also meets age requirements (under 45 at invitation), holds a suitable skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant skilled list, and demonstrates at least competent English.

To substantiate these claims, upload your partner’s test certificate and skills assessment report (or proof of age) alongside your own documents in ImmiAccount. Remember: points are only awarded if your partner is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident and is included in the visa application.

State Nomination for Subclass 190

Securing a nomination from an Australian state or territory adds 5 points to your total. Each jurisdiction runs its own Skilled Occupation List and nomination criteria—often tailored to local labour needs. Typical requirements include:

• Occupation on the state’s list (for example, see the Queensland Skilled Occupation List).
• Minimum points score (some states require higher than 65).
• Commitment to live and work in that state for at least two years.

After you lodge your EOI, you must apply directly to the state for endorsement. Once nominated, you’ll receive a formal invitation letter—include this in your visa application to claim your 5 points.

Regional Sponsorship for Subclass 491

If you’re aiming for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), regional sponsorship unlocks 15 points. You can be sponsored by:

• A state or territory government nominating you under its regional occupation list, or
• An eligible family member living in a designated regional area.

In return, you commit to live, work and study in that region for at least three years. To claim these points, attach your nomination or sponsorship approval letter from the relevant authority, along with proof of your relationship if you’re family-sponsored. This substantial boost not only helps you reach or exceed 65 points, but also aligns your application with Australia’s regional development goals.

Strategies to Boost Your Points Score

Even if you’re already above the 65-point mark, fine-tuning your profile can be the difference between an early invitation and waiting months for a low-rank draw. The good news is each category offers clear levers to pull—whether it’s polishing your English, adding another year of experience, or tapping into bonus streams like state nomination. Below are practical tactics to lift your score and sharpen your competitive edge.

Improve Your English Test Result

English proficiency carries up to 20 points, so even a modest band increase can pay dividends.
• Sign up for official practice tests (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT or OET) to familiarise yourself with exam timing and question types.
• Use targeted online courses or local language centres that offer feedback on your weakest skills—speaking, listening, reading or writing.
• Book a one-on-one tutor for focused error correction and exam strategies.
• Plan your test date early: allow time for a retake if you miss your target band.

For detailed techniques and study plans, see Simon Mander’s guide on how to improve your points score.

Gain Additional Work Experience

Maximising your skilled employment points often comes down to patience and documentation:
• Seek roles in your nominated ANZSCO occupation—or a closely related one—to build experience that counts toward both Australian and overseas caps.
• Ensure you work at least 20 hours per week and collect monthly payslips or service records.
• Ask your employer for detailed reference letters that state your role, duties and exact employment dates.
• If you’re nearing a points threshold (for example, 5 to 8 years overseas), map out the precise date you’ll cross into the next band and plan your EOI submission accordingly.

Keeping a running “experience log” in a spreadsheet helps you see when you’re about to unlock the next points tier.

Upgrade Your Qualifications or Study in Australia

An additional credential can add 10 to 20 points, depending on level, or 5 points if you complete recognised study on Australian soil:
• Consider a postgraduate research degree (Master’s by research or PhD) in STEM or ICT fields for 10 specialist-education points—just make sure your program meets the two-academic-year rule.
• Enrol in a diploma or trade qualification at an Australian campus to claim the Australian study requirement (5 points).
• If possible, pick a regional campus to earn another 5 points for studying in an approved area—just avoid distance-learning courses.
• Always check CRICOS listings to validate course eligibility before you enrol.

Seek State Nomination or Regional Options

Targeted nomination can be a fast track to extra points:
• For subclass 190, pick states whose occupation lists include your ANZSCO code and whose nomination minimum suits your profile. Many require you to live and work there for at least two years.
• Inquire about Queensland’s Skilled Occupation List via IDP or other state-based sites to find quick-win occupations.
• For the 491 visa, a regional sponsorship nets 15 points—investigate both government and family-sponsored pathways.
• Lodge separate applications to states early, so if one nomination closes, you still have other options.

Leverage Partner or NAATI Accreditation

If you include a spouse or de facto partner on your application, their skills can boost you by up to 10 points—plus another 5 points if you earn a community-language credential:
• Encourage your partner to sit an English test (IELTS 6.0+) and, if eligible, obtain a skills assessment in an occupation on the skilled list.
• Book a NAATI accreditation test in your strongest community language—passing at the paraprofessional or certified provisional level earns 5 more points.
• Gather all certificates, assessment reports and proof of proficiency well before submitting your EOI to avoid last-minute scrambles.

By systematically applying these strategies—boosting test scores, extending experience, adding credentials, securing nominations or tapping partner and language points—you can transform a marginal EOI into a high-rank profile that stands out in every SkillSelect invitation round.

Answers to Common Questions on Points Calculation

Even seasoned applicants can hit a few snags when tallying their points. Here are clear answers to questions we hear most often.

Updating Your EOI After New Points

It’s common to gain extra points—say, after completing another year of work or retaking your IELTS. In SkillSelect, you can update your Expression of Interest (EOI) any time before you’re invited:

1. Sign in to your SkillSelect account.
2. Choose your lodged EOI and click “Edit.”
3. Update the relevant fields (employment, qualifications, English test scores, etc.).
4. Save and resubmit.

Your new point total will appear immediately. Keep in mind you only get two invitations per EOI, so make sure your score reflects every claim before you accept an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Claiming Multiple Categories in the Points Test

You might wonder if you can stack points—say, for both a Master’s degree and a Doctorate. Here’s the rule of thumb:

• Only your highest qualification counts. If you have a PhD, you claim 20 points (not 20 + 15).
• Age, English proficiency and partner skills each operate as standalone categories—you can claim all three if you meet the criteria.
• Skilled employment (Australian + overseas) combines up to a 20-point cap. Even if your total work experience adds up to more, you’ll max out at 20.
• Specialist claims (Professional Year, regional study, community language and state/regional nomination) are each independent. You can tick every box you qualify for—just gather the right evidence.

A clear checklist or spreadsheet helps you see at a glance which categories you’ve claimed and where caps apply.

Validity Period of Tests and Assessments

To keep your points valid, you need current credentials when you receive an ITA:

• English tests (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET): valid for 3 years from the test date.
• Skills assessments: must have been issued within 3 years before your ITA.
• Professional Year completion: you need to have finished within 48 months of invitation.
• NAATI accreditation: generally does not expire, but check your certificate’s currency requirements.

If any of these lapse, you’ll need to retake the test or refresh your assessment before claiming the associated points.

Handling a Points Test Discrepancy

Sometimes you or the Department spot a mismatch between your EOI claims and your supporting documents. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Compare your EOI entries against your spreadsheet or point log.
2. If the EOI is incorrect, log into SkillSelect and update the details before you’re invited—or before you lodge your visa application.
3. If you’ve already lodged and the Department raises an issue, you can either:
   • Provide further documentation to substantiate your claim, or
   • Withdraw and correct your EOI or visa application (you’ll lose your application fee).
4. When in doubt, consult a registered migration agent—minor errors can mean the difference between an ITA and a refusal.

Keeping your EOI up to date and accurate not only protects your points but also streamlines the path to a successful visa grant.

Next Steps After Calculating Your Score

Now that you’ve mapped out your points and confirmed you meet or exceed the 65-point minimum, it’s time to move from planning to action. The next phase involves formally submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI), monitoring SkillSelect for your invitation, and once invited, assembling a thorough visa application package. Tackling each step promptly and methodically will keep you on track to secure your skilled visa.

Submitting an Expression of Interest via SkillSelect

Your EOI is the first official declaration of your intent to migrate under a points-tested stream. Head to the SkillSelect portal at skillselect.gov.au and complete the online form. You’ll need to:

• Enter your personal details (name, date of birth, contact information).
• Select your intended visa subclass (189, 190 or 491).
• Specify your claimed points in each category.
• Upload scanned copies of key documents (passport bio page, skills assessment, English test scores).

There’s no fee for lodging an EOI, but accuracy is crucial—any discrepancy between your EOI claims and your supporting evidence can delay or derail your invitation. After submission, you’ll receive an email confirmation and see your points score in the SkillSelect dashboard.

Receiving an Invitation to Apply

SkillSelect rankings are updated regularly, and invitations are issued to the highest-scoring EOIs for each occupation. If your profile meets the cut-off in an invitation round, you’ll receive an email notifying you of an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Keep these points in mind:

• Invitations are valid for 60 days; you must lodge your visa application within this window.
• The ITA letter specifies the points you must demonstrate—sometimes higher than 65—so review it carefully.
• You can receive up to two invitations per EOI; if you miss both, you’ll need to update or lodge a new EOI.

Monitor your ImmiAccount and email closely after your EOI submission. If your score changes—say, you improve your English band—you can edit your existing EOI before an invitation arrives.

Preparing Your Visa Application

Once you accept an ITA, the clock starts on assembling a comprehensive visa application. A well-organised checklist will help:

• Identity: certified copy of passport bio page and any name-change documents.
• Health and character: police certificates, medical exam results and Forms 80/1221.
• Skills and qualifications: original qualification certificates, transcripts, skills-assessment reports.
• Work experience: reference letters detailing duties, hours and employment dates; payslips if needed.
• English proficiency: official test report.
• Additional claims: Record of Completion for Professional Year, NAATI certificate, state-nomination letter or regional-sponsorship approval.

Upload each document to your ImmiAccount as you gather it to avoid last-minute rushes. Pay any required application charges only when prompted, and double-check that your application is complete before clicking “Lodge.” Missing or incorrect documentation is the most common cause of delays or refusals, so a thorough final review pays dividends.

By following these steps—submitting a precise EOI, acting swiftly on your ITA and preparing a bullet-proof visa application—you’ll be maximising your chances of securing an Australian skilled visa. Go ahead, lodge that EOI today and take the next stride toward your new life Down Under.

Take Action to Secure Your Skilled Visa

You’ve mapped out your skilled visa Australia points, assembled every piece of evidence and sharpened your strategy. Now it’s time to turn preparation into progress. Each step—from finalising your points tally to lodging your Expression of Interest—brings you closer to an Invitation to Apply.

Follow these actions to keep your application on track:

• Final Review: Re-run your figures through the Department’s points calculator and cross-check against your spreadsheet.
• Lodge Your EOI: Submit or update your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect. Watch deadlines carefully, especially if you’re approaching the 45-year cutoff or targeting a state nomination.
• Gather Your ITA Package: When you receive an Invitation to Apply, upload all supporting documents—passport pages, skills assessments, English test certificates and nomination or sponsorship letters—into your ImmiAccount.

For personalised guidance and peace of mind, partner with Simon Mander Consulting. With over two decades of expertise and thousands of successful visa outcomes, we can help you:

• Verify and optimise every points claim
• Navigate state and regional nomination requirements
• Prepare a complete, error-free visa application

Ready to make your move? Visit Simon Mander Consulting to book your free assessment and secure your pathway to Australia today.

SMCadmin

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