Australia Skilled Migration Points Calculator
2025
Calculate your points for Australia's skilled migration program and see which subclass (189, 190, or 491) you qualify for. Compare your score with recent invitation rounds.
Calculate Your Points
Australia's Points Test Explained
Australia uses a points-based system (SkillSelect) to rank skilled migration applicants. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and wait for an invitation. Higher points = more likely to be invited. The minimum to submit an EOI is 65 points. If you are exploring points-based programs worldwide, you can compare this with the Canada Express Entry CRS Calculator or check your qualifications for employment routes using our UK Skilled Worker Salary Checker.
Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent
No sponsorship or nomination required. Permanent residency. Higher cutoffs (typically 80–90+). Best for high scorers who don't want state restrictions.
Subclass 190 — State Nominated
Requires nomination from a state or territory. Permanent residency. Lower cutoffs (65–75 typically). You must live in the nominating state for 2 years.
Subclass 491 — Regional Nominated
Regional area nomination. 5-year temporary visa leading to PR. Lowest cutoffs (65+). You must live and work in a regional area for 3 years.
Skills Assessment
Before applying, your occupation must be assessed by the relevant authority (e.g., ACS for IT, Engineers Australia, AHPRA for medical). This is separate from the points test.
Points Breakdown — Full Table
| Factor | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 25–32 years | 30 |
| Age | 18–24 or 33–39 | 25 |
| Age | 40–44 | 15 |
| English | Superior (IELTS 8+) | 20 |
| English | Proficient (IELTS 7) | 10 |
| Education | PhD (any) | 20 |
| Education | Overseas Bachelor / Master's | 15 |
| Education | Australian Bachelor or higher | 10 |
| Australian work | 5+ years | 15 |
| Australian work | 3–4 years | 10 |
| Australian work | 1–2 years | 5 |
| Overseas work | 8+ years | 15 |
| Overseas work | 5–7 years | 10 |
| Overseas work | 3–4 years | 5 |
| State nomination (190) | — | 5 |
| Regional nomination (491) | — | 15 |
| Professional year | In Australia | 5 |
| Partner skills | Qualified partner / no partner | 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum points needed for Australia PR 2025?
The minimum to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) is 65 points. However, recent invitation rounds have had cutoffs of 80–90 points for the 189 visa. State nomination (190) and regional nomination (491) typically invite at lower cutoffs (65–70).
What is the points test for Indian engineers in Australia?
For an Indian engineer aged 25–32 with 5+ years experience, a Master's degree, and IELTS 8 (superior English): Age 30 + English 20 + Work 15–20 + Education 20 = 85–90 points. This is competitive for 189 and strong for 190/491.
What is the difference between 189, 190, and 491 visas?
189 (Skilled Independent) requires no nomination, is permanent residency, and has higher points cutoffs. 190 (Skilled Nominated) requires state nomination, gives permanent residency, and has lower cutoffs. 491 (Skilled Regional) requires state or family nomination in a regional area, is a temporary visa (5 years) that leads to permanent residency after 3 years.
How long does Australian skilled migration take 2025?
After receiving an invitation, you have 60 days to lodge a complete application. Processing times for 189: 6–18 months. Processing for 190/491: 3–12 months (state nomination adds time). Processing varies significantly by occupation and country of birth.