Planning to migrate to Australia? Your journey starts with understanding the points system. The Australian government uses a points-based system to select skilled migrants, and knowing your score determines which visa pathways are available to you.
If you're struggling with English requirements for your visa application, our guide on PTE Score Requirements for Australia 2025 provides comprehensive information on accepted test scores.
Understanding the Australian Points System
The Australia PR points system evaluates skilled workers based on specific criteria. According to the Department of Home Affairs, you need a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
However, meeting the minimum doesn't guarantee an invitation. Recent invitation rounds show that most successful applicants score between 80-95 points, depending on their occupation and visa subclass.
Points Breakdown by Category
Age Points (Maximum 30 points)
The sweet spot is between 25-32 years, earning you the maximum 30 points.
English Language Proficiency (Maximum 20 points)
Many applicants underestimate the importance of superior English. Those extra 10-20 points often make the difference between invitation and rejection. Consider our guide on improving your PTE score for practical strategies.
Work Experience Points (Maximum 20 points combined)
Note: The maximum combined points for Australian and overseas experience is 20 points.
Educational Qualifications (Maximum 20 points)
Additional Points Sources
Australian Study Requirement (5 points)
Completed at least 2 years of full-time study in Australia at CRICOS registered institution.
Specialist Education (10 points)
Master's by research or Doctorate in STEM fields from an Australian institution.
Regional Study (5 points)
Studied and lived in regional Australia while completing Australian qualifications.
Community Language (5 points)
NAATI accredited certification in community languages.
Professional Year (5 points)
Completed professional year program in Australia in IT, Engineering, or Accounting.
Partner Skills (10 points)
Your partner meets age, English, and skills assessment requirements.
Single Applicant (10 points)
No partner or partner is Australian citizen/PR holder.
State Nomination (5 points - Subclass 190)
Nomination by Australian state or territory government.
Regional Nomination (15 points - Subclass 491)
Nomination for skilled regional provisional visa.
Current Invitation Trends 2025
Based on recent SkillSelect rounds, here's what you need to know:
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
- Healthcare professionals: 65-70 points
- Engineers: 85-90 points
- IT professionals: 90-95 points
- Accountants: 95-100 points
Subclass 190 (State Nominated)
State nomination adds 5 points, making 70-80 points competitive for most occupations.
Subclass 491 (Regional)
Regional nomination adds 15 points, making this pathway accessible with 65-75 points.
Maximizing Your Points Score
1. Improve English Proficiency
Moving from proficient to superior English adds 10 points. This single improvement often proves easier than gaining additional work experience.
2. Gain Australian Experience
Even one year of Australian work experience adds 5 points and demonstrates local market understanding.
3. Consider Regional Opportunities
The 491 visa adds 15 points through regional nomination, opening doors for those with lower scores.
4. Partner Skills Assessment
If your partner qualifies, that's an additional 10 points without extra effort from you.
5. Complete Professional Year
For eligible occupations, this adds 5 points while providing Australian workplace experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming 65 points guarantees invitation - Competition means higher scores often required
- Ignoring state nomination options - State pathways offer additional points and opportunities
- Not maximizing English scores - Superior English provides significant advantage
- Forgetting partner points - Partner skills or single status both offer points
- Miscalculating experience - Only skilled experience after qualification counts
Which Visa Should You Apply For?
Your points score determines suitable visa options:
- 65-75 points: Consider 491 regional visa or state nomination
- 75-85 points: Good chances for 190 state nominated visa
- 85+ points: Competitive for 189 independent visa
Each pathway has different requirements and processing times. Our visa refusal recovery guide helps if you've faced previous rejections.
Next Steps After Calculating Your Points
- Verify Occupation Eligibility: Ensure your occupation appears on relevant skilled lists
- Complete Skills Assessment: Required before submitting EOI
- Take English Test: Aim for highest possible score
- Submit EOI: Through SkillSelect system
- Monitor Invitation Rounds: Track cut-off scores for your occupation
How Desire Immigration Can Help
Navigating Australia's points system requires expertise and strategic planning. Mrs. Manisha Bhutani, our MARA registered migration agent, provides:
- Comprehensive points assessment
- Strategic advice to maximize scores
- State nomination guidance
- EOI submission and monitoring
- Post-invitation visa application support
With three offices in Australia and free consultations for student visas through Mr. Sachin Sachdeva, we offer complete migration solutions.
Understanding your points score is crucial for Australian migration success. While 65 points opens the door, competitive scores often exceed 80 points. Focus on maximizing English proficiency and exploring all visa pathways including state and regional options.
Ready to start your Australian migration journey? Calculate your points honestly, identify improvement areas, and consider professional guidance to navigate this complex process successfully.
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