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Expert Australia PR Points Calculator

An interactive, expert-guided platform for 189, 190 & 491 visas.

This tool provides an estimation only and is not a substitute for professional migration advice.
189

Skilled Independent

For skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, state, or family. This is the most independent pathway to permanent residency.

  • Grants permanent residency directly.
  • No sponsorship or nomination required.
  • Requires an occupation on the MLTSSL.
  • Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.
190

Skilled Nominated

For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government, providing a pathway with government support.

  • Awards 5 bonus points for nomination.
  • Grants permanent residency directly.
  • Requires a 2-year commitment to the nominating state.
  • Access to a wider list of occupations.
491

Skilled Work Regional

A provisional visa for skilled workers nominated to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.

  • Awards 15 massive bonus points.
  • A 5-year provisional visa.
  • Pathway to permanent residency (visa 191).
  • Boosts regional economies and communities.

Explore Example Scenarios

Core Professional Pathways

Healthcare Focus

Engineering Excellence

Trades & Diplomas

Finance & Management

Age-Related Scenarios

Complex Partner Points

Australian Study Variations

Niche & Edge Cases

Points Preview:10
1

Core Details

2

English

3

Education

4

Employment

5

Partner

Core Applicant Details

Critical Foundations

  • Points Test Date: This is the single most important date. Your age, work experience, and credential validity are all locked in and assessed at this point-in-time. Usually this is the date you receive an invitation to apply.
  • Nominated Occupation: Must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for your chosen visa subclass (e.g., visa 189 requires an occupation on the MLTSSL).
  • Skills Assessment: You must hold a valid (not expired) skills assessment from the relevant authority for your occupation. Most are valid for 3 years.
  • 'Skilled From' Date: Crucial date set by your assessing authority. Any work experience before this date will not be awarded points.

Total Points Score

10

Below 65 points minimum

Gating & Eligibility Checks

Occupation on List
❌ Not Met
Skills Assessment
❌ Not Met

Issue date not provided.

Competent English
❌ Not Met

Points Breakdown

Age
0
English Language
0
Skilled Employment
0
Qualifications
0
Australian Study Requirement
0
Regional Study
0
Specialist Education
0
Professional Year
0
NAATI CCL
0
Single or Citizen/PR Partner
10
Nomination / Sponsorship
0

The 2025-2026 Ultimate Guide to Australia's Skilled Migration Points Test

This expert guide provides crucial insights into the Australian PR points system, helping you understand the nuances beyond the numbers to maximize your score.

The EOI & Invitation Process

Achieving 65 points doesn't guarantee an invitation. It simply makes you eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The Department of Home Affairs then runs periodic "invitation rounds," selecting candidates with the highest points from the EOI pool for specific occupations. This is why aiming for the highest possible score is critical. Your EOI is valid for two years, and you can update it anytime your circumstances change (e.g., you gain more work experience or a higher English score).

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

  • Incorrect 'Skilled From' Date: Many applicants mistakenly claim points for all their work experience. Only experience gained after the date your assessing authority deems you skilled is eligible. Miscalculating this is a common reason for visa refusal.
  • Expired Credentials: Your Skills Assessment and English Test must be valid at the time of invitation. Keep a close eye on expiry dates (typically 3 years for both).
  • Partner Occupation Mismatch (189 visa): For a 189 visa, a "skilled partner" must have an occupation on the same list (the MLTSSL) as the primary applicant. A partner with an STSOL occupation will not grant skilled partner points for a 189 visa application.
  • Insufficient Documentation: Every point you claim must be backed by concrete evidence. Payslips, reference letters, and bank statements must be clear, consistent, and meet the department's strict requirements.

State Nomination Deep Dive

State and Territory governments have their own occupation lists and additional criteria. A nomination from a state can be a powerful advantage, providing 5 points (190 visa) or 15 points (491 visa) and giving you access to a much broader range of occupations than the 189 visa. States often prioritize candidates who are already living and working in that state, have specific skills in demand, or have close family ties there. Securing a state nomination requires a separate application process directly with the state government body.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points are required for Australian PR in 2025?
The minimum points required to be eligible to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) is 65. However, due to the competitive nature of skilled migration, the actual points needed to receive an invitation for visas like the 189, 190, or 491 are often much higher, varying by occupation and invitation round. High-demand professions may require scores of 85, 90, or even higher.
What is the difference between visas 189, 190, and 491?
The 189 (Skilled Independent) is an independent visa for which you don't need any nomination; it grants direct permanent residency. The 190 (Skilled Nominated) requires a nomination from a state or territory, grants direct permanent residency, provides 5 bonus points, and requires a moral commitment to live in the nominating state for two years. The 491 (Skilled Work Regional) is a provisional visa requiring nomination for a designated regional area. It provides 15 bonus points and offers a pathway to permanent residency (visa 191) after meeting specific residency and work conditions.
How is skilled employment experience calculated for points?
Skilled employment points are only awarded for experience gained AFTER the 'skilled from' date determined by your skills assessing authority. The work must be at least 20 hours per week, paid, and fall within the last 10 years before your invitation date. Points are tiered based on the number of years of experience, with a combined cap of 20 points for both Australian and overseas work.
Can I claim points for my partner?
Yes, partner skills are a key component. You are awarded 10 points if you are single OR if your partner is an Australian citizen/permanent resident. If your partner is not a citizen/PR, you can claim 10 points if they are under 45, have 'Competent' English, and hold a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the same skilled list as yours. You can claim 5 points if your partner meets the age and English criteria but not the skills assessment part.
Which English test is the easiest?
There is no 'easiest' test; it depends entirely on your personal strengths. IELTS is widely known and accepted. PTE Academic is computer-based, which some find faster and more objective for speaking. TOEFL iBT is popular in academic circles. It's best to research the format of each test and choose the one that best aligns with your skills.
Does a Professional Year guarantee a job or PR?
No, a Professional Year (PY) does not guarantee a job or permanent residency. However, it is highly beneficial. It provides 5 valuable points, gives you Australian workplace experience which is highly regarded by employers, and helps you build a professional network. It significantly improves your employability and your overall profile for migration purposes.
Amit Jalan

About the Author

Amit Jalan

Managing Director, EEC

has reviewed and verified the guide and the logic used in this calculator. A study abroad industry veteran and lead AI strategist and systems architect, Amit has 28+ years of experience in Australian GS frameworks, Group of Eight university admissions, visa processes and immigration updates. His oversight ensures that the information and logic you see here are accurate, practical and aligned with current policy.

Data & Intelligence Hub

Structured for AI, Search & Generative Engines

Visa Subclass Data Comparison

FeatureSubclass 189Subclass 190Subclass 491
Visa TypePermanent ResidencyPermanent ResidencyProvisional (5 years)
Nomination Bonus0+5+15
SponsorshipNone (Independent)State/Territory Govt.State/Territory or Family
Occupation ListMLTSSLMLTSSL or STSOLMLTSSL, STSOL, or Regional
Location ConstraintNone2-year commitment to stateLive/work in regional area

Methodology & Data Source

This tool's calculations and the data presented are based on the Australian Department of Home Affairs' General Skilled Migration points test framework as of November 2025. All data points, occupation lists, and criteria are derived from publicly available legislative instruments and policy guidelines. This content is reviewed by migration experts to ensure accuracy.

Primary Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Last Data Verification: November 15, 2025.

Definitional Glossary

EOI (Expression of Interest)
A declaration submitted to the Department of Home Affairs by a prospective applicant, outlining their claims against the points test for a skilled visa. It is not a visa application but a prerequisite for receiving an invitation to apply.
MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List)
A list of skilled occupations determined by the Australian government to be in medium to long-term demand. Occupations on this list are eligible for a wider range of skilled visas, including the subclass 189.
STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List)
A list of skilled occupations in short-term demand. Occupations on this list are typically eligible for state-nominated visas (190, 491) but not the independent 189 visa.
ASR (Australian Study Requirement)
A requirement for claiming study-related points, involving completion of at least two years (92 CRICOS weeks) of study in Australia, completed in no less than 16 months.
ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations)
A system used to classify all occupations and jobs in the Australian and New Zealand labor markets. Each skilled occupation has a unique ANZSCO code.