Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum points requirement is 65 points for all skilled migration visas (Subclass 189, 190, and 491). However, achieving 65 points only makes you eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). To receive an invitation to apply, you typically need a higher score.

Competitive scores:

• 65-79 points: Eligible but lower chance of invitation
• 80-89 points: Good chance of invitation for most occupations
• 90+ points: Excellent chance of receiving an invitation

Our calculator is updated based on the latest Australian immigration regulations as of 2025. However, immigration rules can change, and individual circumstances vary. We recommend using this calculator as a guide and consulting with a registered migration agent for personalized advice.

The calculator follows the official Department of Home Affairs points system and includes all 12 criteria used to assess skilled migration applications.

Yes! You can update your Expression of Interest (EOI) at any time to reflect changes in your circumstances. Common ways to improve your score include:

• Retaking English language tests to achieve higher scores
• Gaining additional work experience
• Completing additional qualifications
• Improving your partner's skills
• Completing a Professional Year program
• Obtaining NAATI accreditation

When you update your EOI, your date of effect changes to the date of the update, which may affect your position in the invitation queue.

If you meet the minimum 65 points but don't receive an invitation, you have several options:

• Improve your score: Work on gaining additional points through any available criteria
• Apply for state nomination: Subclass 190 (5 points) or 491 (15 points) can boost your chances
• Wait: Your EOI remains active for 2 years, and invitation rounds happen regularly
• Consider alternative pathways: Explore other visa options that may suit your circumstances

Age points decrease at milestone birthdays:

• 18-24: 25 points
• 25-32: 30 points (maximum)
• 33-39: 25 points (5 point decrease)
• 40-44: 15 points (10 point decrease)
• 45+: 0 points (not eligible)

Important: Your age is assessed at the time of invitation, not when you submit your EOI. Plan accordingly if you're approaching a milestone birthday.

No. You must be under 45 years of age at the time you receive an invitation to apply for skilled migration visas (Subclass 189, 190, and 491). While you'll receive 0 points for age between 40-44, you can still apply if your total score from other criteria meets the minimum requirement.

Consider exploring alternative visa pathways if you're over 45, such as employer-sponsored visas or business visas.

There's no "easiest" testdifferent tests suit different people based on their strengths. Accepted tests include:

• IELTS: Most widely recognized, academic or general training
• PTE Academic: Computer-based, faster results, popular among tech workers
• TOEFL iBT: Internet-based test, common for academic backgrounds
• Cambridge English: CAE and CPE accepted
• OET: Occupation English Test (mainly for healthcare professionals)

For maximum points (20 points), you need Superior English: IELTS 8.0/PTE 79+ in all four components.

English test results are valid for 3 years from the date of the test. Your test results must be valid at the time you receive an invitation to apply, not just when you submit your EOI.

If your test results will expire soon, consider retaking the test before they expire to maintain or improve your points score.

Citizens of UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland may be exempt from proving English proficiency in some cases. However, to claim points for English language ability in your points test, you still need to provide test results.

Even if you're exempt from the English requirement, taking a test and scoring well can significantly boost your points score.

No. To count for points, your work experience must meet specific requirements:

• Skilled employment: Work must be in your nominated occupation or a closely related field
• Post-qualification: Work must be after you obtained the qualification relevant to your nominated occupation
• Paid work: Volunteer or unpaid work doesn't count
• Minimum hours: At least 20 hours per week (full-time or equivalent part-time)
• Documentation: You must be able to provide evidence (employment contracts, payslips, tax records)

Yes! You can claim points for both Australian and overseas skilled employment separately. The maximum you can get is:

• Australian work experience: Up to 20 points (8-10 years)
• Overseas work experience: Up to 15 points (8-10 years)

This means work experience could contribute up to 35 points total to your score, making it one of the most valuable criteria.

Yes. All qualifications must be assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. The assessment will determine if your qualifications are equivalent to Australian standards and suitable for your nominated occupation.

Different occupations have different assessing authorities (e.g., Engineers Australia for engineers, ACS for IT professionals, VETASSESS for many other occupations).

No. You can only claim points for your highest qualification. For example, if you have both a Bachelor's degree (15 points) and a Master's degree (15 points), you only claim 15 points once, not 30 points.

However, if you have a PhD, you get 20 points for education, which is the maximum.

The Australian Study Requirement (5 points) is met if you have completed at least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian institution that:

• Was completed in Australia (on campus, not online)
• Took at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) to complete
• Was taught in English
• Was completed while holding a valid Australian student visa
• Is recognized by the relevant Australian authority

This is separate from and in addition to points for your education level.

To claim 10 points for partner skills, your partner must meet ALL of the following requirements at the time of invitation:

• Be under 45 years of age
• Have Competent English (IELTS 6.0/PTE 50+ in all components)
• Have a nominated occupation on the same skilled occupation list as you
• Have a positive skills assessment for their nominated occupation

If your partner doesn't meet all these requirements, you can claim 5 points if they have Competent English only.

Consider your options carefully:

• Partner with skills assessment and Competent English: +10 points
• Partner with only Competent English: +5 points
• No partner or partner without Competent English: +10 points (single applicant bonus)

If your partner doesn't have Competent English, you'll get more points by applying as a single applicant. However, including your partner means they'll automatically get the same visa as you.

State and Territory nomination is a separate application process. Each state has its own requirements and priority occupation lists. General steps include:

1. Check if your occupation is on the state's occupation list
2. Meet the state's specific requirements (may include work experience in that state, job offers, etc.)
3. Submit an Expression of Interest for the relevant visa (190 or 491)
4. Apply for state nomination
5. If approved, receive an invitation to apply for the visa

Subclass 190 gives 5 extra points and is a permanent visa. Subclass 491 gives 15 extra points but is a provisional visa (pathway to permanent residence).

Yes, you can apply for nomination from multiple states and territories simultaneously. However, each state has its own application process, requirements, and fees. Make sure you:

• Meet each state's specific eligibility criteria
• Have genuine intention to live and work in that state
• Can provide evidence of ties to the state if required
• Understand the commitment you're making (most nominations require you to live in that state for a certain period)

A Professional Year is a structured workplace training program in Australia available for IT, Accounting, and Engineering graduates. It provides:

• 5 points towards your skilled migration application
• Practical work experience in your field
• Industry networking opportunities
• Australian workplace culture understanding
• Increased employability

Requirements:

• Must hold a valid visa that allows study
• Must have completed a related Australian qualification
• Program takes 12 months to complete

It's particularly valuable if you're close to the 65-point threshold or competitive score for your occupation.

NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) accreditation gives you 5 points if you hold a Certified Provisional or higher level accreditation. Ways to obtain it:

• Sit the NAATI test: Direct assessment of your translation/interpreting skills in a specific language pair
• Complete an approved course: Study a NAATI-endorsed interpreting or translation course
• External credential: If you already hold relevant international qualifications

You must have professional-level proficiency in both English and another language. The test is challenging and requires significant preparation.

To claim 5 points for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), you must have a Masters degree by research or PhD from an Australian institution in a STEM field. Specifically:

• Completed in Australia (2 academic years minimum)
• In a field highly relevant to your nominated occupation
• Must be Masters by research or PhD (coursework Masters don't count for this bonus)

This is in addition to points for your education level, so a PhD can give you 20 points for education + 5 points for STEM = 25 points total from education.

Subclass 489 (Skilled Regional Provisional) visa was closed to new applications in November 2019 and replaced by the new Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional) visa.

Key differences:

• Points bonus: Both visas awarded 15 points for regional nomination
• Replacement: Subclass 491 has similar requirements but updated regional areas and pathways to permanent residence
• Current status: If you're looking for regional skilled migration, apply for Subclass 491 instead

Historical context: Subclass 489 used the same points system as other skilled migration visas (189, 190) but added 15 points for regional sponsorship or state nomination. The visa was valid for 4 years.

This calculator focuses on current visa options: 189, 190, and 491. For business visas, use our Subclass 188 Calculator.

The timeline varies based on your points score and occupation:

• High demand occupations: May receive invitation within days to weeks with competitive scores (85+)
• Lower demand occupations: Can take several months to over a year, even with good scores
• Minimum points (65): May never receive invitation for some occupations

Invitation rounds typically occur every 2 weeks. You can check current invitation trends on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Once invited, you have 60 days to submit a complete visa application. You'll need to:

1. Gather all required documents (identity, qualifications, work experience evidence, health, character)
2. Undergo health examinations
3. Obtain police clearances from all countries you've lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years
4. Pay the visa application fee
5. Submit your complete application online

Processing times after submission vary but typically range from 6-12 months for most skilled visas.