Guides / Subclass 189 / Points Calculation

Points Calculation

SUBCLASS 189 POINTS SYSTEM

The Subclass 189 visa uses a points-based system to rank applicants. Understanding how points are calculated is crucial to maximizing your chances of receiving an invitation.

Quick Calculator: Use our free online calculator to calculate your exact points score instantly!

How the Points System Works

You earn points across 12 different criteria. Your total points score determines:

  • Eligibility: Minimum 65 points required to submit an EOI
  • Ranking: Higher points = higher priority for invitations
  • Invitation Chances: Competitive scores vary by occupation
Important: Your points are assessed at the time of invitation, not when you submit your EOI or visa application. This means you can update your EOI if your circumstances improve!

Points Breakdown by Category

1. Age (Maximum: 30 points)

Age Range Points
18-24 years 25 points
25-32 years 30 points ? Maximum
33-39 years 25 points
40-44 years 15 points
45+ years 0 points (Ineligible)

2. English Language (Maximum: 20 points)

Level IELTS PTE Points
Competent 6.0 each 50 each 0 points
Proficient 7.0 each 65 each 10 points
Superior 8.0 each 79 each 20 points ? Maximum

3. Work Experience (Maximum: 20 points combined)

Overseas Experience:

  • Less than 3 years: 0 points
  • 3-4 years: 5 points
  • 5-7 years: 10 points
  • 8+ years: 15 points

Australian Experience:

  • Less than 1 year: 0 points
  • 1-2 years: 5 points
  • 3-4 years: 10 points
  • 5-7 years: 15 points
  • 8+ years: 20 points
?? Important Cap: Combined work experience (Australian + Overseas) is capped at 20 points maximum. You can't claim more than 20 points total from work experience.

4. Education (Maximum: 20 points)

  • Diploma or Trade qualification: 10 points
  • Bachelor or Master degree: 15 points
  • Doctorate (PhD): 20 points

5. Partner Skills (Maximum: 10 points)

  • Single or partner is Australian citizen/PR: 10 points
  • Partner with Competent English only: 5 points
  • Partner with full skills (age <45, English, skills assessment): 10 points

6. Australian Study Requirement (5 points)

Completed at least 2 academic years of study in Australia: 5 points

7. Specialist Education (STEM) (5 points)

Master's by research or PhD in STEM field from Australian institution (2+ years): 5 points

8. Regional Study (5 points)

Studied in regional Australia (2+ years): 5 points

9. Professional Year (5 points)

Completed Professional Year in Australia (Accounting, IT, or Engineering): 5 points

10. NAATI Accreditation (5 points)

Credentialed Community Language certification: 5 points

11. State/Territory Nomination

For Subclass 189: 0 points (no nomination required)

Note: Subclass 190 gets +5 points, Subclass 491 gets +15 points with nomination

Maximum Possible Score

Theoretical Maximum: 110 points
  • Age (25-32): 30
  • English (Superior): 20
  • Work Experience (cap): 20
  • Education (PhD): 20
  • Partner Skills: 10
  • Australian Study: 5
  • STEM Qualification: 5
  • Regional Study: 5
  • Professional Year: 5
  • NAATI: 5

Total: 125 points possible (though work cap reduces practical max to ~110)

Points Strategy Guide

Quick Wins (Easier to Achieve)

  • Improve English: Going from IELTS 6.0 to 7.0 = +10 points
  • NAATI Test: Often easier than improving IELTS = +5 points
  • Gain Work Experience: Each year adds points (up to cap)
  • Professional Year: 12 months program = +5 points

Long-term Investments

  • Further Education: Master's or PhD in Australia
  • Regional Study: If studying in Australia, choose regional area
  • Partner Skills: Help your partner get skills assessment

Age Considerations

  • Under 25: Consider waiting to turn 25 (+5 points)
  • 25-32: Optimal age range (30 points) - apply when ready!
  • Approaching 33: Apply before birthday to keep 30 points
  • Approaching 40: Apply urgently before losing 10 points
  • Approaching 45: Critical - you become ineligible at 45

?? Competitive Scores by Occupation

While 65 points is the minimum, competitive scores vary:

Occupation Type Typical Points Needed
High Demand (e.g., Registered Nurses, some Engineering) 65-75 points
Moderate Demand (e.g., some ICT, Accountants) 80-85 points
Highly Competitive (e.g., popular IT roles) 90+ points
Check Latest Trends: Invitation rounds happen regularly. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest minimum points by occupation.

?? Calculate Your Points

Ready to see your score? Use our interactive calculator to get your exact points:

Free Points Calculator

Our calculator includes all 12 criteria with real-time calculation and shows your points for Subclass 189, 190, and 491.

Calculate My Points ?

Next Steps

Now that you understand how points are calculated, learn about the documents and requirements needed for your application!

Next: Requirements ?