Guides / Subclass 190 / Points Calculation

Points Calculation

SUBCLASS 190 POINTS BREAKDOWN

The Subclass 190 visa requires a minimum of 65 points including the 5-point state nomination bonus. This guide explains all point categories and how to maximize your score.

Calculate Your Score: Use our interactive points calculator to get your exact points total instantly.

Points Summary

Category Maximum Points
Age30
English language20
Overseas skilled employment15
Australian skilled employment20
Education qualification20
Australian study5
Specialist education qualification10
Partner skills10
Professional Year5
NAATI credential5
Regional study5
State nomination (190)5
Key Difference: Unlike Subclass 189, you automatically receive 5 points for state nomination with 190. This means you only need 60 base points to reach the 65-point minimum.

?? Age Points (Maximum: 30)

  • 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)

??? English Language Points (Maximum: 20)

  • Superior English (IELTS 8.0 each): 20 points
  • Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each): 10 points
  • Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each): 0 points
?? State Requirements: Many states require Proficient English minimum. Check your chosen state's requirements even though Competent is the federal minimum.

?? Skilled Employment Points

Overseas Skilled Employment (Maximum: 15)

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

Australian Skilled Employment (Maximum: 20)

  • 8+ years: 20 points
  • 5-7 years: 15 points
  • 3-4 years: 10 points
  • 1-2 years: 5 points
  • Less than 1 year: 0 points

?? Education Points (Maximum: 20)

  • Doctorate: 20 points
  • Bachelor or Masters: 15 points
  • Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points

??? State Nomination (5 Points - Automatic)

When you receive state nomination for Subclass 190, you automatically receive 5 points. This is the key advantage of 190 over 189.

Strategy Tip: If you have 60+ base points, focus on securing state nomination rather than trying to increase your points through other means. The 5 nomination points bring you to 65+.

?? Partner Points (Maximum: 10)

You can claim points based on your partner's skills:

  • 10 points: Partner has competent English + positive skills assessment
  • 5 points: Partner has competent English only
  • 10 points: No partner (single applicant)
  • 0 points: Partner who doesn't meet above criteria

Other Points Categories

  • Australian study (5 points): 2+ years full-time study in Australia
  • Specialist education (10 points): STEM Masters/PhD from Australian institution + 2 years Australian study
  • Professional Year (5 points): Completed in Australia (Accounting, IT, Engineering)
  • NAATI credential (5 points): Accredited community language credential
  • Regional study (5 points): 2+ years study in regional Australia

?? Competitive Points by State

State Typical Minimum Competitive Score
NSW 80-90+ 85-95+
Victoria 75-85+ 80-90+
ACT 75-85+ 80-90+
Queensland 70-80+ 75-85+
WA 70-80+ 75-85+
South Australia 65-75+ 70-80+
Tasmania 65-70+ 70-75+
NT 65-70+ 65-75+

Strategies to Increase Points

Quick Wins (3-12 months)

  • Improve English: From Competent to Proficient = +10 points
  • Gain work experience: Cross threshold to next bracket
  • Partner skills assessment: Get partner assessed = +10 points
  • Professional Year: If in Australia, complete PY = +5 points
  • NAATI credential: Community language credential = +5 points

Long-term Strategies (1-3 years)

  • Australian experience: Work in Australia for points
  • Australian study: Study in Australia for multiple point categories
  • Higher education: Upgrade qualification level
  • Superior English: Achieve IELTS 8.0 each = +20 points

Example Profiles

Example 1: NSW Applicant (85 points)

  • Age 28: 30 points
  • Proficient English: 10 points
  • Bachelor degree: 15 points
  • 5 years overseas experience: 10 points
  • 2 years Australian experience: 5 points
  • Australian study: 5 points
  • Professional Year: 5 points
  • State nomination: 5 points
  • Total: 85 points

Example 2: SA Applicant (70 points)

  • Age 35: 25 points
  • Competent English: 0 points
  • Masters degree: 15 points
  • 8 years overseas experience: 15 points
  • Partner with skills: 10 points
  • State nomination: 5 points
  • Total: 70 points

Next Steps

Now that you understand the points system, learn about the specific documents you'll need to support your points claims!

Next: Requirements ?