Guides / Subclass 491 / Points Calculation

Points Calculation

SUBCLASS 491 +15 BONUS POINTS

The Subclass 491 uses the same points system as other skilled visas, but with a crucial advantage: +15 bonus points from nomination/sponsorship. This makes 491 accessible with just 50 base points.

Quick Calculator: Use our free online calculator to calculate your exact points score including the +15 bonus!

The +15 Points Advantage

How 491 Points Work

Your Base Points (50+) + Nomination Bonus (+15) = Total Points (65+)

Minimum required: 50 base + 15 bonus = 65 total points

Comparison: Points Requirements

Visa Type Bonus Points Minimum Base Typical Competitive
491 +15 50 65-75 total
190 +5 60 70-80 total
189 0 65 75-90+

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.

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. Other Bonus Points

  • Australian Study (2+ years): 5 points
  • Specialist Education (STEM): 5 points
  • Regional Study: 5 points
  • Professional Year: 5 points
  • NAATI Accreditation: 5 points

7. Skilled Regional Nomination (491 Exclusive)

? +15 BONUS POINTS

Automatic when you receive state/territory nomination OR family sponsorship for the 491 visa.

Points Strategy for 491

Example: Low Points Applicant

  • Age (33): 25 points
  • English (IELTS 6): 0 points
  • Work (5 years overseas): 10 points
  • Education (Bachelor): 15 points
  • Base Total: 50 points
  • + Regional Nomination: +15 points
  • FINAL TOTAL: 65 points ?

Result: Eligible for 491! Would need 65 base for 189 (not eligible) or 60 base for 190 (not eligible).

Example: Strong Applicant

  • Age (28): 30 points
  • English (IELTS 7): 10 points
  • Work (8 years overseas): 15 points
  • Education (Bachelor): 15 points
  • Base Total: 70 points
  • + Regional Nomination: +15 points
  • FINAL TOTAL: 85 points ??

Result: Highly competitive for 491! Fast nomination likely.

Maximizing Your Points

Easiest Ways to Increase Points

  1. Improve English (0-20 points): Proficient (7) = +10, Superior (8) = +20
  2. Gain Work Experience (0-20 points): Each year counts
  3. Partner Skills (0-10 points): Get partner assessed if qualified
  4. Professional Year (5 points): If in Australia (ICT/Accounting/Engineering)
  5. NAATI (5 points): Community language credential

Time Considerations

  • Age points decrease: At 33 (lose 5 points) and 40 (lose 10 points)
  • Work experience increases: Every year adds points (up to cap)
  • English test validity: 3 years - retake before expiry

?? Points Calculator

Ready to calculate your exact score? Use our comprehensive calculator:

Calculate My Points Now ?

Next Steps

Know your points? Learn about regional areas where you can live and work!

Next: Regional Areas ?