How to Use the Australia Skilled Migration Points Test
The Australia Skilled Migration Points Test Calculator helps you determine your points score for Australia's General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa applications, including Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190), and Skilled Work Regional (491) visas. Points are awarded across age, English language ability, skilled employment, qualifications, and other factors.
Enter your age, English test score, years of skilled work experience (in Australia and overseas), highest education qualification, partner skills, and any bonus points (regional study, STEM qualification, nomination). The calculator instantly shows your total score and compares it to recent invitation rounds.
A crucial nuance is that passing the points test (60 points minimum) does not guarantee an invitation. Visas are issued through regular invitation rounds (Expression of Interest draws) where the highest-scoring candidates get invitations first. Some occupations have cut-off scores above 90 points. Always check the latest invitation data on the DOHA website.
📊 Worked Example
Age 28, superior English (IELTS 8+), 5 years overseas experience, Bachelor's degree, single:
- Age (28): 30 points
- English (Superior): 20 points
- Overseas experience (5 yrs): 15 points
- Bachelor's degree: 15 points
- Total: 80 points
Common Use Cases
- ✅ Calculating your current GSM points score
- ✅ Identifying which categories can boost your score the most
- ✅ Comparing your score to recent invitation cut-off scores
- ✅ Planning when to lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI)
- ✅ Checking whether a 190 state nomination or 491 regional nomination would help
- ✅ Understanding the impact of partner skills or Australian study bonuses
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points do I need for Australian skilled migration?
You need a minimum of 65 points to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) for most skilled visas. However, the actual cut-off in invitation rounds is typically much higher — usually 80–90+ for subclass 189, and varies widely by occupation. Some in-demand occupations are drawn at lower points; others accumulate large pools at high scores.
What gives the most points in the Australian points test?
The maximum points by category: Age 25–32 (30 points), English Language Proficiency superior IELTS 8+ (20 points), nominated/sponsored by state (5 points for 190, 15 for 491), Australian study with 2+ years (5 points), Bachelor's/Master's/PhD (15 points each). Australian work experience can add 5–20 points.
What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
An EOI is a declaration of your interest in skilled migration lodged in SkillSelect. DOHA runs invitation rounds (typically monthly) where they invite the highest-scoring EOI holders in each occupation to apply. You have 60 days to lodge the actual visa application after receiving an invitation.
How does state nomination affect my points?
A state nomination (subclass 190) adds 5 points to your score. Regional nomination (subclass 491) adds 15 points. Both require the occupation to be on the state's skilled occupation list and meeting the state's specific requirements. State nomination significantly increases chances for applicants with borderline scores.
Can my partner's skills add to my points?
Yes. If your partner (spouse or de facto) is included in the visa application and has a skills assessment in a listed occupation and meets the English language requirement, they add 10 points to your score. If your partner's English is at proficient level (IELTS 7+), an additional 5 points applies.