Exam prep·Australia & New Zealand· 8 min read

Australia's Skilled Migration Points Test: How Each Category Scores

A category-by-category look at how Australia's skilled migration points test works — age, English, qualifications, experience, partner and study factors. Not immigration advice.

Last updated 24 June 2026

Key facts

Used for: Points-tested skilled visas (with an invitation)
Main factors: Age, English, experience, qualifications, study, partner, nomination
Pass mark & scores: Set by Home Affairs; verify on official calculator
Meeting the minimum: Required, but does not guarantee an invitation

How the points test fits in

Most points-tested skilled visas require you to reach a minimum points score and to be invited from SkillSelect. The points test adds up scores across several factors. The Department of Home Affairs sets the score for each factor and the minimum pass mark, and these can change — so use the official points calculator to read your own situation rather than third-party tables.

This is general information, not immigration advice.

Age, English and the core factors

Points are awarded for your age band, your English-language ability (measured by an approved test or, in some cases, by passport/nationality), and your skilled employment experience — counted separately for experience gained in Australia and overseas.

Higher English bands and certain age ranges attract more points, while points generally taper for older applicants. The exact bands and scores are defined by Home Affairs; confirm them on the official source before relying on any number.

Qualifications, study and specialist factors

Your educational qualifications score points by level (for example, a recognised degree versus a doctorate), with the qualification typically needing to be relevant and recognised. Additional points may be available for an Australian study requirement, study in a regional area, a credentialled community-language qualification, or completing a Professional Year, depending on the visa.

Age band
English-language ability
Skilled work experience (Australian and overseas, counted separately)
Educational qualification level
Australian study requirement
Regional study
Credentialled community language
Professional Year (where applicable)

Partner skills and nomination

You may claim points for a skilled partner who meets defined conditions (such as a positive skills assessment and English), and there are usually points for having no spouse/partner or a partner who is already an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

State or territory nomination, or sponsorship by an eligible family member, and designated regional pathways can add further points for the relevant visa subclasses. Each adds points only for the visas it applies to — check the official rules.

How to read your own score

Add only the points you can evidence: a positive skills assessment, an approved English test result, documented work experience and recognised qualifications. Claims you cannot prove at application stage can lead to refusal.

Because factors and pass marks change, run the Department of Home Affairs points calculator and verify each figure on the official website rather than relying on memory or unofficial guides. This is general information, not immigration advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum points score for a skilled visa?

There is a minimum pass mark set by the Department of Home Affairs, but reaching it does not guarantee an invitation — invitations are competitive and ranked by score. The current minimum and factor scores are on the official site; verify them there.

Do overseas and Australian work experience count the same?

They are assessed separately, with their own scoring rules and limits. The exact points for each depend on the number of years and are defined by Home Affairs — check the official points table.

Can I claim points for my partner?

You may be able to claim points for a skilled partner who meets defined conditions, or for having no partner, or a partner who is already an Australian citizen or permanent resident. The conditions are set officially — confirm them on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Does a higher English score give more points?

Generally, higher English bands attract more points up to a defined level, measured by an approved test. The bands and scores are set by Home Affairs and can change, so verify the current scale on the official source.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: Australian Government — Department of Home Affairs (points calculator); Australian Government — Department of Home Affairs (working in Australia).

Last verified: 24 June 2026.