Skilled Migration to Australia: Points System Guide

What points-tested skilled migration is

Australia's general skilled migration visas — the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) — are points-tested. This means you are assessed against a points test, and applicants are invited to apply based on their points score and other factors.

This guide explains the framework at a high level. It is general information, not immigration advice. The criteria are detailed and are updated from time to time, so confirm the current rules on the official Department of Home Affairs source before relying on anything here.

How SkillSelect and the Expression of Interest work

To be considered for a points-tested skilled visa, you first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, the Australian Government's online system. In the EOI you provide details about your skills, qualifications, work experience, and English language ability, and the system calculates an indicative points score.

Submitting an EOI is not a visa application. From the pool of EOIs, the Department of Home Affairs issues invitations to apply, and only an invited applicant can then lodge the visa. A skills assessment by the relevant assessing authority and a nominated occupation on the applicable skilled occupation list are usually required.

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
• An EOI is not a visa application — you must be invited to apply
• A skills assessment and an occupation on the relevant list are usually required

What the points test considers

The points test awards points for a range of factors. These commonly include age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience (in Australia and overseas), educational qualifications, and other factors such as state or territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship for the relevant visas.

There is a published minimum number of points you must reach to be eligible to be invited, but the score at which invitations are actually issued can be higher and varies between invitation rounds and occupations. Because the exact points awarded for each factor — and the score needed in a given round — are set by the Department of Home Affairs and can change, this guide deliberately does not state round-specific cut-offs. Use the official points calculator and check current settings on the Department of Home Affairs website.

• Factors include age, English, skilled work experience, and qualifications
• Nomination or eligible sponsorship can add points for the relevant visas
• The invitation score varies by round and occupation — verify on the official source

The three main points-tested visas

The subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) is a permanent visa that does not require sponsorship or nomination. The subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) is a permanent visa that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. The subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) is a provisional (temporary) visa that requires either nomination by a state or territory or sponsorship by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area, and can lead to permanent residence through the subclass 191 visa once its requirements are met.

Each visa has its own eligibility rules, conditions, and occupation lists. The detailed guides for subclass 189, 190, and 491 cover them individually.

Where to verify the current rules

The Department of Home Affairs is the authoritative source for skilled migration — the points test, eligibility, occupation lists, fees, invitation rounds, and the application process. The settings are reviewed and can change.

Studying in Australia does not by itself lead to skilled migration or permanent residence; meeting the criteria of the relevant visa at the time you apply is what matters, and no study path or visa can guarantee residence. Before you act, read the current information on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and verify every detail. This guide is general information only and is not immigration advice.