How the Points-Based System works
Australia’s General Skilled Migration programme awards points based on key criteria. To be eligible, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and score at least 65 points. The higher your score, the better your chances of being invited to apply.
Points are awarded for:
- Age
- English language proficiency
- Skilled employment experience (inside and outside Australia)
- Qualifications and education
- Study in Australia or a regional area
- Community language skills
- Partner skills and experience
- Professional year completion
- State or family sponsorship
Visa options for Skilled migrants
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
An independent point-based permanent residency visa.
- No state or employer nomination needed
- Live and work anywhere in Australia
- Must be under 45 and have an occupation on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Minimum Points requirement: 65+
- Government fees (as of 1 July 2025):
- Primary Applicant = $4,910.00
- Additional applicant (Over 18) = $2,455.00
- Additional applicant (Under 18) = $1,230.00
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
A state-nominated point-based permanent residency visa.
- Requires nomination by a state or territory government
- Must live and work in the nominated state for a period of two years
- Must be 45 at the time of invitation
- Occupation must be on the Short Term Strategic Skills List (STSOL) or Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Minimum Points requirement: 65+
- Government fees (as of 1 July 2025):
- Primary Applicant = AUD 4,910.00
- Additional applicant (Over 18) = $2,455.00
- Additional applicant (Under 18) = $1,230.00
Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
A points-based provisional visa for working and living in regional Australia (up to five years).
- Must be sponsored by an eligible relative or nominated by a regional state
- Leads to permanent residency after three years
- Must only live and work in designated regional areas
- Must be under 45 at time of invitation
- State Nomination pathway: Occupation must be on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), Short Term Strategic Skills List (STSOL) or Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Family Sponsored pathway: Occupation must be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Minimum points requirement: 65+
- Government fees (as of 1 July 2025):
- Primary Applicant = $4,910.00
- Additional applicant (Over 18) = $2,455.00
- Additional applicant (Under 18) = $1,230.00
Points breakdown for General Skilled Migration visas
Age (at time of invitation)
| Age range | Points |
|---|---|
| 18 to 24 years | 25 |
| 25 to 32 years | 30 |
| 33 to 39 years | 25 |
| 40 to 44 years | 15 |
English language ability
| English level | Points |
|---|---|
| Superior English | 20 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
Overseas work experience (Last 10 years, in skilled or closely related occupation)
| Duration | Points |
|---|---|
| At least three years (36 months) | 5 |
| At least five years (60 months) | 10 |
| At least eight years (96 months) | 15 |
Australian work experience (Last 10 years, in skilled or closely related occupation)
| Duration | Points |
|---|---|
| At least one year (12 months) | 5 |
| At least three years (36 months) | 10 |
| At least eight years (60 months) | 15 |
| At least eight years (96 months) | 20 |
Note:
- Maximum combined work experience points (overseas and Australian): 20
- If your total from both exceeds 20, only 20 points will be awarded
Education qualifications
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate (PhD) | 20 |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | 15 |
| Diploma or trade qualification (Australia) | 10 |
| Recognised qualification suitable for skilled occupation | 10 |
Specialist education
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Master's/PhD, studied over a period of two academic years in Australia and in a specified field of education | 10 |
Australian study requirement
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Completed one or more degrees, diplomas or trade qualifications in Australia over at least 16 calendar months across two academic years of study | 5 |
Community language
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| NAATI-certified language skills | 5 |
Regional study
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Studied and lived in a designated regional area in Australia | 5 |
Partner/Spouse qualifications
| Partner criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Skilled partner (under 45, nominated a skilled occupation to which their skills have been assessed, competent English) | 10 |
| Single or partner is an Australian citizen/permanent resident | 10 |
| Partner has competent English only | 5 |
Nomination or Sponsorship
| Visa/Nomination Type | Points |
|---|---|
| Nominated by State or Territory (Subclass 190) | 5 |
| Nominated for regional visa (Subclass 491) | 15 |
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