189 Visa Points Calculator
An essential tool for Australian Skilled Independent Migration
You must be under 45 to be invited to apply.
Based on tests like IELTS or PTE.
Experience outside Australia in your nominated or closely related skilled occupation.
Experience inside Australia in your nominated or closely related skilled occupation.
Points are for the highest qualification obtained.
A Masters by research or a Doctorate from an Australian institution in a relevant STEM field.
At least one degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian institution (min 2 years study).
Completed in Accounting, ICT/Computing or Engineering in the 4 years before invitation.
Accreditation at the paraprofessional level or above by NAATI.
Met the Australian study requirement while living and studying in a regional area.
Points based on your partner’s status and qualifications.
Your Estimated Points Score:
Points Breakdown:
What is the 189 Visa Points Calculator?
The 189 visa points calculator is a crucial tool for skilled professionals who wish to migrate to Australia independently. The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a points-tested visa that does not require sponsorship from an employer or family member, or nomination by a state or territory government. This calculator provides an estimate of your eligibility by tallying points based on several key factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, and education. To be eligible to apply, you must score a minimum of 65 points. However, due to the competitive nature of the program, a higher score significantly increases your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This makes our 189 visa points calculator an essential first step in your journey. Using a 189 visa points calculator helps you understand your current standing and identify areas where you might be able to improve your score.
189 Visa Points Formula and Explanation
The “formula” for the 189 visa points calculator isn’t a single mathematical equation, but a sum of points awarded across different categories. The total score is calculated as:
Total Points = Age Points + English Points + (Overseas + Australian Experience Points) + Education Points + Specialist Education Points + Australian Study Points + Other Points (Professional Year, Language, Regional Study, Partner Skills)
An important rule to remember is that the combined points for skilled employment (both overseas and Australian) are capped at a maximum of 20 points. This means even if your experience technically adds up to more, you will only be awarded 20 points in this category. Our 189 visa points calculator automatically handles this capping.
Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range (Points) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | Applicant’s age at the time of invitation. | Years | 15 – 30 |
| English Language | Proficiency level (Competent, Proficient, Superior). | Test Score (e.g., IELTS Band) | 0 – 20 |
| Skilled Employment | Years of relevant work experience (capped at 20 total points). | Years | 0 – 20 |
| Education | Highest qualification level achieved. | Qualification Level | 10 – 20 |
| Partner Skills | Spouse/partner’s skills and English ability. | Status | 0 – 10 |
| Other Factors | Includes Australian study, professional year, etc. | Binary (Yes/No) | 0 – 5 per factor |
Practical Examples
Example 1: IT Professional
- Inputs:
- Age: 29 (30 points)
- English: Superior (20 points)
- Overseas Experience: 5 years (10 points)
- Australian Experience: 1 year (5 points)
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree (15 points)
- Partner Skills: Single (10 points)
- Other Factors: 0
- Results: This applicant scores 90 points. This is a very competitive score, making them highly likely to receive an invitation. The 189 visa points calculator is invaluable for applicants like this to confirm their strong position.
Example 2: Junior Engineer
- Inputs:
- Age: 24 (25 points)
- English: Proficient (10 points)
- Overseas Experience: 1 year (0 points)
- Australian Experience: 1 year (5 points)
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Australia (15 points)
- Australian Study Requirement: Yes (5 points)
- Partner Skills: Single (10 points)
- Results: This applicant scores 70 points. While this meets the minimum 65-point threshold, it may not be competitive enough for an immediate invitation for certain high-demand occupations. They could improve their score by gaining more work experience or achieving a ‘Superior’ English score. For more details on visas, see our guide on the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).
How to Use This 189 Visa Points Calculator
Using our 189 visa points calculator is straightforward. Follow these steps for an accurate estimation:
- Select your Age: Choose the age bracket you will be in when you expect to receive an invitation to apply.
- Choose English Proficiency: Select your level based on an official English test like IELTS or PTE. ‘Competent’ is the minimum, but ‘Superior’ provides the most points.
- Enter Work Experience: Separately select the number of years you have worked in your skilled occupation, both inside and outside Australia. The calculator will automatically cap the combined points at 20.
- Add Educational Qualifications: Select your highest completed qualification from the dropdown.
- Select Other Factors: Tick ‘Yes’ for any additional criteria you meet, such as completing a professional year or studying in a regional area.
- Check Partner Skills: Choose the option that best describes your partner’s status.
- Review Your Score: The total score updates automatically. Compare it to the 65-point minimum and check the points breakdown in the chart. For information on employer-sponsored options, you might want to read about the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
Key Factors That Affect Your 189 Visa Points
Several factors are critical in determining your final score. Understanding them is key to maximizing your points. The accuracy of any 189 visa points calculator depends on correct inputs for these areas.
- Age: The highest points (30) are awarded to applicants aged 25-32. Points decrease from age 33 onwards, and you cannot be 45 or older at the time of invitation.
- English Proficiency: This is a key area to gain points. Moving from ‘Competent’ (0 points) to ‘Superior’ (20 points) can make a significant difference.
- Skilled Employment: More years of verified experience lead to more points, up to the 20-point cap. Australian experience is weighted more heavily.
- Education: Higher qualifications, such as a PhD, garner more points. A specialist degree (Masters by research or PhD) in a STEM field from an Australian institution adds a valuable 10 points.
- Partner Skills: Being single or having a skilled partner provides a 10-point boost, which can be critical for reaching a competitive score.
- Occupation: While not a direct input in the calculator, your nominated occupation must be on the relevant Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Some occupations have higher points requirements due to high demand. Explore your options with our page on the Skilled Occupation List.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. What is the minimum score needed for a 189 visa?
- You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). However, the actual score required for an invitation can be much higher depending on your occupation and the competition.
- 2. How are employment experience points capped?
- The points for overseas and Australian skilled employment are calculated separately, but the total you can claim from both categories combined cannot exceed 20 points. Our 189 visa points calculator applies this rule automatically.
- 3. Does this calculator guarantee me a visa?
- No, this calculator is an estimation tool only. A high score makes you eligible for an invitation, but the Department of Home Affairs makes the final decision based on a complete application and supporting evidence.
- 4. What happens if I turn 45 after submitting my EOI?
- You must be under 45 at the time you receive an invitation to apply. If you turn 45 before receiving an invitation, you will no longer be eligible for this visa stream.
- 5. Can I claim points for two different degrees?
- No, you can only claim points for your highest educational qualification. For example, if you have both a Bachelor’s degree and a PhD, you would claim the 20 points for the PhD.
- 6. What is a ‘Professional Year’?
- A Professional Year is a structured professional development program in Australia for graduates in Accounting, IT, or Engineering. It combines formal learning and an internship, and completing one can award you 5 points.
- 7. How can I improve my points score?
- Common ways to increase your score include improving your English test results, gaining more skilled work experience, or completing further education like a specialist Master’s degree. For other pathways, consider looking into the Global Talent Visa.
- 8. Is a skills assessment required before using the calculator?
- While not required to use the calculator, you must have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation to submit a valid EOI. This assessment confirms your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. Learn more about visa processing times to plan your application.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Planning your migration journey involves exploring all available options. Here are some resources that may be helpful:
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): A points-tested visa that requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): An option for skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer.
- Skilled Occupation List: Check if your occupation is in demand for skilled migration.
- Global Talent Visa: A streamlined visa for highly skilled professionals in future-focused sectors.
- Visa Processing Times: Get an estimate of how long your application might take.
- Regional Visas Australia: Explore visa options that require you to live and work in regional Australia.