189 Points Calculator

An essential tool to check your eligibility for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189). This calculator is designed based on the latest 2026 criteria from the Department of Home Affairs.

Points Contribution Chart

Chart visualizing the points contribution from each category.

What is the 189 Points Calculator?

The 189 points calculator is a crucial tool for anyone considering applying for the Australian Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). This visa is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or nominated by a state or territory government. The calculator allows you to estimate your points score based on various factors, giving you a clear indication of your eligibility before you start the formal application process, known as the Expression of Interest (EOI). Understanding your potential score is the first step in your journey to Australian permanent residency.

This calculator should be used by skilled professionals whose occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list and who believe they can meet the minimum points threshold. A common misunderstanding is that scoring 65 points guarantees an invitation. In reality, due to the competitive nature of this visa, the required points for an invitation can be much higher and fluctuate based on the occupation and the number of applicants. For more details on visa processing times, see our guide on Australian visa timelines.

189 Points Calculator Formula and Explanation

The total score in the 189 points calculator is a summation of points awarded across several categories. There is no complex formula, but rather a straightforward addition of points from each criterion.

Total Points = Age Points + English Points + (Overseas Experience Points + Australian Experience Points) [capped at 20] + Education Points + Australian Study Points + Specialist Education Points + Professional Year Points + Partner Skills Points

Breakdown of points allocation for the Subclass 189 visa.

Variable	Meaning	Unit / Type	Typical Range (Points)
Age	Points awarded based on your age at the time of invitation.	Years	0 – 30
English Language Ability	Proficiency in English, proven by a recognized test.	Test Score Level	0 – 20
Skilled Employment	Experience in your nominated skilled occupation.	Years	0 – 20 (combined)
Educational Qualifications	Highest qualification obtained from a recognized institution.	Qualification Level	0 – 20
Specialist Attributes	Points for specific Australian studies, professional years, or partner skills.	Binary (Yes/No)	0 – 10 per attribute

Explore different Skilled Migration Pathways to see how these points apply to other visas.

Practical Examples

Example 1: Software Engineer

• Inputs:
  • Age: 29 (30 points)
  • English: Superior (20 points)
  • Overseas Experience: 5 years (10 points)
  • Australian Experience: 1 year (5 points)
  • Education: Bachelor Degree (15 points)
  • Australian Study: No (0 points)
  • Partner: Single (10 points)
• Results: The total score would be 90 points. This is a very competitive score, significantly increasing the chance of receiving an invitation to apply.

Example 2: Accountant

• Inputs:
  • Age: 35 (25 points)
  • English: Proficient (10 points)
  • Overseas Experience: 3 years (5 points)
  • Australian Experience: 3 years (10 points)
  • Education: Masters Degree (15 points)
  • Australian Study: Yes (5 points)
  • Professional Year: Yes (5 points)
  • Partner: Competent English (5 points)
• Results: The total score is 80 points. This is a strong score, placing the applicant in a good position for an invitation, especially for an in-demand occupation like accounting. For information on financial requirements, check our guide to Proof of Funds for Australian Immigration.

How to Use This 189 Points Calculator

Using our 189 points calculator is simple and intuitive. Follow these steps to get an accurate estimation of your points:

1. Select your Age: Choose the age bracket you fall into from the first dropdown.
2. Select your English Proficiency: Based on your estimated or actual test scores, choose your English level.
3. Enter Employment Experience: Select the number of years of skilled employment you have, both inside and outside Australia. The calculator automatically caps the combined employment points at 20.
4. Choose your Highest Education: Select the educational qualification that has been assessed as comparable to Australian standards.
5. Answer Additional Questions: Respond to the ‘Yes/No’ questions regarding Australian study, specialist education, and professional years.
6. Select Partner Skills: Choose the option that best describes your partner’s situation.
7. Review Your Score: The calculator will instantly update your total points in the results section. You can see a breakdown of where your points are coming from and visualize it in the chart.

Interpreting the results is key. A score of 65 makes you eligible to submit an EOI, but aiming for a score of 80 or higher will make your profile much more competitive. Check out our EOI Process Explained article for more details.

Key Factors That Affect Your 189 Points Score

• Age: The highest points (30) are awarded to applicants aged 25-32. Points decrease significantly after the age of 40.
• English Language Proficiency: ‘Superior’ English (e.g., IELTS 8+) gives you 20 points, a huge advantage over ‘Competent’ English which gives 0 points.
• Skilled Employment: More years of experience in your nominated occupation lead to more points. Australian experience is weighted more heavily.
• Education: A PhD earns the most points (20). A Bachelor or Masters degree still provides a significant 15 points.
• Partner Skills: A skilled partner with competent English can add up to 10 crucial points to your application.
• Specialist Study: A research-based Masters or PhD in a STEM field from an Australian institution adds an extra 10 points, highlighting the demand for specialists. Our Regional Visa Options guide might also be relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is 65 points enough to get a 189 visa?

While 65 is the minimum eligibility score to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), it is often not enough to receive an invitation. Invitation rounds are competitive, and scores are often much higher, depending on the occupation.

2. How are employment experience points calculated?

Points are awarded for both Australian and overseas experience. However, the total points you can claim from both combined is capped at 20.

3. What does ‘Competent English’ mean?

‘Competent English’ is the minimum level required and awards 0 points. It typically means an IELTS score of 6.0 in all bands or an equivalent score in other accepted tests.

4. Can I claim points for a qualification that is not related to my nominated occupation?

Generally, no. Your qualification should be relevant to your nominated occupation to claim points for it. An assessing authority will determine this.

5. Do I need to have my skills assessed before calculating my points?

While you can use this calculator for an estimate, a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is mandatory to formally submit an EOI and claim points for your occupation and qualifications.

6. How long is an Expression of Interest (EOI) valid?

An EOI remains in the SkillSelect pool for up to 2 years. If you don’t receive an invitation within that time, it will expire.

7. What happens if I turn older after submitting my EOI?

Your points are locked in at the time of invitation, not submission. If you move into a lower age bracket while your EOI is active, your points score will automatically update and decrease.

8. Can my partner and I apply separately and combine points?

No, you cannot combine points from separate applications. One person must be the primary applicant, and they can claim points for their partner’s skills on their own application.

Learn more about Occupation Lists for Skilled Migration.