Australia Visa Points Calculator
An essential tool for checking your eligibility for Australian General Skilled Migration. This calculator is designed for visas like the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
Points are awarded based on your age at the time of invitation.
Based on tests like IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, etc.
In your nominated occupation or a closely related skilled occupation in the last 10 years.
In your nominated occupation or a closely related skilled occupation in the last 10 years.
Points are for your highest qualification from an Australian or recognized overseas institution.
A Masters by research or a Doctorate from an Australian educational institution in specific STEM fields.
At least one degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution.
Completed in Accounting, ICT/Computing or Engineering in the last 4 years.
Your partner must also be an applicant for this visa.
Points for nomination by a state/territory or sponsorship by a family member.
Total Points
0
A minimum of 65 points is required to be eligible for an invitation.
Points Contribution by Category
What is the Australia Visa Points Calculator?
The Australia visa points calculator is a system used by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to assess the eligibility of skilled workers for various visas. This tool, also known as the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test, allocates points based on a range of factors like age, English language ability, work experience, and education. To be considered for a skilled migration visa, such as the Subclass 189, 190, or 491, applicants must score a minimum of 65 points. However, meeting the minimum score does not guarantee an invitation to apply; a higher score significantly increases your chances.
Australia Visa Points Formula and Explanation
The total score is a summation of points awarded across several categories. There is no complex formula; it is a straightforward addition of points from each criterion you meet. The combined total from categories like work experience cannot exceed a certain maximum (e.g., 20 points for combined Australian and overseas experience).
| Variable (Category) | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range (Points) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | Your age at the time of invitation | Points | 0 – 30 |
| English Proficiency | Your score on an approved English test | Points | 0 – 20 |
| Overseas Work Experience | Years of skilled work outside Australia | Points | 0 – 15 |
| Australian Work Experience | Years of skilled work inside Australia | Points | 0 – 20 |
| Education | Your highest academic qualification | Points | 0 – 20 |
| Partner Skills | Your partner’s qualifications and English ability | Points | 0 – 10 |
| Nomination | State/Territory or family sponsorship | Points | 0 – 15 |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Software Engineer
- Inputs: Age (30), Superior English, 5 years overseas experience, 1 year Australian experience, Bachelor’s Degree, Single, seeking 189 visa.
- Calculation: Age (30) + English (20) + Overseas Exp (10) + Aus Exp (5) + Education (15) + Partner (0) + Nomination (0) = 80 points.
- Result: This applicant has a strong score of 80 points, making them a competitive candidate for a Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa.
Example 2: Registered Nurse
- Inputs: Age (38), Proficient English, 8 years overseas experience, Diploma of Nursing, Partner has competent English, seeking 190 visa nomination.
- Calculation: Age (25) + English (10) + Overseas Exp (15) + Aus Exp (0) + Education (10) + Partner (5) + Nomination (5) = 70 points.
- Result: With 70 points, including the 5 points for state nomination, this applicant meets the threshold and can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa. For more details on visa options, see our guide on the {Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) Visa}.
How to Use This Australia Visa Points Calculator
- Select Your Age: Choose the age bracket you will be in when you are likely to be invited to apply.
- Enter English Proficiency: Select your level based on your most recent official test results (e.g., IELTS, PTE).
- Add Work Experience: Separately select the number of years you have worked in a skilled role, both in and out of Australia. The role must be on the relevant {related_keywords}.
- Input Qualifications: Choose your highest educational achievement.
- Add Other Factors: Select ‘Yes’ for any additional criteria you meet, such as Australian study or a professional year.
- Review Your Score: The calculator will instantly update your total points. Check this against the minimum requirement of 65 points.
Key Factors That Affect Australia Visa Points
- Age: Maximum points are awarded to applicants aged 25 to 32. Points decrease significantly after the age of 40.
- English Language Proficiency: A ‘Superior’ score (e.g., IELTS 8+) provides the maximum 20 points, giving you a major advantage.
- Skilled Work Experience: The more years of relevant experience you have, the more points you get. Experience in Australia is weighted more heavily than overseas experience.
- Educational Qualifications: A PhD earns the most points. Having a qualification from an Australian institution can also grant extra points through the Australian Study Requirement.
- Partner Skills: If your partner has a skilled occupation and competent English, they can contribute up to 10 valuable points.
- Nomination/Sponsorship: Securing a nomination from a state or territory (subclass 190 or 491) is one of the most significant ways to boost your score, adding 5 or 15 points respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the minimum points score required for an Australian visa?
- The minimum score to be eligible to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) is 65 points for most skilled migration visas.
- Does meeting 65 points guarantee a visa invitation?
- No. 65 points is the minimum threshold to be eligible. Invitations are sent to candidates with the highest scores, and the cutoff can be much higher depending on the occupation and demand.
- How can I improve my points score?
- You can improve your score by retaking your English test for a higher result, gaining more skilled work experience, or pursuing further education. Securing a state nomination is also a key strategy. Check out our resources on the {Graduate Temporary (Subclass 485) Visa} for pathways to gain Australian experience.
- What is a ‘closely related’ skilled occupation?
- This is an occupation that falls within the same ANZSCO unit group as your nominated occupation. The assessing authority for your occupation can provide guidance on this. For more info, see our page on {Australian Skills Assessing Authorities}.
- How long is a points test result valid?
- An Expression of Interest (EOI) in the SkillSelect system is valid for two years. Your points may change during this time if your circumstances change (e.g., you get older or gain more experience).
- Can I claim points for two degrees?
- No, you can only claim points for your single highest educational qualification.
- What is a Professional Year?
- A Professional Year is a structured professional development program in Australia for graduates of specific fields like Accounting, IT, and Engineering. It awards 5 points.
- Do I need a skills assessment before calculating my points?
- You need a positive skills assessment to lodge an EOI, so it’s a critical first step. You can use the calculator beforehand to estimate your potential score. We have a guide to the {Australia Skilled Immigration Basic Requirements} to help you get started.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Explore our other resources to help with your Australian immigration journey:
- The Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): Check if your occupation is in high demand.
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): Learn about the premier visa for skilled workers.
- State Nomination Pathways: Discover how states and territories can nominate you for a visa.
- Understanding the {Regional Occupation List (ROL)}: See opportunities available in regional Australia.
- Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL): Find out about occupations on the short-term list.
- Skilled Regional (Subclass 887) Visa: A pathway to permanent residency for regional visa holders.