What Is the Points System for Australian Immigration?

 Australia has long been a top destination for individuals looking to migrate for better career opportunities, a high standard of living, and a safe, multicultural society. If you’re considering making the move, one term you’ll encounter early on is the Points System.

This system plays a crucial role in Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, determining your eligibility for certain visa subclasses. But what exactly is it, and how does it work?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the points system, how you can score higher, and how it affects your chances of securing an Australian visa.

What Is the Points System?

The Points System for Australian Immigration is a merit-based method used to assess visa applicants under the General Skilled Migration stream. It evaluates candidates on a range of factors such as age, English language ability, work experience, educational qualifications, and more.

The purpose of the system is to ensure that Australia invites migrants who can positively contribute to the country’s workforce and economy. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 65 points to be considered, though higher scores are more competitive and increase your likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply.

Visa Subclasses That Use the Points System

The following skilled migration visas use the points-based system:

• Subclass 189: Skilled Independent Visa (no sponsorship required)
• Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated Visa (requires nomination by an Australian state or territory)
• Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (requires nomination by a regional area or family sponsorship)

🧮 How Are Points Calculated?

Here’s a breakdown of how points are allocated:

1. Age (Maximum 30 Points)

Age Range	Points
18–24 years	25
25–32 years	30
33–39 years	25
40–44 years	15
45–49 years	0

2. English Language Ability (Maximum 20 Points)

English Level	Points
Competent (IELTS 6)	0
Proficient (IELTS 7)	10
Superior (IELTS 8)	20

3. Skilled Employment Experience (Maximum 20 Points)

• In Australia:

Years of Experience	Points
1–2 years	5
3–4 years	10
5–7 years	15
8+ years	20

• Outside Australia:

Years of Experience	Points
3–4 years	5
5–7 years	10
8+ years	15

4. Educational Qualifications (Maximum 20 Points)

Qualification	Points
Doctorate	20
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree	15
Diploma or trade qualification	10

Must be from a recognized institution.

5. Australian Study Requirement: 5 Points

If you’ve completed at least two academic years of study in Australia, you can claim additional points.

6. Study in Regional Australia: 5 Points

Extra points if your study was done in a regional or low-population growth area.

7. Credentialed Community Language: 5 Points

You can gain points if you hold NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) accreditation in a community language.

8. Partner Skills (Maximum 10 Points)

• Partner meets age, English, and skills criteria: 10 points
• Partner has Competent English only: 5 points
• You are single or your partner is an Australian citizen/permanent resident: 10 points

9. State or Territory Nomination: 5–15 Points

• Nominated for Subclass 190: +5 points
• Sponsored for Subclass 491: +15 points

Strategy Tips to Boost Your Points

Getting to 65 points might be relatively easy for some, but to improve your chances of receiving an invitation, you’ll need to maximize your score. Here are a few tips:

• Improve your English score: Taking an English test again and aiming for “Superior” results can boost your points significantly.
• Gain more work experience: If you’re just below a threshold, waiting a year might help you qualify for more points.
• Pursue further education: Consider an Australian qualification or a regional study pathway.
• Consider state nomination: Explore if any Australian state or territory is actively nominating candidates in your occupation.
• Skill assessment: Ensure your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List and get a positive skill assessment from the relevant authority.

🔁 Expression of Interest (EOI) and SkillSelect

Once you’ve calculated your points, the next step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Here, you detail your qualifications, experience, and points claim.

Important: An EOI is not a visa application. It's a signal to the Australian government (and states/territories) that you're interested in migrating. If your EOI is competitive, you'll be invited to apply for a visa.

📆 How Long Does It Take?

The time between submitting your EOI and receiving an invitation can vary greatly, depending on:

• Your total points
• Your nominated occupation
• Whether you’re nominated by a state/territory or applying independently
• Quotas for specific occupations

In-demand occupations with high points scores may receive invitations in just weeks, while others might take several months.

📌 Final Thoughts:

Australia’s immigration points system is designed to ensure that the country attracts highly skilled individuals who can contribute meaningfully to its economy and society. While 65 points is the minimum, aiming for a higher score gives you a stronger chance of receiving an invitation.

By carefully assessing your eligibility, improving your score where possible, and understanding the visa pathways available, you can significantly improve your chances of making Australia your new home.

Whether you're a software engineer, healthcare professional, tradesperson, or academic — there’s likely a visa stream that fits your profile. Start planning early, get your documents in order, and explore all your options under the skilled migration points system.

Have questions about your eligibility or how to boost your score? Drop a comment below or reach out for a personalized assessment. Australia might be closer than you think!