How to Calculate Your Points for the 491 Visa?

Are you planning to migrate to Australia through the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa subclass 491? One of the most critical parts of this process is understanding how the points-based system works.

This system determines your eligibility to be invited for a 491 visa, and calculating your points accurately can make or break your chances of success.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to calculate your 491 visa points, what categories are included, and how to boost your score to stand out from the competition.  

What is the 491 Visa?

The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa is designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. It’s a points-tested visa valid for 5 years, and it can lead to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after fulfilling specific conditions.

You must be nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative in a regional area to apply.

Minimum Points Required for 491 Visa

As of 2025, you need to score at least 65 points to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. However, meeting the minimum doesn't guarantee an invitation. Candidates with higher scores are prioritized in the invitation rounds, so it’s important to aim for a competitive score.

Point Calculation Breakdown for the 491 Visa

Here’s how points are awarded across various factors:

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

Tip: The best age group to apply is 25–32 for maximum points.

2. English Language Proficiency (Maximum 20 points)

English Level	Points
Competent (IELTS 6.0)	0
Proficient (IELTS 7.0)	10
Superior (IELTS 8.0)	20

Tip: Aim for a superior score in IELTS or PTE to gain full 20 points.

3. Skilled Employment Experience (Maximum 20 points)

• Overseas Work Experience (in the last 10 years):

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

• Australian Work Experience:

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

Note: Only relevant skilled employment counts.

4. Educational Qualifications (Maximum 20 points)

Qualification	Points
Doctorate from an Australian or recognized foreign university	20
Bachelor or Master’s degree	15
Diploma or trade qualification	10
Recognized trade qualification (AQF III)	10

5. Australian Study Requirement (5 points)

If you completed at least 2 academic years of study in Australia, you can claim 5 points.

6. Study in Regional Australia (5 points)

Additional 5 points if your Australian study was in a regional area (outside major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane).

7. Professional Year in Australia (5 points)

If you’ve completed a Professional Year (in accounting, IT, or engineering), you can earn 5 points.

8. Credentialed Community Language (CCL) Test (5 points)

If you pass the NAATI CCL test in a language other than English, you gain 5 points.

9. Partner Skills or Single Status (Up to 10 points)

Partner Category	Points
Spouse has suitable skills + English	10
Spouse has competent English	5
Single or partner is an Australian citizen	10

Must Read: Top Tips for Partner Visas

10. Nomination or Sponsorship (15 points)

You can gain 15 points for either:

• State or territory government nomination (491-specific), or
• Family sponsorship in a designated regional area.

These 15 points are exclusive to the 491 visa.

Example Point Calculation

Here’s an example for a 29-year-old single applicant:

• Age: 30 points
• English (IELTS 8): 20 points
• Bachelor’s degree: 15 points
• 5 years overseas skilled experience: 10 points
• State nomination (491): 15 points
• Total: 90 points

How to Improve Your Points Score?

1. Boost your English: Moving from Proficient to Superior gives you an extra 10 points.
2. Gain more skilled experience: More years of work = more points.
3. Complete study in regional Australia.
4. Pass the NAATI CCL test for community language points.
5. Choose the right occupation and keep your ANZSCO code relevant.

Final Thoughts:

Calculating your points for the 491 visa accurately is crucial for building a strong case. Even though 65 is the minimum requirement, successful applicants usually score between 80 to 95 points, especially in high-demand occupations.

Make sure to verify all supporting documents, keep your Expression of Interest updated, and consider consulting a MARA-registered agent for professional help.

If you're planning to settle in regional Australia through the 491 visa route, understanding and optimizing your points is the first step toward a successful migration journey.

Need Help with Your 491 Visa Application?

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