📋 In This Guide
- What is the Australia PR points test?
- Who can apply — eligible visa subclasses
- The full points grid 2026
- Current cut-off scores and invitation rounds
- How to calculate your points score
- How to boost your points score
- How to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- How to apply after receiving an invitation
- Processing times and fees 2026
- Frequently asked questions
- Next steps
What Is the Australia PR Points Test?
Australia's General Skilled Migration (GSM) program uses a points-based system to select applicants for permanent residency (PR). Rather than simply meeting a checklist of requirements, skilled migrants compete against each other — those with the highest points scores receive invitations to apply for a PR visa first.
The points test awards points for factors including age, English language ability, work experience, education, partner skills, and state or territory nomination. The minimum passing score is 65 points, but in practice, most applicants need significantly higher scores to receive an invitation — the actual cut-off in any given round depends on how many places are available and how competitive the pool is at the time.
This guide covers everything you need to know for 2026: the full points grid, current cut-off scores, how to calculate your own score, strategies to boost your points, and a step-by-step guide to submitting an Expression of Interest and applying after receiving an invitation.
Who Can Apply — Eligible Visa Subclasses
The points test applies to three main skilled migration visa subclasses. Each has different requirements and offers different pathways to permanent residency.
| Visa subclass | Name | What it offers | Minimum points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 | Skilled Independent visa | Permanent residency anywhere in Australia — no state nomination required. The most competitive subclass. | 65 points (but cut-off typically much higher in practice) |
| Subclass 190 | Skilled Nominated visa | Permanent residency, requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory government. Nomination adds 5 points to your score and the effective cut-off is typically lower than for subclass 189. | 65 points (including 5 points for state nomination) |
| Subclass 491 | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa | A provisional (temporary) visa valid for 5 years — not immediate PR. Requires regional nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative in a regional area. After living and working in a regional area for 3 years, holders can apply for subclass 191 (permanent). Nomination adds 15 points. | 65 points (including 15 points for regional nomination) |
Who is eligible to sit the points test?
To be eligible to submit an EOI and sit the points test, you must meet all of the following base requirements:
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation — applicants aged 45 or over at the time an invitation is issued are not eligible for subclasses 189, 190, or 491
- Have a nominated occupation that appears on the relevant skilled occupation list for your visa subclass — the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for subclass 189, and either the MLTSSL or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) for subclasses 190 and 491
- Have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation from the relevant Australian assessing authority — this must be completed before submitting your EOI
- Score at least 65 points on the points test
- Have at least competent English — a minimum score of 6.0 in each component of IELTS (or equivalent in another approved test) is required to submit an EOI
- Meet health and character requirements — a health examination and police clearance certificates will be required after invitation
The Full Australia PR Points Grid 2026
Points are awarded across eight categories. Every applicant's score is the sum of points awarded across all categories that apply to their circumstances. The maximum possible score varies but can reach well over 100 points in the best-case scenario.
Age
| Age at time of invitation | Points |
|---|---|
| 18–24 years | 25 |
| 25–32 years | 30 |
| 33–39 years | 25 |
| 40–44 years | 15 |
| 45 years and over | 0 (ineligible for invitation) |
English language ability
| English level | Test score equivalent (IELTS) | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Superior English | 8.0 in each band (IELTS) / equivalent in PTE, TOEFL, OET, or Cambridge | 20 |
| Proficient English | 7.0 in each band (IELTS) / equivalent | 10 |
| Competent English | 6.0 in each band (IELTS) / equivalent | 0 (minimum required — no additional points) |
Skilled employment — outside Australia
| Years of skilled employment in your nominated occupation (outside Australia) | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| 3 years but less than 5 years | 5 |
| 5 years but less than 8 years | 10 |
| 8 years or more | 15 |
Skilled employment — in Australia
| Years of skilled employment in your nominated occupation (in Australia) | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 0 |
| 1 year but less than 3 years | 5 |
| 3 years but less than 5 years | 10 |
| 5 years but less than 8 years | 15 |
| 8 years or more | 20 |
Educational qualifications
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate (PhD) from an Australian educational institution, or a PhD assessed as equivalent to an Australian PhD | 20 |
| At least a bachelor degree (or higher — master's or honours) from an Australian educational institution, or an equivalent qualification assessed as meeting Australian bachelor degree standard | 15 |
| Diploma or trade qualification completed in Australia | 10 |
| Award from an Australian educational institution or NATTI accreditation | 10 |
| No award above — recognised qualification only | 0 |
Australian study requirement
| Requirement | Points |
|---|---|
| Have at least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian institution (minimum 2 academic years of study in Australia) that contributes to the points test education score above | 5 |
Specialist education qualification
| Requirement | Points |
|---|---|
| Have a master's degree by research or a doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution that included at least 2 academic years of study in a specified science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) field | 10 |
Partner skills
| Partner's circumstances | Points |
|---|---|
| Partner (spouse or de facto) meets the age, English language, and skills assessment requirements for the points test AND is included in the application | 10 |
| Applying as a single applicant (no partner included in the application) | 10 |
| Partner is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen | 10 |
| Partner is included in the application but does NOT meet the skills requirements | 0 |
State or territory nomination
| Nomination type | Points |
|---|---|
| Subclass 190 nomination by an Australian state or territory government | 5 |
| Subclass 491 nomination by an Australian state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible relative in a regional area | 15 |
Community language
| Requirement | Points |
|---|---|
| Accredited translator for a language other than English, credentialled through the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) | 5 |
Current Cut-Off Scores and Invitation Rounds 2026
The Department of Home Affairs runs SkillSelect invitation rounds approximately every two weeks. At each round, invitations are issued to the highest-scoring EOIs in each visa subclass and — for some occupations — within specific occupation caps. The lowest score invited in a given round is the cut-off score for that round.
How cut-off scores work
- Cut-off scores vary by round — they are not fixed and can change significantly from one round to the next depending on the number of available places and the competitiveness of the pool
- Where two applicants have the same points score, the tie is broken by the date and time the EOI was submitted — earlier submissions rank higher
- Cut-off scores for subclass 189 are consistently the highest — it is the most competitive pathway as it requires no nomination
- Subclass 190 cut-offs are typically 5–10 points lower than subclass 189 because the 5 nomination points effectively reduce the base score needed
- Subclass 491 typically has lower effective cut-offs because of the 15 nomination points, but requires living and working in a regional area
| Visa subclass | Typical cut-off range (recent rounds 2025–2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent | 85–90+ points for most occupations | Highly competitive — a score below 85 is unlikely to receive an invitation in the near term for most occupations. Some occupations with separate invitation rounds may have lower cut-offs. |
| Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated | 75–85 points (varies significantly by state) | Cut-offs vary by nominating state and by occupation — some states have occupation-specific requirements. Each state runs its own nomination program with different criteria. |
| Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional | 65–80 points (varies significantly by state and region) | Lower effective cut-offs because of the 15 nomination points — but requires a genuine commitment to live and work in a regional area for at least 3 years before PR eligibility. |
How to Calculate Your Points Score
Use the full points grid in Section 3 to calculate your score. Work through each category systematically — do not skip any category, even if you believe you will score zero on it, as this confirms the total is accurate.
Step-by-step calculation example
| Category | Example applicant's circumstances | Points awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 29 years old at time of invitation | 30 |
| English language | IELTS 7.5 in each band (Proficient English) | 10 |
| Overseas skilled employment | 4 years skilled work outside Australia | 5 |
| Australian skilled employment | 2 years skilled work in Australia | 5 |
| Educational qualifications | Bachelor degree from overseas university (assessed as equivalent) | 15 |
| Australian study requirement | No qualifying Australian study | 0 |
| Specialist education | No qualifying STEM postgraduate study | 0 |
| Partner skills | Single applicant | 10 |
| State nomination | No nomination (applying for subclass 189) | 0 |
| Community language (NAATI) | No NAATI accreditation | 0 |
| Total points score | 75 points | |
In this example, 75 points is above the 65-point minimum but is below the typical cut-off for subclass 189 (85–90+ points). This applicant would be unlikely to receive a subclass 189 invitation at current cut-off levels but may be competitive for subclass 190 (with a 5-point nomination boost to 80) or subclass 491 (with a 15-point nomination boost to 90). See Section 6 for strategies to increase this score.
How to Boost Your Points Score
If your current score is below the competitive threshold for your target visa subclass, there are several concrete strategies to increase it. Some are quicker than others — plan your approach based on your timeline.
Quick wins — achievable within months
- Improve your English test score to Superior (8.0+ in each IELTS band): Moving from Proficient (10 points) to Superior (20 points) English adds 10 points to your score — one of the most impactful single improvements available. If you are close to 8.0, retaking the IELTS or switching to PTE Academic (where many candidates find it easier to achieve the equivalent score) is worth serious consideration. The additional 10 points can be the difference between waiting years for an invitation and receiving one in the next round.
- Apply for state nomination (subclass 190 or 491): If you can obtain state nomination, you add 5 points (subclass 190) or 15 points (subclass 491) without any change in your underlying qualifications or experience. Research which states are currently nominating your occupation and what their specific requirements are — each state runs its own program with different criteria and opens and closes nomination rounds at different times.
Medium-term strategies — achievable within 1–2 years
- Accumulate more Australian work experience: Every year of additional skilled work in Australia in your nominated occupation adds points — and Australian work experience is weighted more heavily than overseas experience. If you are already in Australia on a work visa, prioritise accumulating Australian skilled employment time before lodging your EOI.
- Reach the next work experience threshold: Points are awarded in bands — check which threshold is next on the overseas and Australian skilled employment scales and calculate how long until you cross it. For example, moving from 2 years of Australian experience (5 points) to 3 years (10 points) adds 5 more points.
- Obtain NAATI accreditation (if eligible): If you are a fluent speaker of a community language, gaining NAATI accreditation as a certified translator adds 5 points. The accreditation process takes several months but is achievable for candidates with genuine bilingual ability.
Longer-term strategies — 2+ years
- Complete a higher-level Australian qualification: Completing a postgraduate degree in Australia — particularly a STEM master's by research or a PhD — can add both the Australian study bonus (5 points) and the specialist education bonus (10 points), for a potential boost of up to 15 points. This is a major investment of time and money but transforms the overall score for eligible candidates.
- Consider the subclass 491 pathway with a view to 191 PR: If your score is not competitive for subclass 189 or 190, the subclass 491 regional pathway offers a viable route to permanent residency via subclass 191, provided you are willing to commit to regional living and working for at least 3 years. The 15 nomination points make many candidates competitive who would otherwise wait years in the subclass 189 pool.
How to Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is not a visa application — it is your registration of interest in being invited to apply. You must submit your EOI through SkillSelect before you can receive an invitation. There is no fee to submit an EOI.
Complete your skills assessment first
Before you can submit an EOI, you must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for your nominated occupation. Find your assessing authority via the occupation list on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Allow 4 weeks to 6+ months depending on the body — start this as early as possible.
Obtain your English language test result
You must have a valid English language test result from an approved SELT — IELTS Academic or General Training, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, or Cambridge C1 Advanced. Test results are generally valid for 3 years. If your current result is below the Superior threshold (8.0+ per band in IELTS) and you are close, consider retesting before submitting your EOI.
Create an ImmiAccount and complete your EOI
Go to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and create an ImmiAccount. Within ImmiAccount, select SkillSelect and complete your EOI for your chosen visa subclass(es). You can submit EOIs for multiple subclasses simultaneously — for example, for both subclass 189 and 190 at the same time.
Enter your points claims accurately
Complete every section of the EOI form and claim only points you are genuinely entitled to and can evidence. Record the exact number of years of work experience, your education level, your English test scores, and any partner skills. Do not round up or estimate — be precise and conservative.
Submit and monitor your EOI
Submit your EOI — there is no application fee at this stage. Your EOI is now live in the SkillSelect pool. Monitor invitation round results (published every two weeks at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) to track whether your score is competitive. Update your EOI immediately if your circumstances change — for example, if you gain additional work experience, improve your English test score, or obtain state nomination.
Keep your EOI current — it expires after 2 years
An EOI is valid for 2 years from submission. If you have not received an invitation within 2 years, you must submit a new EOI. Your date and time of submission matters for tie-breaking — resubmitting resets your position in the queue, so update your existing EOI rather than withdrawing and resubmitting unless your circumstances have materially changed.
How to Apply After Receiving an Invitation
Receiving an invitation to apply is a significant milestone — but there is still work to do. You have 60 days from the date of your invitation to lodge a complete visa application. This deadline is strict and cannot be extended.
Note the 60-day deadline immediately
Calculate the exact date that is 60 days from your invitation. Set a firm internal deadline of 50 days to allow time for any last-minute document issues. A visa application submitted after the 60-day window expires is not accepted — the invitation lapses and you return to the EOI pool.
Gather all required documents
Collect everything needed for a complete visa application — your skills assessment result, English test certificate, passport, evidence of work experience (payslips, employment contracts, tax records, reference letters), educational certificates, police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 12+ months since age 16, and your partner's documents if applicable.
Book your health examination
You must undergo a medical examination with a panel physician approved by the Department of Home Affairs. Find an approved physician at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Allow time for the examination to be completed and the results to be transmitted to the Department before your 60-day deadline. Do not leave this to the last week.
Lodge the visa application online and pay the fee
Lodge your visa application through ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. The visa application charge (VAC) must be paid at the time of lodgement — see Section 9 for the current fees. Ensure all documents are uploaded and complete before submitting — incomplete applications delay processing and may result in the application being refused.
Await the decision
After lodgement, the Department of Home Affairs will assess your application. They may request additional documents (a section 56 request) — respond promptly and completely to any requests. Standard processing times vary by visa subclass and individual circumstances — see Section 9. You can track your application through ImmiAccount.
Receive your visa grant
If approved, you will receive a visa grant notification via ImmiAccount and email. For subclass 189 and 190, this is a permanent residency grant — you will receive a PR visa label in your passport (if you are outside Australia) or a grant of permission to remain (if you are inside Australia). For subclass 491, this is a 5-year provisional visa — plan your regional living requirement and subclass 191 pathway from day one.
Processing Times and Fees 2026
| Fee / cost item | Amount (April 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 visa application charge — main applicant | AUD $4,640 | Non-refundable. Verify current fee at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before paying — VAC is reviewed annually. |
| Subclass 190 visa application charge — main applicant | AUD $4,640 | Non-refundable. Same base fee as subclass 189. |
| Subclass 491 visa application charge — main applicant | AUD $4,640 | Non-refundable. Subclass 491 is provisional — a further fee applies when applying for subclass 191 PR after 3 years. |
| Secondary applicant (spouse/partner aged 18+) | AUD $2,320 | Per additional adult applicant included in the application |
| Secondary applicant (dependent child under 18) | AUD $1,160 | Per dependent child under 18 included in the application |
| Skills assessment fee | AUD $300–$1,000+ | Varies significantly by assessing body and occupation — check the relevant authority's current fees before applying |
| English language test (IELTS Academic) | AUD $385–$420 | Per attempt — PTE Academic and other approved tests have similar costs |
| Health examination | AUD $300–$600+ | Per applicant — varies by panel physician and any additional tests required |
| Police clearance certificates | Variable | Required from every country lived in for 12+ months since age 16 — costs vary by country |
| Migration agent fees (recommended) | AUD $2,000–$5,000+ | For full application assistance from a MARA-registered migration agent — strongly recommended for complex cases |
| Visa subclass | Typical processing time (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 | 6–18 months from lodgement | Processing time varies — 75% of applications processed within approximately 9 months based on recent data; complex cases take longer |
| Subclass 190 | 6–18 months from lodgement | Similar processing timeline to subclass 189 |
| Subclass 491 | 6–14 months from lodgement | Provisional visa — processing timelines generally similar to 189/190 |
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no fixed timeline — it depends entirely on your points score relative to other applicants in the pool and the number of invitations issued each round. Applicants with scores well above the current cut-off may receive an invitation in the next round; applicants at or just above the cut-off could wait months or years. There is also no guarantee of invitation — if your score never reaches the cut-off, you may not receive one during your EOI's 2-year validity. Monitoring invitation round results at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au gives you the best indication of where your score sits relative to the competition.
Yes — you can submit an EOI for subclass 189, 190, and 491 simultaneously. This is a common strategy — it gives you the best chance of receiving an invitation across the most competitive (189) and the more accessible (190, 491) pathways. If you receive invitations for multiple subclasses, you choose which one to accept. Accepting an invitation for one subclass does not automatically cancel your other EOIs, but you should withdraw them once you have lodged a visa application for one pathway.
If your occupation does not appear on the MLTSSL (for subclass 189) or the MLTSSL/STSOL (for subclasses 190 and 491), you are not eligible for the General Skilled Migration points test through these subclasses. However, you may be eligible for employer-sponsored pathways (subclass 482 and 186), state or territory nominated pathways that use different occupation lists, or other visa routes. Check the full occupation list at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and, if your occupation is borderline, seek advice from a MARA-registered migration agent about the most appropriate pathway.
Skills assessment validity varies by assessing body. Many assessments are valid for 3 years from the date of assessment, but some bodies issue assessments that are valid for different periods or that need to be revalidated if your EOI has not been converted to a visa application within a certain time. Check with your specific assessing authority for the validity period — if your assessment is approaching expiry while your EOI is still in the pool, contact the assessing body about renewal before it lapses.
Yes — your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants in your visa application. Each secondary applicant pays a separate Visa Application Charge (AUD $2,320 for adults, AUD $1,160 for children under 18) and must meet their own health and character requirements. If your partner meets the skills assessment and English language requirements, including them as a secondary applicant with qualifying skills earns you 10 partner points in the points test.
Subclass 491 holders must live, work, or study in a designated regional area of Australia for at least 3 years before they can apply for the subclass 191 permanent visa. Designated regional areas include most of Australia outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane — including regional cities like Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Darwin, and Gold Coast, as well as all rural and remote areas. The specific requirement is at least 3 years of living and working (or studying) in a regional area, and having an annual income of at least AUD $53,900 per year during that period, to meet the subclass 191 eligibility criteria.
You are not legally required to use a migration agent — you can submit your EOI and visa application independently. However, given the complexity of Australian immigration rules, the non-refundable visa fees, and the importance of presenting your skills and experience correctly, many applicants choose to use a MARA-registered migration agent (Registered Migration Agent under the Migration Agents Registration Authority). A MARA agent is legally required to act in your interests and is accountable to a professional regulator. If you choose to use an agent, verify their registration at mara.gov.au before engaging them.
Next Steps
Four things to do right now:
- Calculate your current points score using the grid in Section 3 — be accurate and conservative. Then compare your score against current cut-off scores for your target visa subclass at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. If you are well above the current cut-off, move to starting your skills assessment immediately. If you are below or borderline, review the boost strategies in Section 6 before spending money on skills assessments or tests.
- Start your skills assessment as soon as possible — this is the longest lead-time item and must be completed before you can submit an EOI. Identify your assessing authority from the occupation list at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and check their current processing times. A 4–6 month assessment window is common — every month of delay is a month longer before you can enter the pool.
- Check your English test score — and retest if you are below Superior — moving from Proficient (10 points) to Superior English (20 points) is the single highest-impact improvement available to most applicants. If your IELTS score is 7.0–7.5 per band, investing in targeted preparation for a retest to reach 8.0+ per band is almost always worthwhile.
- Research state nomination programs — if your score is not competitive for subclass 189, check which states are currently open for nomination in your occupation via each state government's migration website. Obtaining a subclass 190 or 491 nomination adds 5 or 15 points respectively and can make a significant difference to your wait time.
Always verify the current Visa Application Charge, skills assessment requirements, and occupation list status at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before making any application — these are reviewed regularly and can change without significant advance notice.
Bookmark this page — we will update the points grid, cut-off scores, and fees immediately whenever changes are announced by the Department of Home Affairs.
🏛 Official Sources Used in This Guide
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — SkillSelect Invitation Rounds (current cut-off scores) immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Official Points Calculator immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Skilled Occupation Lists (MLTSSL / STSOL) mara.gov.au — Find a MARA-registered Migration Agent📖 Related Guides on VisaPathGuide.com
- Australia Skilled Worker Visa 482 — Employer Sponsorship Guide 2026
- Australia Student Visa Subclass 500 — Complete Application Guide 2026
- Australia Subclass 491 Regional Visa — Is It Worth It? Complete Guide 2026
- How to Become an Australian Citizen — After PR Guide 2026
- Australia Skills Assessment Guide — Which Body Assesses Your Occupation?
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