Australia is one of the most desirable destinations for skilled professionals around the world. With its strong economy, diverse culture, and demand for global talent, the country continues to attract thousands of migrants each year through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.
The GSM program operates on a points-based system, meaning applicants must achieve a minimum number of points to be invited for a visa. For 2025, the minimum invitation threshold remains at 65 points, but in reality, competitive occupations often require 80+ points to secure an invitation.
This article explains how the points system works and provides practical strategies to improve your points for skilled migration visas such as Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa), and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa).
Understanding the Points Test
The Department of Home Affairs assesses applicants on factors such as:
- Age
- English language proficiency
- Skilled employment experience
- Educational qualifications
- Australian study experience
- Specialist education qualifications
- Credentialed community language skills
- Regional study or work
- Partner skills
- State or territory nomination / family sponsorship
Skilled Migration Points Calculator
Below is a simplified table of the points test categories and their maximum points available:
| Category | Description | Maximum Points |
| Age | Points based on age bracket (max at 25–32 years) | 30 |
| English Language Proficiency | IELTS/PTE/TOEFL (Competent, Proficient, Superior) | 20 |
| Overseas Work Experience | 1–8+ years of skilled employment overseas | 15 |
| Australian Work Experience | 1–8+ years of skilled employment in Australia | 20 |
| Educational Qualifications | Doctorate, Bachelor’s/Master’s, Diploma/Trade | 20 |
| Australian Study Requirement | 2+ years of CRICOS-registered study in Australia | 5 |
| Specialist Education Qualification (STEM) | Master’s by Research or PhD in STEM field in Australia | 10 |
| Credentialed Community Language (CCL) | Extra points for bilingual applicants with NAATI accreditation | 5 |
| Regional Study or Residence | Study or work in designated regional areas of Australia | 15 |
| Partner Skills | Partner’s skills, English, and occupation assessment | 10 |
| State or Territory Nomination (190/491) | State nomination = +5 points; Regional nomination = +15 points | 15 |
Minimum Points Required
- 65 points = minimum to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI).
- 75–85 points = competitive range for most popular occupations.
- Higher points = faster invitations in SkillSelect rounds.
Ways to Improve Your Points
1. Age (Maximum: 30 points)
- Highest points for 25–32 years (30 points).
- Apply early before losing points with age.
2. English Language Proficiency (Maximum: 20 points)
- Competent → 0 points (minimum requirement).
- Proficient (IELTS 7 in each band) → 10 points.
- Superior (IELTS 8 in each band) → 20 points.
Tip: Retake English tests to boost your score.
3. Skilled Employment Experience
- Overseas: Up to 15 points.
- Australian: Up to 20 points (valued higher than overseas).
4. Educational Qualifications
- Doctorate → 20 points.
- Bachelor’s/Master’s → 15 points.
- Diploma/Trade → 10 points.
5. Australian Study Requirement (5 points)
- Complete at least 2 years of CRICOS-registered study.
6. Specialist Education in STEM (10 points)
- Master’s by Research or PhD in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, or IT.
7. Credentialed Community Language (5 points)
- NAATI accreditation for bilingual applicants.
8. Regional Study/Residence (5–15 points)
- Study or work in regional Australia.
- Subclass 491 visa gives +15 points.
9. Partner Skills (Up to 10 points)
- Skilled partner with positive skills assessment = 10 points.
- Partner with English only = 5 points.
10. State or Territory Nomination
- Subclass 190 = +5 points.
- Subclass 491 = +15 points.
2025 Updates
Graduate Work Stream skills requirement reinstated.
English requirements tightened (IELTS 6.5 overall minimum).
Priority given to health, IT, teaching, aged care, and renewable energy roles.
2026 Migration Strategy – What’s Coming?
- More regional incentives for study and work.
- Extra recognition for STEM and healthcare graduates.
- Revised partner skills system to encourage dual-skilled families.
Example Points Calculation
Applicant Profile Example:
- Age: 29 → 30 points
- English: IELTS 8 → 20 points
- Overseas Experience: 5 years → 10 points
- Bachelor’s + Master’s in Australia → 30 points
- State Nomination (190) → 5 points
- Total = 95 points (Highly competitive for invitation).
Conclusion
Improving your points for skilled migration visas in Australia is about strategy and planning. While age and qualifications may be fixed, areas like English proficiency, regional study, state nomination, and partner skills offer big opportunities to boost your score.
The Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas remain highly competitive, but with the right approach, securing permanent residency is within reach.
For skilled professionals aiming to build their future in Australia, maximising points is the first and most important step towards a successful migration journey.