BorderProof Team
January 5, 2026
Understanding Australia's Points-Based System
Australia's skilled migration program uses a points test to assess visa applicants. You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, but competitive scores often exceed 80-90 points.
Points Breakdown
Age (Max 30 points)
- 18-24 years: 25 points
- 25-32 years: 30 points
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-44 years: 15 points
- 45+ years: 0 points
English Language (Max 20 points)
- Competent (IELTS 6): 0 points
- Proficient (IELTS 7): 10 points
- Superior (IELTS 8): 20 points
Work Experience (Max 20 points)
- Australian: 1-3 years (5 pts), 3-5 years (10 pts), 5-8 years (15 pts), 8+ years (20 pts)
- Overseas: 3-5 years (5 pts), 5-8 years (10 pts), 8+ years (15 pts)
Education (Max 20 points)
- Doctorate: 20 points
- Bachelor's/Master's: 15 points
- Diploma/Trade: 10 points
Bonus Points
- Australian study requirement: 5 points
- Regional study: 5 points
- Specialist education: 10 points
- Professional year: 5 points
- Community language: 5 points
- Partner skills: 5-10 points
- State nomination (190): 5 points
- Regional nomination (491): 15 points
Key Visa Subclasses
- 189: Independent - no sponsor needed
- 190: State nominated - requires state sponsorship
- 491: Regional - 3 years in regional areas, then pathway to 191