Australia Skilled Migration Points Calculator
2026
Calculate your points for Australia's skilled migration program and explore subclasses 189, 190, and 491. A qualifying score does not guarantee an invitation.
Calculate Your Points
Australia's Points Test Explained
Australia uses a points-based system (SkillSelect) to rank skilled migration applicants. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and wait for an invitation. Higher points = more likely to be invited. The minimum to submit an EOI is 65 points. If you are exploring points-based programs worldwide, you can compare this with the Canada Express Entry CRS Calculator or check your qualifications for employment routes using our UK Skilled Worker Salary Checker.
Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent
No state nomination is required. This is a permanent visa, but invitation scores vary by occupation and round.
Subclass 190 — State Nominated
Requires nomination from a state or territory and adds 5 points. State criteria and invitation settings vary.
Subclass 491 — Regional Nominated
Requires regional nomination or eligible family sponsorship and adds 15 points. It is a provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residence if its requirements are met.
Skills Assessment
Before applying, your occupation must be assessed by the relevant authority (e.g., ACS for IT, Engineers Australia, AHPRA for medical). This is separate from the points test.
Points Breakdown — Full Table
| Factor | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 25–32 years | 30 |
| Age | 18–24 or 33–39 | 25 |
| Age | 40–44 | 15 |
| English | Superior (IELTS 8+) | 20 |
| English | Proficient (IELTS 7) | 10 |
| Education | PhD (any) | 20 |
| Education | Overseas Bachelor / Master's | 15 |
| Education | Australian Bachelor or higher | 10 |
| Australian work | 5+ years | 15 |
| Australian work | 3–4 years | 10 |
| Australian work | 1–2 years | 5 |
| Overseas work | 8+ years | 15 |
| Overseas work | 5–7 years | 10 |
| Overseas work | 3–4 years | 5 |
| State nomination (190) | — | 5 |
| Regional nomination (491) | — | 15 |
| Professional year | In Australia | 5 |
| Partner status | Skilled partner or no spouse/de facto partner | 10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum points needed for Australian skilled migration in 2026?
The points threshold is 65, but meeting it does not guarantee an invitation. Invitation scores vary by visa subclass, occupation, nomination program, and invitation round.
What is the points test for Indian engineers in Australia?
For an Indian engineer aged 25–32 with 5+ years experience, a Master's degree, and IELTS 8 (superior English): Age 30 + English 20 + Work 15–20 + Education 20 = 85–90 points. This is competitive for 189 and strong for 190/491.
What is the difference between 189, 190, and 491 visas?
189 (Skilled Independent) requires no nomination, is permanent residency, and has higher points cutoffs. 190 (Skilled Nominated) requires state nomination, gives permanent residency, and has lower cutoffs. 491 (Skilled Regional) requires state or family nomination in a regional area, is a temporary visa (5 years) that leads to permanent residency after 3 years.
How long does Australian skilled migration take in 2026?
After receiving an invitation, you have 60 days to lodge a complete application. Processing times for 189: 6–18 months. Processing for 190/491: 3–12 months (state nomination adds time). Processing varies significantly by occupation and country of birth.