Sky Strike 3DPlayAustralia Skilled Migration Points Calculator
A 28-year-old with proficient English and a bachelor’s degree scores 55 points for subclass 189. Add one year of skilled Australian work to reach 60, or five years of skilled overseas work to reach 65. The minimum to lodge an expression of interest is 65.
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How to use: Choose your visa, age and English level, then add work, study and partner details. The total updates as you change answers. The minimum to lodge an expression of interest is 65 points.
Estimate your points for Australia’s Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491) visas.
How the Australian points test works
Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491) visas all use the same general points test. It is set out in Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994. You need 65 points to lodge an expression of interest in SkillSelect, but that is only the start: the Department of Home Affairs invites the highest-ranked candidates for each occupation, so many people need well above 65. This tool follows the Schedule 6D compilation in force on 1 June 2026 and the Home Affairs points tables.
Points at a glance
| Age (at invitation) | 25–32: 30 · 18–24 and 33–39: 25 · 40–44: 15 |
| English | Proficient 10 · Superior 20 |
| Skilled work outside Australia | 3 yrs 5 · 5 yrs 10 · 8 yrs 15 |
| Skilled work in Australia | 1 yr 5 · 3 yrs 10 · 5 yrs 15 · 8 yrs 20 |
| Education | Doctorate 20 · Bachelor or above 15 · Diploma/trade 10 |
| Extras | STEM research 10 · Australian study 5 · regional study 5 · professional year 5 · community language 5 |
| Partner | Skilled 10 · single or partner is citizen/PR 10 · competent English only 5 |
| Nomination | 190: 5 · 491: 15 |
Rules people miss
- Employment points from inside and outside Australia are combined and capped at 20.
- Age is counted on the day you are invited, not the day you lodge your expression of interest.
- Employment must be in your nominated skilled occupation or a closely related one, within the last 10 years.
- You need a positive skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation before you can claim anything.
- Regional study points need the Australian study requirement as well.
The calculator asks for an English level rather than test scores. Competent, proficient and superior English have different score tables for each approved test and the tables changed for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. Check yours on the Home Affairs English language page.
VSH take: moving from proficient to superior English is worth 10 points and is often the cheapest improvement. Age can only go one way, so plan around the 33rd and 40th birthdays.
Sources and last update
Last updated 26 October 2026.
- Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 6D (general points test)
- Home Affairs: points table for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
- Home Affairs: SkillSelect
- Home Affairs: English language requirements
Estimate only. We are not responsible for decisions made using this tool. It is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules change, so always check the official site: Home Affairs SkillSelect.
Examples
- Age 28, proficient English, bachelor’s degree, subclass 189: 55 points (30 + 10 + 15).
- Same person with 1–3 years of skilled work in Australia: 60 points: +5.
- Same person nominated by a state (subclass 190): 60 points: +5 for nomination.
- Same person on a regional visa (subclass 491): 70 points: +15.
- Age 28, superior English, bachelor’s, 8+ years skilled work in Australia and 8+ abroad: Work is capped at 20, giving 30 + 20 + 20 + 15 = 85 points.
Frequently asked questions
How many points do I need for an Australian skilled visa?
65 points to lodge an expression of interest. Invitations go to the highest-ranked candidates, so actual invitation scores are usually higher and differ by occupation.
How many points is age worth?
30 points for ages 25 to 32, 25 for 18 to 24 and 33 to 39, and 15 for 40 to 44. People 45 or older cannot be invited.
How many points do I get for a state nomination?
5 points for subclass 190 and 15 points for subclass 491.
Is there a cap on work experience points?
Yes. Points for skilled work in Australia and overseas together are capped at 20.
Do I need a skills assessment?
Yes. You need a positive assessment for your nominated occupation from the relevant assessing authority before you can claim points.
Is this the official calculator?
No. It is an unofficial estimate based on Schedule 6D. Confirm everything on the Home Affairs website.
