Australia’s Points Test Reform: What’s Changing, When, and Who’s Affected

What is Being Reformed — and Why

The points test ranks people applying for Australia’s three points-tested skilled visas: the 189, 190 and 491. Together these make up about two-thirds of Australia’s permanent skilled intake.

The review began with the Government’s Migration Strategy in December 2023. A discussion paper followed on 24 April 2024, drawing 204 submissions. In the May 2026 Federal Budget, the Government confirmed it will reform and “optimise” the test.

Australia has used a points test since 1979, but the last major change was in 2012. The review found the current test does not do enough to identify applicants with the best long-term prospects. The stated aim is a test that favours migrants who find skilled work, gives clearer pathways to permanent residence, and reflects that younger migrants contribute for longer.

How The Points Test Works Today

To be invited, you currently need a positive skills assessment, an occupation on the relevant list, at least Competent English, to be under 45, and a score of at least 65 points. Here is how points are awarded under the current settings.

The minimum score to be invited is 65 points. In practice, invitation rounds are competitive, so successful applicants usually score well above the minimum. You can also read our points test explainer.

When Might The New Test Take Effect?

There is no legislated start date. The points test sits in the Migration Regulations, so any change needs a regulatory amendment before it can apply. That is why timing depends on the steps below being completed.

The May 2026 Federal Budget confirmed the reform and funded supporting measures. Reading the Budget, the indicated sequence is:

One point matters most for anyone in the pool now: the Government has said invitations already issued under the current matrix will be honoured. An invitation you receive under today’s rules is not expected to be re-scored under a new test later.

The Problems The Review Identified

The discussion paper sets out clear concerns with the current design. They explain the direction the reform is taking.

Minor Criteria Are Deciding Who Gets Invited

Many applicants score the maximum on the core criteria — age, English and skills. When applicants are tied, smaller criteria like regional study and community language end up deciding the ranking. The review sees these as weak predictors of success at work.

The Test Drives “Permanent Temporariness”

Several point categories are only available to people already in Australia. The paper notes this encourages migrants to keep accruing points on temporary visas, which can add years of uncertainty and raises the risk of exploitation.

Some Bonuses Look Over-Rewarded

The professional year — available only to accounting, engineering and ICT graduates, and costing roughly $8,500 to $15,000 — earns the same five points as up to three years of skilled work in Australia. The paper questions whether it improves job outcomes.

The Direction Of Reform — What May Change

The discussion paper and the Budget point in a clear direction, but the detail is not settled. Read the items below as levers under consideration, not decisions.

Which Occupations and Visas are Prioritised?

Today, the Department already prioritises some occupations. In Skilled Independent (189) selection, healthcare and teaching occupations are invited first, then remaining applicants are ranked by points. For the 190 and 491, state nomination drives selection, and each state runs its own priority list.

The Direction: Skills Australia Needs Now and Next

The review points to targeting skills tied to Australia’s future economy. The discussion paper names the care economy, the net-zero transition, the digital economy and construction. The Budget added funding to speed up trades skills assessments and licensing.

In practice, that suggests continued or stronger priority for nursing and aged care, engineering for renewables, digital and cyber roles, and construction trades. Shortage findings from Jobs and Skills Australia are likely to shape which occupations rank highest. The current occupation lists are confirmed by the Department, not by this article.

By Visa

Expect the three visas to specialise further. The 189 is likely to remain the most competitive, suited to very high scorers. The 190 and 491 — both state-nominated — are the realistic route for most occupations. The 2026–27 program also signals an onshore preference: most skilled places this year are allocated to people already in Australia.

Who is Most Affected?

If the reform follows the direction in the paper and the Budget, some profiles are better placed than others. Here is a general guide — your occupation and full points profile still decide the outcome.

What Still Applies Today

This is the most important point for anyone planning a skilled visa now. The reform is not yet law. The current points test, the 65-point pass mark, and the existing point categories all still apply.

The Government has confirmed its intention to reform the test and indicated a 1 July 2027 start, but it has not released draft legislation or a final commencement date. Invitations already issued under the current matrix are to be honoured. Confirm the current position with the Department of Home Affairs.

How To Prepare

You cannot plan around rules that do not exist yet. You can make choices that help under both the current and the proposed test.

Raise Your English Score

Higher English is valued now and is likely to be valued more. Moving from Proficient (IELTS 7) to Superior (IELTS 8) adds points today and protects your score against reform.

Complete Your Skills Assessment and Lodge Early

A positive skills assessment is required regardless of the test design, and can take weeks. If you already meet 65 points, lodging your EOI under the current rules keeps your options open before any change.

Consider State Nomination — or an Employer-Sponsored Alternative

Nomination through the 190 or 491 adds points beyond the federal test. If a points pathway looks marginal, an employer-sponsored 482 or 186 may suit you instead. Speak to a registered migration agent before you lodge or withdraw an EOI.

Frequently Asked Questions