Current Program Year · Last reviewed 14 July 2026
Know Your Skilled
Migration Points Score
Before You Apply
Australia's free, accurate points calculator for subclass 189, 190 & 491 visas. Built by Visa Advisor to help you understand your SkillSelect score in minutes.
189·190·491
All skilled visa types covered
Free
Eligibility check — no obligation
Your Live Points Score
0
points
Fill in the calculator below — your score updates here in real time.
65 — Minimum
70 — Competitive
80 — Strong
90+ — Excellent
Official SkillSelect Points Test — All 11 Categories
Australian Skilled Migration Points Calculator
Based on official Department of Home Affairs criteria. Score updates live as you select.
Age
Your age at time of invitation to apply
0 pts
English Language Ability
IELTS · PTE Academic · OET · TOEFL iBT · Cambridge
0 pts
Visa Advisor Tip: Moving from IELTS 7 to 8 in all four bands adds 10 points — often the single biggest score improvement available. Book a Migration Consultation to discuss preparation strategies.
Overseas Work Experience
In your nominated skilled occupation — outside Australia
0 pts
Australian Work Experience
In your nominated skilled occupation — within Australia
0 pts
Australian work experience earns more points than overseas experience. Working in Australia on a temporary visa (e.g. subclass 482) before your PR application is a proven strategy — ask Visa Advisor about this pathway.
Educational Qualifications
Your highest recognised qualification
0 pts
Australian Study Requirement
At least 2 academic years of study in Australia
0 pts
Qualification must be AQF Level 4 or above, studied while living in Australia for at least 2 academic years. Visa Advisor also handles student visas (500) and graduate visas (485).
Study in Regional Australia
Study at a regional / low-population-growth campus
0 pts
This is separate from the general Australian study requirement above. Verify-live: confirm the current list of eligible regional/low-population-growth postcodes on the official Home Affairs page before relying on this figure.
Specialist Education Qualification
Master's by Research or Doctorate in a STEM field
0 pts
STEM fields include: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Information Technology, Architecture, and related disciplines from an Australian institution.
Credentialled Community Language
NAATI CCL credential
0 pts
NAATI CCL tests are available in many languages including Nepali, Hindi, Mandarin, Arabic and more. The credential must be current at time of invitation.
Partner Skills / Status
Spouse or de facto partner situation
0 pts
State / Territory Nomination or Sponsorship
Official nomination — adds points & widens occupation lists
0 pts
Visa Advisor covers all 8 state & territory programs — ACT, NSW, SA, NT, QLD, TAS, VIC and WA. Subclass 491 gives the largest bonus (15 pts) and leads to PR via subclass 191 after 3 years in regional Australia.
Professional Year in Australia
Completed in your nominated occupation in Australia
0 pts
Available for accountants (CPA/ICAA/IPA), IT professionals (ACS), and engineers (Engineers Australia). Must be a full 44-week structured program completed in Australia.
Skilled Migration Visa Options
Which Visa Pathway Suits You?
Visa Advisor handles all five skilled migration subclasses — 189, 190, 491, 887 and 191. Here are the most popular points-tested pathways.
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent Visa
⭐ No Nomination Required
A permanent visa for skilled workers not sponsored by a state, employer, or family. The most competitive points-tested pathway to Australian PR.
- Immediate permanent residency
- Live and work anywhere in Australia
- No state/territory nomination obligation
- Include family members as dependants
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated Visa
+5 Nomination Points
A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory. Easier to access for many occupations with 5 extra points.
- Immediate permanent residency
- +5 extra points for state nomination
- 2-year living obligation in that state
- All 8 states & territories covered
- Broader occupation list than 189
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
+15 Nomination Points
A 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers in regional Australia. Highest nomination bonus — leads to PR via subclass 191 after 3 years.
- +15 bonus points — largest available
- 5-year provisional visa
- Pathway to PR via subclass 191
- State/territory or family sponsorship
- Much wider occupation list
Frequently Asked Questions
Skilled Migration FAQs
How many points do I need to migrate to Australia on a skilled visa?
You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an EOI through SkillSelect for subclass 189, 190, or 491. Actual invitation scores vary by occupation and round — many require 80+ for 189. State nomination (190) or regional sponsorship (491) can significantly improve your chances. Book a Migration Consultation with Visa Advisor to review your full profile in detail.
What is the difference between subclass 189, 190, 491, 887 and 191?
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) is a permanent visa with no nomination — the most competitive. Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) adds 5 points via state nomination with a 2-year living obligation. Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) is a provisional 5-year visa with 15 bonus points, leading to PR via subclass 191 after 3 years of regional living. Subclass 887 (Skilled Regional Permanent) is another PR pathway for those who have lived and worked regionally. Visa Advisor handles all five.
How does SkillSelect work and how often are invitations issued?
SkillSelect is the Department of Home Affairs online system for managing skilled migration EOIs. Invitations are ranked by points, highest first, with ties broken by submission date. Round timing and frequency can change — confirm the current invitation round calendar on the official SkillSelect page rather than assuming a fixed schedule. Once invited, you generally have a set number of days to lodge your full visa application; confirm the current window when invited.
Do I need a skills assessment before submitting an EOI?
Yes. A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority (e.g. Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS, AHPRA, CPA) is mandatory before you can submit an EOI. Assessments can take 4–16 weeks. Visa Advisor can advise on the correct assessing body and help you prepare a strong application.
Which English test should I take for Australian skilled migration?
The Department of Home Affairs accepts IELTS (Academic or General), PTE Academic, OET, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency. For Superior English (20 points — the maximum), you need IELTS 8 in all four bands or equivalent. Results must be less than 3 years old at time of invitation.
Can Visa Advisor help if my visa has been refused?
Yes. Visa Advisor provides specialist support for visa refusals and appeals including Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) appeals, Section 48 Bar, PIC 4020 refusals, Section 501 character refusals, Ministerial Intervention, NOICC responses, and Judicial Review. Contact us on 1800 840 141 as soon as possible — time limits apply for all appeals.
Does Visa Advisor assist with state and territory nomination?
Yes — Visa Advisor covers all 8 Australian state and territory nomination programs: ACT, New South Wales, South Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia (including all WA DAMA programs). We identify the best state for your occupation, score, and circumstances, and manage your nomination application end-to-end.