A Lawyer's Guide to Australia's Skilled Migration Points Test (189/190/491 Visas)

Key Takeaways

• The Points System is a Competition: Australia’s skilled migration program is highly competitive. While the minimum pass mark is 65 points, the actual score required to receive an invitation is often much higher (85-95+), especially for popular occupations.

• Every Point Matters: Your final score is a combination of points from your age, English ability, work experience, education, and other bonus categories. A strategic approach to maximising every point is essential.

• Three Main Pathways: The points test is the gateway to the 189 (Independent), 190 (State Nominated), and 491 (Regional) visas. Understanding which pathway best suits your profile and points score is a critical decision.

• Strategy is Everything: This is not just a numbers game. A successful outcome depends on a long-term strategy that includes choosing the right visa, optimising each point category, and preparing flawless documentation.

"I'm just a few points short of being able to immigrate!" This is the single most common and anxious phrase I've heard in my 15 years as an immigration lawyer. The Australian skilled migration points test is like a precision game where every single point is critical.

As a lawyer who has handled over 2,000 skilled migration cases, I've seen the incredible effort applicants put in to secure enough points. People sit the English test a dozen times, give up high-paying jobs to move to regional areas for bonus points, or return to university for a higher degree.

Today, I will provide a complete, detailed breakdown of the Australian skilled migration points test, help you understand every component, and show you how to develop the best strategy to "get the points" you need. For more on skilled migration, visit Department of Home Affairs.

Navigating the skilled migration system is a clear, sequential journey. Understanding these steps is the first key to success.

• Step 1: Skills Assessment
                     This is your mandatory entry ticket. You must have your skills and qualifications assessed as suitable for your nominated occupation by a designated assessing authority. Each authority covers different professions. For details, visit VETASSESS or Engineers Australia.

• Step 2: Expression of Interest (EOI)
                     Once your skills are assessed, you submit an EOI through the government's SkillSelect system. This is not a visa application; it is a declaration of your interest where you claim your points. Your EOI is then placed in a pool and ranked against other candidates based on your score. Learn more at SkillSelect.

• Step 3: Invitation to Apply (ITA)
                     The Department of Home Affairs holds regular "invitation rounds" and invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for a visa. An invitation is required to proceed.

• Step 4: Visa Application
                     Once you receive an invitation, you have a strict 60-day window to lodge a complete and decision-ready visa application with all your supporting evidence.

Table: Assessing Authorities

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of how points are awarded as of mid-2025.

Age Points (at time of invitation)

English Language Ability

This is often the fastest way to increase your score. Points are awarded for the highest level you achieve. For English test information, visit IELTS or PTE Academic.

Skilled Employment Experience (in your nominated occupation in the last 10 years)

Experience must be skilled (post-qualification) and generally for at least 20 hours per week.

Educational Qualifications

Bonus Points: Specialist Education & Australian Study

Bonus Points: Partner, Language, and Professional Year

1. Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

This is the "gold standard" of skilled migration. It is a permanent visa that does not require any state or family sponsorship. You can live and work anywhere in Australia. Competition is extremely high, and it demands the highest points scores. For more details, visit Skilled Independent Visa.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

This is also a permanent visa, but it requires you to be nominated by a specific Australian state or territory government. In return for the nomination, which gives you 5 bonus points, you must commit to living and working in that state for at least two years. Each state has its own list of in-demand occupations. Check state requirements at NSW Government.

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)

This is a 5-year temporary visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in a designated regional area. It provides a massive 15 bonus points. After meeting residency and work requirements for 3 years, you can apply for the permanent 191 visa. Regional areas include all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Learn more at Skilled Work Regional Visa.

• Short-Term Wins (0-6 months): The fastest way to boost your score is through English and NAATI. Moving from Proficient (10 points) to Superior (20 points) is a huge jump. A NAATI accreditation can add another 5 points. For NAATI details, visit NAATI.

• Mid-Term Investments (1-2 years): Gaining Australian work experience is invaluable. One year of skilled work in Australia adds 5 points, but more importantly, it makes you far more attractive to state governments for a 190 or 491 nomination. A Professional Year also adds 5 points and provides local work experience. Learn about Professional Year programs at Professional Year.

• Long-Term Goals (2+ years): Further education in Australia can add points for the qualification itself, for the Australian study requirement, and potentially for specialist education. Explore study options at Study in Australia.

• Ignoring the Real Invitation Score: Focusing only on the 65-point minimum is a huge mistake. You must research the recent invitation scores for your specific occupation to set a realistic target.

• Underestimating Time Costs: Aiming for a Superior English score is great, but if it takes you two years, you may lose 5 points from your age bracket. You must balance the time and cost of each point-boosting strategy.

• Relying on a Single Pathway: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Prepare for multiple pathways simultaneously (e.g., aim for 189 but also research 190 and 491 state nomination requirements).

• Neglecting Your Partner’s Potential: A partner with skills or even just competent English can contribute up to 10 crucial points. Ignoring this is a common missed opportunity.

The Australian skilled migration points test is a competitive marathon, not a sprint. Success is not just about meeting the minimum 65-point pass mark; it’s about strategically planning to maximise every possible point available to you and choosing the visa pathway that best fits your profile.

The journey requires careful preparation, persistence, and an expert understanding of the rules. By accurately assessing your eligibility, identifying areas for improvement, and creating a clear plan, you can turn your ambition of living and working in Australia into a well-deserved reality. For additional resources, explore Tasmania Migration or Queensland Migration.

AHL Legal: Your Immigration Law Partner

Need assistance with your skilled migration application or points test strategy? AHL Legal specializes in Australian immigration law, offering expert guidance on visa pathways, skills assessments, and EOI submissions.