Skilled Migration Points Test: Subclass 189, 190, 491 Explained

The skilled migration points test is the system Australia uses to rank people who want to apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). This guide explains how the three visas differ, how points work and how the process runs through SkillSelect.

How the points system works

All three visas are points tested. The Department of Home Affairs sets a pass mark of 65 points, but meeting that mark does not guarantee an invitation. Points are awarded for factors including age, English language ability, skilled employment experience (in Australia and overseas), educational qualifications and other factors such as an Australian study requirement, a partner's skills or a professional year. Home Affairs provides a points calculator on its website. The points available for each factor and the invitation outcomes can change, so always check the current Home Affairs information.

Step 1: Check your occupation and skills assessment

Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for the visa you want, and the lists differ between visas and between states and territories. You will usually need a positive skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation. Each assessing authority sets its own requirements and processing times.

Step 2: Prove your English

You must generally have at least competent English, shown through an approved test. Higher English results can earn extra points.

Step 3: Lodge an Expression of Interest

You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, the Department's online system. Your EOI states your occupation, points claims and the visas you are interested in. It is not a visa application. If invited, you generally have 60 days from the invitation date to lodge your visa application. You must be able to prove every claim you made, and points claimed without evidence can lead to refusal or even cancellation.

The three visas compared

Subclass 189 Skilled Independent

This is a permanent visa. It does not require sponsorship by an employer, state or family member. Invitations are issued from the pool of EOIs, with higher scores generally ranking ahead, so competition can be strong.

Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated

This is also a permanent visa, but you must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Each jurisdiction has its own occupation list, criteria and application process, and may require you to live and work in that state for a period. A state nomination currently adds extra points to your score.

Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

This is a provisional visa for people willing to live and work in a designated regional area. You need nomination by a state or territory or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area, and this adds points. After meeting residence and income requirements in a regional area, holders may become eligible to apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).

Other requirements

• Age: applicants must generally be under 45 when invited.
• Health and character: applicants and family members included in the application need to meet health and character requirements.
• Visa charges: fees apply at lodgement and change regularly.

Ways to strengthen an EOI

• Improve English results if you are close to a higher band.
• Check whether you can claim points for a partner's skills, Australian study or a regional study requirement.
• Keep documents on skilled employment, as the Department assesses when experience counts as skilled and relevant.
• Monitor state and territory nomination opening and closing dates.

Points tests are unforgiving of mistakes, and changes to occupation lists and invitation rounds can affect your strategy. A migration lawyer can help you assess your options, but no one can guarantee an invitation.

Planning your timing

Skilled migration is a long game. Skills assessments, English tests and state nomination applications each take time, and your points can change as you age or gain experience. Many people map out when they will cross an age band or complete another year of skilled work. It is also sensible to keep your passport, qualifications and employment records organised, because the Department can ask to see evidence of any claim long after you lodge your EOI. Think about what happens if your circumstances change, such as a new relationship, a change of occupation or a move interstate, as these can alter your points and the visas available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum score for the points test?

The pass mark is 65 points, but invitations depend on competition. Many invited applicants score well above the pass mark and invitation scores vary by occupation and round, so a pass mark score does not guarantee an invitation.

Does an EOI expire?

An EOI does not stay in SkillSelect indefinitely and may be removed if you are not invited within a set period. Check the current rules on the SkillSelect page and update your EOI if your circumstances change.

Can I apply for more than one of these visas?

Yes. One EOI can show interest in the 189, 190 and 491 at the same time, and different states may consider you for nomination. You can only be invited for one at a time.

Can I include my family in the application?

Generally yes. A partner and dependent children can be included, and they must also meet health and character requirements. Check the current rules for family members.

This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and processes change, and every situation is different. Speak to a lawyer about your circumstances before you act.